View source for Spitz

{{Short description|Dog type}}
{{Other uses}}
[[File:Un_chien_Spitz_allemand.jpg|thumbnail| A [[German Spitz]]]]
[[File:Mittelspitzblack.jpg|thumbnail| Profile view of a Mittelspitz's face]]

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>

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|4th 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 such 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.{{Cn|date=March 2024}} Smaller breeds have faces that resemble [[fox]] faces, while larger breeds have faces that resemble [[wolf]] faces.

==Companions and toys==
Some 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]].{{cn|date=March 2024}}

== See also ==
* [[Nureongi]] - the spitz-like dog bred for meat in the Korean peninsula.

== 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}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Spitz}}
{{primitive dogs}}
{{Dog nav}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Spitz breeds| ]]