There are between 50 and 70 spitz dog breeds, each with their own unique personality, but what they all share in common is a wolf-like appearance that’s characterized by pointy ears, almond-shaped eyes, a heavy, double coat and an adorable feathery tail.
Spitz dogs are known to come from countries with arctic climates and harsh winter weather, think Scandinavia, Russia and North America. Here they have served as hardworking dogs who have acted as hunters, reindeer herders, and sled-dogs tasked with transporting heavy loads across vast distances.
But while they may have strong work ethics, there is a lot more to these breeds than just that. Many of these dogs are highly affectionate, loyal, devoted, playful, and intelligent, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
If you’ve been thinking of welcoming a dog from the spitz family into your home, it’s worth noting that they’re not the best choice if you’re a novice owner. Their high level of smarts and pack-like mentality means they need a confident human with a firm hand who will let them know their place in the pack.
That being said, if you feel competent in asserting the alpha role and are prepared to put in the work to socialize and train these wonderful dogs, you’ll be rewarded with the most loving of companions. Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the most popular spitz dog breeds.
By Kathryn Rosenberg