Spitz: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Other uses}}

[[File:Un_chien_Spitz_allemand.jpg|thumbnail| A [[German Spitz]]]]

A '''spitz''' (the name derives from the [[German language|German]] word ''spitz'', meaning "pointed", in reference to the pointed muzzle) is a [[Dog type|type]] of [[domestic dog]] consisting of 68 breeds, characterized by long, thick (and often white) fur, and by pointed ears and [[snout|muzzles]]. The tail often curls over the dog's back or droops. While all of the breeds resemble primitive dogs, smaller breeds resemble [[foxes]], while larger breeds resemble [[jackals]], [[coyotes]], [[wolves]], and even [[dingoes]].

A '''spitz''' ({{IPA|de|ʃpɪts|pron|De-Spitz.ogg}}; {{langnf|de||pointed}}, in reference to the pointed muzzle)<ref>{{cite web |title=Spitz etymology |url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/spitz_n?tab=etymology |website=Oxford English Dictoinary |publisher=Oxford University |access-date=24 February 2024}}</ref> is a [[Dog type|type]] of [[domestic dog]] consisting of between 50 and 70 breeds depending on classification. There is no precise definition of 'spitz' but typically most spitz breeds have pricked ears, almond shaped eyes, a pointed muzzle, a double coat, and a tail that curves over the back.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnstone |first1=Gemma |title=Spitz Breeds |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/spitz-dog-breeds/ |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=16 March 2024}}</ref>

The exact origins of spitz dogs remain unknown, though most of the spitzes seen today originate from the [[Arctic]] region or from [[Siberia]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.woofahs.com/dog_breeds/spitz_dog_breeds.html |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100515204114/http://www.woofahs.com/dog_breeds/spitz_dog_breeds.html |archive-date= 2010-05-15 |title= Spitz or Northern Group - Dog Breeds | quote = They evolved and were bred for the harsh cold climate of the Arctic or near Arctic.}}</ref> [[Johann Friedrich Gmelin]] described the type as ''Canis pomeranus'' in his 1788 revision of ''[[Systema Naturae]]''.<ref>

The exact origins of spitz dogs remain unknown, though most of the spitzes seen today originate from the [[Arctic]] region or from [[Siberia]].{{cn|date=March 2024}} [[Johann Friedrich Gmelin]] described the type as ''Canis pomeranus'' in his 1788 revision of ''[[Systema Naturae]]''.<ref>

Linnaeus, C. (translated and revised by R. Kerr). 1792. ''The Animal Kingdom; or, zoological system of the celebrated Sir Charles Linnaeus. Class I. Mammalia and Class II. Birds. Being a translation of that part of the ''Systema Naturae'', as lately published with great improvements by Professor Gmelin, together with numerous additions from more recent zoological writers and illustrated with copperplates''. J. Murray, London, 644 pp.</ref>

==History==

Dogs of spitz type have been depicted on the tombs of the [[Dynasty IV|IVth dynasty]] of Egypt.{{sfn | Vesey-Fitzgerald | p=54}} Toy dogs of spitz type have been depicted since 500 B.C. in [[Ancient Greek pottery]].{{sfn| Vesey-Fitzgerald | p=56}}

==Characteristics==

Spitzes are well suited to living in harsh northern climates. They often have an [[Thermal insulation|insulating]], waterproof [[Down hair|undercoat]] that is denser than the topcoat to trap warmth. Small, upright ears help to reduce the risk of [[frostbite]], square proportions and thick fur that grows on the paws protects the dogs from sharp ice. Many spitz breeds, like the [[Japanese Akita]] and [[Chow Chow]], retain wolf-like characteristics likesuch as independence, suspiciousness, and aggression towards unfamiliar humans and other dogs, and they require much training and socialization when they are puppies before they become manageable in an urban environment. Some, such as the [[Karelian Bear Dog]], are more difficult to train as [[companion dog]]s. Some breeds, such as the [[pomeranian (dog)|Pomeranian]], have [[wikt:mane#Noun|manes]]. Several spitz breeds (such as [[huskies]]) are bred for one purpose only. However it is common for many spitz breeds (such as the Russian [[Laika (dog type)|laikas]]) to be general purpose dogs in their native lands, used for hunting, hauling, herding, and guarding.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Presberg|first=CaroleCn|date=2014|title=HerdingMarch Dogs2024}} ofSmaller Asia:breeds Russianhave Siberia|url=http://wwwfaces that resemble [[fox]] faces, while larger breeds have faces that resemble [[wolf]] faces.bordercolliemuseum.org/BCCousins/Asia/Russia.html|access-date=2022-02-12|website=www.bordercolliemuseum.org}}</ref>

==Companions and toys==

Spitzes, with their thick fur, fluffy ruffs, curled tails and small muzzles and ears, have been bred into non-working dogs designed to be companions or [[lap dogs]]. This trend is most evident in the tiny [[Pomeranian (dog)|Pomeranian]], which was originally a much larger dog closer to the size of a [[Keeshond]] before being bred down to make an acceptable court animal.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

The Keeshond, the [[Wolfspitz]] variety of the [[German Spitz]], is an affectionate, loyal, and very energetic pet that was bred as a watchdog for barges (hence the name Dutch Barge Dog). Often, these breeds are recognized for their "smiling" mouths. Other spitzes that have been bred away from working uses are the [[American Eskimo Dog]], [[Alaskan Klee Kai]], [[German Spitz]], [[Volpino Italiano]] and [[Japanese Spitz]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gest|first1=Jason|title=What Is a Spitz Type Dog?cn|date=January 2016|url=http://pomeranian-husky.com/spitz-dog-breed/|publisher=Cute Pomsky|access-date=4 JanuaryMarch 20162024}}</ref>

==Spitz breeds==

=== Sled dogs ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Alaskan husky]]

|[[File:Alaskan Husky-tb20080501-cropped.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Alaska|Alaska, United States]]

|[[Alaskan Malamute]]

|[[File:Alaskan Malamute.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Alaska|Alaska, United States]]

|-

|[[Canadian Eskimo Dog]]

|[[File:Spoonsced.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Northern Canada]]

|[[Chinook (dog)|Chinook]]

|[[File:Mountan Laurel Ajax the Chinook dog.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[United States]]

|-

|[[Chukotka sled dog]]

|[[File:Lorino 7 2013-08-04.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Russia]] and [[Siberia]]

|[[Greenland Dog]]

|[[File:Greenland Dog.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Greenland]]

|-

|[[Mackenzie River husky]]

|[[File:MackenzieRiverHusky.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Alaska|Alaska, United States]]

|[[Siberian Husky]]

|[[File:Black-Magic-Big-Boy.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Siberia|Siberia, Russia]]

|-

|[[Samoyed (dog)|Samoyed]]

|[[File:Samojed00.jpg|Samoyed dog|250px]]

|Origin: [[Northwest Russia]] and [[Western Siberia]]

|[[Yakutian Laika]]

|[[File:Yl01.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: the [[Sakha|Sakha Republic]]

|-

|[[Sakhalin Husky]]

|[[File:Sakhalin Husky Jiro.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[Sakhalin|Sakhalin, Russia]]

|}

=== Hunting dogs ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Black Norwegian Elkhound]]

|[[File:BlackNorwegianElkhound.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Norway]]

|[[East Siberian Laika]]

|[[File:East Siberian Laika.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: east of the [[Yenisey|Yenisei River]]

|-

|[[Finnish Spitz]]

| [[File:Finnish Spitz 600.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Finland]]

|[[Hällefors Elkhound]]

|[[File:Hades Mosshult Hälleforsare.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Svealand|Svealand, Sweden]]

|-

|[[Hokkaido (dog)|Hokkaido]]

|[[File:Hokkaidou inu.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Hokkaido|Hokkaido, Japan]]

|[[Korean Jindo|Jindo]]

| [[File:Peeb the Korea Jindo Dog.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Jindo (island)|Jindo, South Korea]]

|-

|[[Kai Ken]]

| [[File:Kai-front.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Japan]]

|[[Karelian Bear Dog]]

|[[File:Karelski pies na niedźwiedzie sylwetka.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[Karelia]]

|-

|[[Karelo-Finnish Laika]]

| [[File:Karelo-Finnish Laika (Lambert).JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[Karelia]]

|[[Kawakami Inu]]

| [[File:川上犬.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[Japan]]

|-

|[[Kishu|Kishu Ken]]

|[[File:Yama-Mochi.Male.Female.KishuInu.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Japan]]

|[[Norrbottenspets]]

| [[File:Nordic Spitz.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Norrbotten|Norrbotten, Sweden]]

|-

|[[Norwegian Elkhound]]

| [[File:Norwegian Elkhound.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Norway]]

|[[Norwegian Lundehund]]

|[[File:Lundehund-2003.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Norway]]

|-

|[[Pungsan dog]]

|[[File:Poongsandogs.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[North Korea]]

|[[Russo-European Laika]]

|[[File:Russo European Laika 2.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[European Russia]]

|-

|[[Shiba Inu]]

|[[File:Taka Shiba.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Japan]]

|[[Shikoku (dog)|Shikoku]]

| [[File:Shikokuken.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Shikoku|Shikoku, Japan]]

|-

|[[Jämthund|Swedish Elkhound]]

| [[File:Jämthund.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Jämtland|Jämtland, Sweden]]

|[[Jämthund|Swedish White Elkhound]]

|[[File:Swedish White Elkhound.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Jämtland|Jämtland, Sweden]]

|-

|[[Taiwan Dog]]

|[[File:Formosan_nina.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Taiwan]]

|[[West Siberian Laika]]

|[[File:West Siberian Laika.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Russia]]

|-

|[[Zerdava]]

|[[File:Zerdava dog.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and [[Turkey]]

|}

=== Herding dogs ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Cardigan Welsh Corgi]]

|[[File:Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Profile.png|250px]]

|Origin: [[Wales]]

|[[Dikkulak]]

|

|Origin: [[Turkey]]

|-

|[[Finnish Lapphund]]

|[[File:Finnish Lapphund Glenchess Revontuli.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland, Finland]]

|[[Icelandic Sheepdog]]

|[[File:Icelandic Sheepdog Alisa von Lehenberg.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Iceland]]

|-

|[[Lapponian Herder]]

|[[File:Lapskvallhund.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Finland]]

|[[Nenets Herding Laika]]

|[[File:Ненецкая лайка 7.jpg|Ненецкая лайка 7|250px]]

|Origin: [[Russia]]

|-

|[[Norwegian Buhund]]

|[[File:Norwegian Buhund 600.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Norway]]

|[[Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]

|[[File:Welchcorgipembroke.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[Wales]]

|-

|[[Swedish Lapphund]]

|[[File:Svensk lapphund.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[Lapland (Sweden)|Lapland, Sweden]]

|[[Swedish Vallhund]]

|[[File:Västgötaspets hane 5 år.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Västergötland]]

|}

=== Asian breeds ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Akita (dog)|Akita]]

|[[File:Fels.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]] and [[Ōdate|Odate]], [[Japan]]

|[[Bắc Hà dog]]

|[[File:Bắc Hà dog side.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Bắc Hà district]] and [[Si Ma Cai district]], [[Lào Cai province]], [[Vietnam]]

|-

|[[Chow Chow]]

|[[File:ChowChow2Szczecin.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[China]]

|[[Donggyeongi]]

|[[File:Donggyeongi.jpg|Donggyeongi|250px]]

|Origin: [[Korea]]

|-

|[[Hmong bobtail dog]]

|[[File:Hmong Bobtail 1.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Vietnam]]

|[[Indian Spitz]]

|[[File:Indian spitz adult.JPG|250px]]

|Origin: [[India]]

|-

|[[Japanese Spitz]]

|[[File:JapaneseSpitzPhoto1 - hiro.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Japan]]

|[[Jeju dog]]

|

|[[Jeju Island|Jeju Island, South Korea]]

|-

|[[Kintamani (dog)|Kintamani]]

|[[File:Kintamani dog black.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Kintamani, Bali|Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia]]

|[[Nureongi]]

|

|Origin: [[Korea]]

|-

|[[Ryukyu dog]]

|[[File:Ryukyu dog pair.jpg|250px]]

|[[Okinawa, Japan]]

|[[Shar Pei]]

|[[File:Gorda - 100.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Guangdong, China]]

|-

|[[Thai Bangkaew Dog]]

|[[File:บางแก้ว.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Bang Rakam District|Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand]]

|-

|}

=== Companion dogs ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Alaskan Klee Kai]]

|[[File:WOWAKK-Kukai-Alaskan-Klee-Kai.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Alaska|Alaska, United States]]

|[[American Eskimo Dog]]

|[[File:American Eskimo Dog 1.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Germany]]

|-

|[[Danish Spitz]]

|[[File:Danskspids.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Denmark]]

|[[Eurasier]]

|[[File:Eurasier BailyWtatze.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Weinheim|Weinheim, Germany]]

|-

|[[German Spitz|Grossspitz]]

|[[File:German Spitz Portrait.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Germany]]

|[[Keeshond]]

|[[File:Keeshond Majic standing cropped.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Netherlands]]

|-

|[[German Spitz Klein|Kleinspitz]]

|[[File:Wiki_Münchie!!.jpg|250x250px]]

|Origin: [[Germany]]

|[[German Spitz Mittel|Mittelspitz]]

|[[File:Goldilocks.gif|250x250px]]

|Origin: [[Germany]]

|-

|[[Northern Inuit Dog]]

|[[File:NImale.jpg|361x361px]]

|Origin: [[United Kingdom]]

|[[Pomeranian dog|Pomeranian]]

|[[File:Pomeranian.JPG|250x250px]]

|Origin: [[Pomerania|Pomerania, Germany]]

|-

|[[Schipperke]]

|[[File:Schipperke0001.jpg|250x250px]]

|Origin: [[Belgium]]

|[[Tonya Finosu]]

|[[File:Tonya_Finosu_03.png|250x250px]]

|Origin: [[Turkey]]

|-

|[[Volpino Italiano]]

|[[File:Szpic_miniaturowy_Volpino_MWPR_Katowice_2008_(cropped).JPG|250x250px]]

|Origin: [[Italy]]

|-

|}

=== Rare Dog Breeds ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Canaan Dog]]

|[[File:Canaan_Dog.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Israel]]

|[[Carolina Dog]]

|[[File:Dakota,_the_Dixie_Dingo_(or_Carolina_Dog).jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[The United States]]

|-

|[[Dingo]]

|[[File:Dingo_-_Katy_Platt_(cropped).jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Australia]]

|[[New Guinea Singing Dog]]

|[[File:Jonah_the_New_Guinea_Singing_Dog,_and_a_dog_treat.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[New Guinea]]

|-

|}

=== Extinct breeds ===

{| class="wikitable"

|+

|[[Hare Indian Dog]]

|[[File:Hareindiandog.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[Canada]]

|[[Salish Wool Dog]]

|[[File:PaulKane - A Woman Weaving a Blanket (ROM2005 5163).jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[North America]]

|-

|[[Tahltan Bear Dog]]

|[[File:Tahltan Bear Dog sketch2.jpg|250px]]

|Origin: [[British Columbia|British Columbia, Canada]]

|}

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

* {{cite book | last=Vesey-Fitzgerald | first=Brian | title=The Domestic Dog | publisher=Routledge Revivals | isbn=978-1-032-59375-3}}

==External links==

{{wiktionary | spitz}}