SPITZ
Spitz-type breeds of dog (the correct German plural is Spitze, though Spitzen is commonly used in the US) are characterised by long, thick, and often white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles. The tail is usually curled over the dog's back.

Origins
The exact origins of spitz-type dogs is not known, though most of the spitz-types seen today originate from the Arctic regions.

There is no archaeological evidence showing transition stages between the wolf and the often-similar spitz-type dogs. Skeletal remains up to 5,000 years old suggest it is far more likely that the ancestors of spitz types mated with wolves.

Though it is not completely certain that there has been wolf blood in the spitz-type dogs for that long, it is certain the humans have intentionally mated spitz types with wolves in more recent times to achieve the wolf-like appearance of breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute.

Migrations
About three thousand years ago, dogs began to migrate from the Arctic into temperate Europe, North America, Asia, and to a lesser extent, Africa.

Skeletal remains around 2,000 years old unearthed in Switzerland indicate that spitz-type dogs have inhabited Central Europe for millennia. These dogs are almost certainly the ancestors of the European spitz-types, such as the Keeshond and Schipperke.

Many spitz-types also migrated into Korea and China. Over the centuries, many of these dogs were transported by humans to Japan, most likely from Korea. These Asian spitz types are the ancestors of today's breeds such as the Chow Chow and the Akita Inu.

Working Dogs
Through selective breeding, spitz types have evolved to fit three purposes helping humans: hunting, herding, and pulling sleds.

The larger and more powerful breeds such as the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Elkhound were used for big game hunting, helping humans kill moose and elk.

Smaller breeds such as the Finnish Spitz and the Lundehund were used in Scandinavia to hunt birds and smaller mammals.

Companions and toys

Many spitz-type breeds retain wolflike characteristics and can therefore require much training before they become manageable, and some, such as the Karelian Bear Dog, are almost impossible to train as companion dogs.

The charming look of the spitz-type, with its thick fur, fluffy ruff, curled tail and small muzzle and ears, have caused several people to create non-working types designed to be companions or lap dogs.

This trend is most evident in the tiny Pomeranian, which was originally a much larger dog closer to the size of a Keeshond before being bred down to make an acceptable court animal.
In the future, genetic studies might better clarify the relationship among various breeds. Note that dogs listed here might also be classified as toy dogs, herding dogs, sled dogs, and in other types.

¶ 11:41 PM