From Malamutes to Pomeranians, Discover 12 Spitz Dog Breeds

Quick Take

• One breed on this list is a miniaturized descendant of Arctic sled dogs, though it has never pulled a sled a day in its life. Discover the Pomeranian's origins →
• Spitz breeds may look cuddly, but a specific trait in their personality makes them a risky choice for novice dog owners. Learn about spitz personalities →
• One of these 12 breeds sailed with Vikings before eventually becoming a farm guardian, a history that makes it one of Europe's oldest dogs. Explore the Norwegian Elkhound's history →
• A spitz breed nicknamed the "barking bird dog" has a hunting style unlike anything else on this list. Meet the barking bird dog →

Spitz breeds are known for their dense double coats, wolf-like pointed ears, and curled tails. In fact, the German word “spitz” means “pointed.” Many spitz breeds were developed for life in Arctic climates, with origins in North America, Russia, Scandinavia, and Asia. Read on to learn more about spitz breeds and take an in-depth look at 12 of our favorites.

An Overview of Spitz Breeds

Before we begin this list, you might wonder: what classifies a dog as a Spitz breed? According to the AKC, there are between 50 and 70 spitz breeds, but there is no precise category definition, so it is difficult to categorize them all. However, here are some traits commonly seen in these dogs:

• Bred to live in cold climates
• Working dogs
• Long, dense, double coats
• Tails that curl onto their backs
• Pointy, upright ears
• Loyal and love their humans
• Independent thinkers who are sometimes stubborn

Spitz breeds aren’t always the best for novice dog owners due to their working background, intelligence, and independent natures. However, for the right family, these dogs are loyal, loving companions and protectors.

1. Akita

Akitas are large dogs that were developed in Japan to hunt large game. They are large dogs that stand 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 130 pounds. These stocky, muscular dogs have dense fur, large heads, curled over tails, and an alert demeanor. They’re fiercely loyal, protective, and affectionate toward family but they are wary of strangers. They do best as an only pet, and it is important to begin socializing them from a young age.

2. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes have a Husky-like appearance, but they’re taller and stockier. These muscular dogs can stand up to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 85 pounds. Originally bred for the endurance and strength to pull heavy loads in the Arctic, these pack animals require an owner who firmly establishes themselves as the pack leader. Malamutes are playful, energetic pups who are affectionate and loyal companions.

3. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are compactly-built dogs known for their serious and protective temperament. They have a distinctive bluish-black tongue and an orange coat with a lion’s-mane ruff, but Chows can also be black, blue, cinnamon, or cream. Their fur is solid-colored with no markings. Chows were guard dogs and hunting dogs in ancient China, prized companions of the nobility. They stand up to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 70 pounds. These dogs are affectionate with their families and are very fastidious.

4. Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphunds, or Lappies, are herding dogs that were originally bred to herd reindeer in Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle. These dogs stand 16-21 inches tall and weigh 33-53 pounds. They’re incredibly affectionate, friendly, and adaptable. They can also be quite vocal. Known for their calm dispositions, they require moderate exercise, and interactive play is important for them.

5. Finnish Spitz

These dogs are a gorgeous orange color known to the AKC as “red gold.” These high-energy pups are known for their unique hunting style. They alert their owners with a wide range of vocalizations, giving them the nickname “barking bird dogs.” However, these intelligent, intuitive dogs must be socialized and trained early to prevent nuisance barking. The Finnish spitz is also a vigilant watchdog and good with children and other dogs. They stand up to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 33 pounds.

6. Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic sheepdogs are small to medium-sized dogs, standing up to 18 inches at the shoulder and weighing 25-30 pounds. They’re high-energy, vocal, and typically good with young children and other dogs. They do best in active, outdoorsy families that can handle their exercise needs with long walks, runs, or hikes. Easier to train than most on this list, Icelandic sheepdogs are eager to please and love their human families.

7. Keeshond

Keeshonds were originally bred to work on the canal barges of Holland. They stand up to 18 inches tall and weigh up to 45 pounds. These sweet pups see everyone as a friend, but they are also alert watchdogs. They always have black in their long coats, which can be mixed with various colors, including silver, gray, and cream. Keeshonds are affectionate with their families, and they are great with young children and other dogs.

8. Siberian Husky

Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia as companions and sled dogs. People across the colder parts of North America still keep packs of huskies for sport and fun. These dogs stand 23.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 60 pounds. Huskies are affectionate family members who are great with young children and other dogs. They have a friendly nature and are open with strangers, so they do not make the most effective guard dogs.

9. Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhounds are confident, loyal, and independent. They tend to dislike repetition in training and were bred to make independent hunting decisions. These dogs are one of the oldest breeds in Europe, sailing with the Vikings before becoming sheep herders and farm guardians. They stand 20.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 55 pounds. These dogs are friendly and affectionate, but they are also vigilant watchdogs.

10. Pomeranian

They may only stand 6-7 inches and weigh just 3-7 pounds, but Pomeranians are confident and bold. They’re little dogs with big personalities. The Pomeranian is a tiny version of Arctic sled dogs, but they have always been companion dogs. They are named after an area of northeastern Europe called Pomerania that is part of modern Poland and Germany. They are affectionate, energetic dogs that are easily trained to do tricks and play games with their human companions.

11. Samoyed

Samoyeds are known for their thick, white coats and benevolent expressions. The name Samoyed comes from the semi-nomadic Samoyede people who migrated from Asia to Siberia. Samoyeds were bred as working and sledding dogs that could withstand extreme conditions. They stand 19-23.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35-65 pounds. They are playful, smart, and social, and they love having their owner’s attention. However, structured training should be started early and repeated often.

12. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed that was originally bred to hunt. Today, it is the most popular companion dog in its native country. These small dogs weigh 17-23 pounds and stand 13.5-16.5 inches at the shoulder. They have short coats that can be black and tan, cream, red, or red sesame. They also often have white markings. Shiba Inus are energetic and good-natured companions that are affectionate with family and alert watchdogs.