CaninpediaDog Breeds

Spitz and primitive types

Nordic dogs, spitz breeds and ancient types: independent and often very expressive.

23 breed(s) in this group

Akita
Japan's national dog, the Akita is dignified, calm and legendarily loyal, but independent and intolerant of other dogs.
LargeSpitz and primitive types
Alaskan Malamute
A powerful Arctic sled dog, the Malamute is affectionate and playful but very poorly suited to hot climates.
LargeSpitz and primitive types
American Akita
Heavier than the Japanese Akita, the American Akita is a powerful, calm and very loyal guardian for experienced owners only.
LargeSpitz and primitive types
Basenji
An African dog that hardly barks, the Basenji is elegant, cat-clean, curious and very independent.
SmallSpitz and primitive types
Canaan Dog
A primitive-type dog from the Near East, the Canaan Dog is alert, intelligent and remarkably well suited to hot, dry climates.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Chow Chow
With its lion-like mane and blue tongue, the Chow Chow is a dignified, calm and independent dog that is very sensitive to heat.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Cirneco dell'Etna
An elegant, hardy little Sicilian hunter, the Cirneco dell'Etna is lively, affectionate and perfectly suited to hot climates.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Eurasier
A modern German spitz, the Eurasier is calm, balanced and devoted to its family, a quiet and easy-going companion.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Finnish Spitz
Finland's red-coated national dog, the Finnish Spitz is lively, cheerful and very vocal: it 'sings' to point out game.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
German Spitz
Lively, alert and covered in an abundant coat, the German Spitz comes in several sizes and makes an excellent watchdog.
Small – MediumSpitz and primitive types
Ibizan Hound
A slender hunter from the Balearic Islands with large upright ears, the Ibizan Hound is athletic, gentle and capable of spectacular jumps.
LargeSpitz and primitive types
Icelandic Sheepdog
Iceland's only native dog breed, this small spitz-type herder is cheerful, sociable and devoted to its family.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Japanese Spitz
A small, all-white spitz with a bright smile, the Japanese Spitz is cheerful, affectionate and easy to live with.
SmallSpitz and primitive types
Keeshond
With its 'spectacles' outlined around the eyes, the Keeshond is an affectionate, cheerful grey spitz that is very family-oriented.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Korean Jindo
South Korea's national dog, the Jindo is a loyal, clean and independent spitz that often bonds deeply with one person.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Norwegian Elkhound
A sturdy grey Nordic spitz, the Norwegian Elkhound is brave, tireless and affectionate with its family.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Pharaoh Hound
Slender and fiery-red, the Pharaoh Hound from Malta is a fast, playful and affectionate hunter that 'blushes' when excited.
LargeSpitz and primitive types
Pomeranian
A tiny ball of fluff with a big personality, the Pomeranian is lively, playful and devoted to its owners.
ToySpitz and primitive types
Samoyed
Famous for its 'smile' and white coat, the Samoyed is gentle, sociable and playful, but copes very poorly with heat.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Shiba Inu
A small fox-like Japanese dog, the Shiba is clean, independent and proud, with a rather cat-like character.
SmallSpitz and primitive types
Siberian Husky
A sociable, hard-working sled dog, the Siberian Husky charms with its pale eyes and energy, but copes very poorly with heat.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Thai Ridgeback
An athletic Thai dog with a ridge of hair along its back, the Thai Ridgeback is independent, loyal and perfectly suited to heat.
MediumSpitz and primitive types
Xoloitzcuintle
The ancient dog of the Aztecs, the Xolo is usually hairless. Calm, loyal and attentive, it comes in three sizes.
Small – LargeSpitz and primitive types

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