Spitz-type dog breeds are known for their distinctive features and charming personalities. This article explores their health, temperament, suitability as family pets, and more.
What is a Spitz Type Breed?
Spitz-type breeds are a group of dogs characterized by their thick fur, pointed ears, and curled tails. Their body type is often very square in appearance, with many Spitz breeds being almost as tall as they are long.
Many originated from cold and snowy regions, so these dog breeds are adapted to harsh climates. They are also the breeds that most closely resemble wolves and foxes.
Examples of Spitz-type breeds include the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Japanese Spitz.
Are Spitz Dogs Healthy?
Spitz dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Common health problems in Spitz-type dog breeds include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.
For example, the Samoyed, with its robust build, can be genetically prone to hip dysplasia, while the Pomeranian may face dental issues or luxating patella, as is the case with many other small and fluffy dog breeds.
Due to their origins, most Spitz type dog breeds have neat, tight muzzles – meaning zero drool! In wintery weather, slobber would freeze and form icicles on their faces, making it uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, so evolution took care of it. However, this also means that Spitz breeds may not tolerate heat well and can overheat easily.
To ensure the best health for your Spitz, regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, and exercise are essential. As with any breed, early detection is key in managing potential health concerns, so don’t skip these maintenance steps to keep them in tip-top shape.
What is the Temperament of a Spitz?
Spitz-type dog breeds are known for their loyal, playful, and intelligent nature. They tend to be very affectionate with their families and can be quite mischievous.
For instance, the Keeshond is famously friendly and good with children, while the Shiba Inu is known for its independence and spirited personality.
Despite their differences, most Spitz breeds share a high level of alertness and curiosity.
That said, all dogs are individuals. Genetics and early experiences play a massive part in a dog’s temperament, so make sure you always choose a reputable, ethical breeder and try to meet the parents.
Is a Spitz a Good Family Dog?
Many Spitz-type dog breeds make excellent family dogs due to their affectionate and loyal nature. The Finnish Lapphund and Icelandic Sheepdog are particularly known for their gentle and friendly demeanor with children.
However, some breeds, like the Chow Chow, can be more aloof and reserved. First-time pet parents may find breeds like the American Eskimo Dog or Japanese Spitz easier to manage due to their friendly and trainable nature.
Can Spitz Be Left Alone?
It depends on the individual, but many Spitzy dogs generally do not enjoy being left alone and can develop separation anxiety. They are intelligent and need mental stimulation to stay happy.
For example, the German Spitz is known to become noisy and irritable if bored. Ensuring they have plenty of toys and regular exercise can help keep them entertained and content.
Separation anxiety can be a real struggle for our Spitz-type pups when they’re left alone. But don’t worry, there’s a great solution! Check out the online training courses from SpiritDog Training. They’ve designed these programs to help your furry friend get used to being solo, building their confidence and easing their anxiety.
With easy, step-by-step guidance from experienced trainers, you can implement these techniques right at home. By sticking with these fun exercises, you’ll not only help your dog overcome their separation anxiety but also create a happier, more relaxed buddy for all your adventures together!
Do Spitz Dogs Bark a Lot?
All Spitz-type dog breeds tend to be pretty vocal, ranging from moderately barky to extremely barky! This trait is due to their history as alert dogs in their native regions.
The Norwegian Elkhound and the Finnish Spitz are particularly known for their loud barks in proportion to their size. Shiba Inu are also vocal but do not bark as much as they use their signature “Shiba scream.” (And yes, it’s just as wonderful as the name implies!)
Training and socialization from an early age are important to help manage excessive barking. You’re highly unlikely to have a Spitz who never barks, so let’s dispel you of that romantic notion!
My own Keeshond loves the sound of his own voice, and we taught him to bark on cue at 16 weeks. He barks when he gets excited about food or a walk, as well as when anyone approaches the house. He’s a great watchdog!
I once had a client case of a little Pomeranian who barked every time one of his owners did so much as move a muscle. Safe to say they were not so popular with their neighbors!
If you live in close quarters to your neighbors you might want to rethink getting a Spitzy-type (unless your neighbors are deaf!)
Check out this article on how to stop your dog barking at the door.
SpiritDog Training offers online courses specifically designed to help you train your Spitz to remain calm. These courses provide practical tips and techniques to make your dog more comfortable with the world around them and less likely to bark at every little noise.
How Many Years Do Spitz Dogs Live?
Spitz dogs generally have a lifespan of 8 to 16 years, depending on the breed and their overall health.
Smaller breeds like the Pomeranian and Japanese Spitz tend to live longer, often reaching 14 to 16 years.
Larger breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and Akita may have a shorter lifespan, around 10 to 12 years.
Are Spitz-Type Dogs High Maintenance?
Despite their long, thick coats, many Spitz breeds are surprisingly low maintenance.
For example, the Japanese Spitz has a coat that is fairly easy to care for and doesn’t require much more than an hour of grooming per week.
Breeds like the Samoyed and Chow Chow need more regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
Overall, a weekly grooming routine is usually sufficient for most Spitz breeds. It’s important to use a brush or comb that goes all the way through their long coat right down to the skin, where mats may form.
They’re nowhere near as high maintenance as a doodle dog, though!
My own Spitz-type has a professional groom around every 8-10 weeks, where he has a bath and a brush that takes around 2 hours. He gets a bit of a quick brush here and there in between professional grooms if I catch him at a patient moment.
Bear in mind that if you neuter your dog, the change in hormones can make the coat more tricky to manage.
Get your puppy used to grooming early on by making positive associations with the process. Give treats and praise, and keep grooming sessions short to keep things positive.
Do Spitz Types Shed a Lot?
Yes, Spitz dogs tend to shed, although that’s mostly during seasonal coat changes. The Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute are particularly known for their heavy shedding, and when they blow their coat, this can result in binbags full of fluff on an almost daily basis!
Regular brushing with a slicker brush and a comb can help manage the shedding and keep their coat healthy. During shedding seasons, daily brushing will be necessary to keep the hair under control. Otherwise, clumps of dog hair might be found floating around your home like tumbleweed.
On the plus side, Spitzy breeds tend to be low-odour, so they are not as smelly as some breeds. (Spaniels, I’m looking at you!)
Are Spitz Dogs Stubborn?
Many Spitz-type dog breeds are what you might call “independent thinkers” and can be perceived as a bit stubborn at times. This is because they were originally bred to hunt or work without much human intervention.
The Shiba Inu and Akita are notable examples of Spitz breeds that can be quite challenging to train due to their strong-willed personalities.
My own Keeshond tested all my training skills when he was a puppy. If he didn’t get a reward for every attempt at a behavior he made during a training session, he would just disengage, turn around, and walk away! I had to implement errorless learning and hand-feed him to teach him to pay me attention.
With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, you can tame their independent streaks, and many Spitz dogs can be transformed into well-mannered companions.
Are Spitz Good for First-Time Owners?
Some Spitz-type dogs can be good for first-time owners, but it depends on the specific breed. Breeds like the American Eskimo Dog and Japanese Spitz are often recommended for first-time owners due to their friendly and trainable nature.
But breeds like the Akita and Shiba Inu may be more challenging for novices due to their independent natures. If you’re new to dogs, don’t make things more difficult than they need to be. Having a dog is supposed to make your life better.
Check out this article if your dog is making you miserable.
Chows, in particular, can also be very tricky dogs for inexperienced handlers. They are really tough to motivate and often have zero toy drive, so unless you’re very creative with your training, managing them can be quite demanding, and your experience of owning a dog may not live up to expectations.
Chows are ranked near the bottom of the list when it comes to the intelligence of breeds, but I personally think this assessment is unfair and largely based on their aloofness and independent nature. They’re not dumb, they just don’t see the point in interacting with humans a lot of the time!
One of my most challenging client dogs was a Chow named Bella. When we first started working together, we were barely getting glimpses of eye contact from her, and she wouldn’t eat food outdoors. We started by working on capturing her attention in the back garden and gradually trained her to accept food from her owner’s hand. But it was tough going and took a ton of time and effort.
SpiritDog Training’s online courses offer valuable expert tips to help you tackle stubborn behavior and transform your Spitz into a well-behaved companion.
What Are the Disadvantages of Spitz Dogs?
Owning a Spitz dog comes with some challenges:
- Almost all Spitz-type dog breeds are known for their barking, which can get out of hand if not managed properly
- They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid becoming little mischief-makers
- Their thick, luxurious coats need regular grooming
- Some Spitz breeds can be notoriously stubborn and tricky to train
That said, with the right approach and realistic expectations, you can manage their quirks and enjoy a loving and loyal companion.
Conclusion
Spitz-type dogs bring joy and energy into any home. Understanding their unique needs and characteristics can help you decide if a Spitz is the perfect addition to your family.
With their playful nature, loyalty, and distinctive looks, Spitz-type dog breeds can make a fantastic addition to the right home.
Having had one of these popular dog breeds myself for nearly 8 years now, I can safely say I know I’ll never be without one again!
