SPITZ PHYSICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
| The Spitz breeds are
the most natural of the canine family. Although
they have developed into a number of quite
distinct breeds, it is fortunate that most of the
breeds have not been so carefully and selectively
bred that they have lost their original identity. |
Physically the Spitz
breeds are recognizable by the shape of the head,
the position and shape of the pricked ears and
almond eyes, the curled tail and the type of
coat. The typical Spitz head is usually described
as wedge-shaped. This refers to the shape of the
skull as seen from above.
A
feature of all the breeds is the pronounced
'stop' which, although more clearly defined in
some breeds than others, is always present. The
stop provides the Spitz breeds with an important
element in their expression, giving an impression
of 'forehead' over the eyes and behind the
muzzle. |
| The muzzle in the
Spitz breeds is relatively short giving the jaws
tremendous strength. |
| The ears are small in
comparison with most other breeds. They are
pointed and pricked and the tips are usually
above the point at which the flat top of the
skull turns down towards the jaw. The ears of a
Spitz can give hours of endless pleasure. Even
when the dog is resting any sound will be matched
by a precise movement of one or both ears. They
are incredibly mobile and can almost turn and
face the tail. |
| Probably the most
immediately obvious physical characteristic of
the Spitz breeds is the tail which should be well
feathered and carried curled over the back.
Different breeds carry their tails in slightly
different ways. |
| With one or two
exceptions the Spitz breeds have a double coat.
Close to the skin there is a thick, dense, woolly
undercoat, the primary purpose of which is
insulation. Over this is a harsh outer coat of
longer, coarser hair which is protective. Some
Spitz have shorter coats, others have long coats. |
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