Keeshond

The keeshond is a kind, friendly, people-loving dog breed known for their beautifully unique “spectacle” facial markings. They are native to Holland and were kept as guard dogs and companions on the barges that sailed through the waterways.

The keeshond also sports a thick frill of fur that covers the shoulders and chest. You can find their thick coats in varying shades of gray, black, cream, or a combination.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is one of the most well-known spitz dog breeds, and they’re most famously known as sled dogs. Their wolf-like appearance runs strong, and seeing this working dog running through the frozen wilderness of their home makes you do a double-take—was that a wolf?

The Siberian husky was bred for companionship and work, making them a great family dog for those who are up for their intense exercise requirements. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation daily, and also have a high prey drive that makes them want to go after other animals.

Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic sheepdog is Iceland’s only native dog breed, making it a well-loved favorite. These happy, playful dogs are on the smaller end, topping out at 18 inches tall. Their ancestors traveled to Iceland with Norse settlers. Bred for herding sheep and ponies, these dogs were the forefathers of the modern Iceland sheepdog.

With families, Icelandic sheepdogs are loyal and love being outside with their humans. They also enjoy participating in dog sports.

Pomeranian

Not all spitz dog breeds are big and wolf-like. The Pomeranian is a toy dog breed that is no heavier than 7 pounds. Though these tiny fluff balls lack wolf-like sizing, they still sport the famous pointed ears, long snout, and curled tail.

Don’t let these tiny pups fool you. They may be small, but they have big personalities. They are playful, bold, and intelligent, making great family dogs and watchdogs (they bark a lot). They’re also known for competing in dog sports and working as therapy dogs.

Samoyed

The Samoyed’s arctic roots clearly show in their dense, white fur and sled-pulling, hunting, and herding history. These gorgeous white dogs are pack-oriented and form close bonds with their people.

They are kind, hard-working, social, and loyal. Famous for their permanent smile, which is for preventing icicles from forming on their face, these pups have a friendly personality to match.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu originated in Japan as a hunting dog. This spitz breed is Japan’s most popular companion dog. They are loyal, bold, and confident. However, they are independent and strong-willed and can form very close bonds with their people.

The Shiba Inu boasts a fox-like appearance—red color and all. They also come in black and tan-colored coats.

Chow Chow

This ancient Chinese dog breed has been bred for more than a millennium, and may even date back as early as 206 B.C.E. They were kept as companions, guards, hunters, and haulers. Because of their thick coat, they don’t tolerate heat well.

These distinct dogs are known for their blue-black tongue, wrinkled face, and neck ruff. Though they are serious-mannered and aloof with strangers, chows can form extremely loyal bonds with the humans they love.

American Eskimo Dog

These stunning snowy white dogs have nothing to do with the Indigenous Alaskan people known as “Eskimos." The American Eskimo dog has German roots, and the German spitz is their ancestor.

These dogs made it to America in the 1800s and quickly became loved for their smarts, good looks, and eager-to-please attitude. They make wonderful, loving companions for anyone searching for an adventure buddy.

Alaskan Malamute

The malamute is one of the oldest sled dog breeds. This is a strong, active spitz dog that originated in Alaska for hauling and hunting. Despite their large size, these dogs are big softies and love to play an active part in the family unit. They make gentle, affectionate companions and generally do not make good watchdogs because of how friendly they are.

Their dynamic way of life in Alaska means they need plenty of exercise. Anyone looking to add a lovable malamute to the family will need to give them the exercise and loving attention these pups require to thrive.

Norwegian Buhund

These dogs may be among some of the original spitz dog breeds, traveling centuries ago with the Vikings. They were used on farms as herders, guards, and all-around farmhands.

Today, the Buhund is still used for active farm work in Norway. They are confident, smart, and very loving, making this spitz dog breed a wonderful working companion. They require lots of physical and mental stimulation, and do best in active homes.

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian elkhound was a Viking companion dog. These dogs were highly valued and loved, and some are even found in the tombs of their owners, alongside their sword and shield. The elkhound is mentioned in Norse history and mythology.

Like the Norwegian Buhund, the elkhound was used around the farm for herding and guarding. And, as their name suggests, the elkhound was also used for hunting elk. These brave, loyal, kind-hearted dogs make delightfully devoted companions to the adventurous type.

Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian lundehund is a truly unique spitz dog with extraordinary features. These dogs are very affectionate once they trust humans. But they require lots of physical and mental stimulation to prevent bad behaviors.

Bred to hunt "lunde," or puffins, among rocky cliffs, these dogs have six working toes on each paw instead of dewclaws. Their necks are very flexible and can bend backward so far that their heads touch their spines. They have the ability to fold their pointed, upright ears closed, forward, or backward. And their front legs are so flexible that they can extend them completely to their sides.

Finnish Lapphund

These extra furry Arctic dogs were used by the Sami people to hunt and herd reindeer. This dangerous job requires bravery, intelligence, and quick action. In fact, a trademark trait of the Finnish Lapphund is their strong “startle response”. This trait helps the Finnish Lapphund to react quickly and avoid danger from angry reindeer.

Though they are quick, brave hunters and herders, the Finnish Lapphund is extremely loving and affectionate. They are among the many Arctic dogs that huddled with their owners to keep warm during cold weather, contributing to a close bond between dog and human. Today, these dogs excel in sports like agility and herding trials.

Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish vallhund is another spitz dog that originated from the widespread conquests of the Vikings. It is thought that the breed came about as a cross between the Scandinavian spitz dog and the Welsh corgi.

These dogs have a distinctive spitz look with a squat, long profile. They are perfect cattle dogs since their short stature helps them avoid the hooves of kicking cattle.

Swedish Lapphund

This intelligent, active breed is one of the oldest dog breeds and is thought to come from the ancient arctic wolf. They worked with the Sami people to hunt, guard, and herd. They love to be an active part of the family and always want to be included.

Though loyal, these dogs think for themselves and can sometimes be stubborn. However, they love working alongside their humans and excel at agility, scent work, and other cooperative activities.

Finnish Spitz

The Finnish spitz, or Finkie, is a foxy spitz breed, complete with a sharp face and red coloring. These dogs were bred for hunting and found their niche in grouse hunting. They are also called the “barking bird dog” for their unique array of barks and yodels and the ability to bark up to 160 barks per minute—this makes them good watchdogs, but they’ll need training to prevent barking from become problematic.

They have a distinct style of hunting. Once they find their prey, they mesmerize them with slow tail wagging and “yodeling" that alerts the huntsman to the catch. These happy, active dogs are great companions, even if they aren’t used for hunting birds.

Kai Ken

The Kai Ken was bred for hunting a wide range of game in Japan. One of the six native breeds of Japan, the Kai Ken is highly regarded and loved by many. Known for their naturally camouflaged brindle coat, these dogs may be seen with black or red in their coats as well.

They are extremely loyal to their people and are willing to go to great lengths to guard them. They are also brilliant and learn new things extremely quickly.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Though the Alaskan klee kai looks like a tiny husky, these dogs were bred for companionship rather than work. Still a relatively new dog breed, the klee kai is less than 50 years old and was only recently recognized as its own breed in 1997 by the United Kennel Club.

Full of spunk and playfulness, the Alaskan klee kai makes a great companion dog for the active family. Though they are loving to their families, they are wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.

Karelian Bear Dog

As suggested by its name, the Finnish bred the Karelian bear dog to hunt large game. Independent and confident, these dogs work well alone and often only bark to alert their hunter once their prey is treed or stopped.

The innate fighting spirit of this spitz dog breed can make them territorial with other dogs but not with humans. These courageous dogs have also been used for search and rescue, sledding, and obedience trials.

Yakutian Laika

The Yakutian Laika was developed by the Yakut people in the Arctic northern part of the Russian Federation for hunting, herding, sledding, and companionship. They are loyal, gentle dogs that love to play an active part in the family unit.

They are good with children and other dogs. Their friendly nature makes them wonderful companions, but not great guard dogs.

Kintamani

The Kintamani Bali dog is a wild dog found on the island of Bali. Though feral, these Indonesian dogs adapt well to home living and are often kept as companions. These dogs were recognized as their own breed by the International Canine Federation (FCI) in 2019.

Because of their wild origins, they are territorial and do not usually get along well with other dogs. They make great watchdogs and are very loving towards members of their family. These dogs are known to be good at climbing, so keep an eye on them, even in fenced-in yards.

Thai Bangkaew Dog

The Thai Bangkaew dog is a prominent breed in the Phitsanulok province of Thailand, named for a village there. Some suggest this may be a cross between an Asiatic jackal, the domestic Thai dog, and the shepherding dogs of the Song people. The Thai Bangkaew emerged from selective breeding starting in 1957.

These dogs were kept as watchdogs and guardians because of their protective and alert nature. Though wary of strangers, they make devoted, loving members of the family. Like the Kintamani dog, they can be aggressive towards other dogs, so proper socialization and training are important.

Danish Spitz

Known as the “children’s dog,” the Danish spitz is a loyal, playful, patient family companion. These pups have had many names, including the Greenland spitz, Samoyed spitz, wolf spitz, and white spitz.

They are popular farm dogs, and for many years, people used them to help watch and entertain the children. The Danish spitz has a gentle, kind nature that makes them an endearing dog to have around.

Eurasier

The Eurasier may look like a tough, burly breed, but these dogs are sensitive souls with a loving, calm nature. They need to be with their people to be happy. As suggested by its name, the Eurasier breed is of both European and Asian descent.

This dog's ancestors include the chow chow, the wolf spitz, and the Samoyed. Their coat comes in a wide variety of colors, and even their tongues can be a mix of purple or pink.

Schipperke

These unique little barge dogs were bred as watchdogs and were used to hunt rats aboard ships. Their strong jaws and necks made them perfect for the job. The schipperke is a confident, lively protector, earning them the name “little skipper."

They are known for their fox-like face, their thick ruff of fur around the neck, and their bold personalities. They make active, fearless watchdogs and companions and are known for their affinity for water.

Japanese Spitz

Another tiny spitz dog breed, these little white dogs are known for their happy-go-lucky, comedian-like personalities and loving attachments to their people. They are smart, eager to learn, and are up for any adventure, as long as it is with the person they love.

This spitz dog breed makes a great watchdog since they have a large bark for a small dog. They adapt to apartment living quite well as long as they continue to get daily walks.

Volpino Italiano

Though this Italian dog breed is closely related to the Pomeranian and the German spitz, it has its own unique characteristics and history. These dogs have been around for hundreds of years and can be seen in paintings as early as the 1500s. They make fun-loving, active companions and alert watchdogs.

Indian Spitz

Thought to have originated from the German spitz, the Indian spitz breed is known for its intelligence and friendliness. Their warm nature makes these dogs great with kids and other pets.

A noticeable feature of the Indian spitz is their expressive faces. Many have green or blue eyes that accentuate this quality. They are categorized into two size groups: the lesser Indian spitz and the greater Indian spitz.

Western Siberian Laika

These born hunters are considered to be among some of the dog breeds that hunted alongside humans in prehistoric times. With such an ancient history, it is no wonder that these dogs retain some of the looks and traits of the wolf.

They have a strong prey drive and a protective, territorial attitude. They are loving towards members of their adopted people or "pack." With proper training, they make devoted, protective companions.

Shikoku

These Japanese dogs originated in the Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, which is where their name came from.

Bred for hunting wild boar in mountainous regions, these dogs have a strong, agile build and plenty of energy. Coupled with intelligence and loyalty, they make great companions when they get the exercise and attention they need.

Akita

The spitz family’s usual wolf or fox-like face takes on a more bear-like appearance in the Akita. These larger, hefty Japanese dogs are known for their courage and loyalty. They are highly regarded in Japan. A famous Akita, Hachiko, waited for nine years at a train station for his owner to return home after his owner died unexpectedly.

These dogs are fiercely loyal and protective of their loved ones. They make incredible companions for those who can properly train and care for them. However, they can be aloof with strangers and aggressive with other dogs, so socialization from a young age is key to preventing bad behaviors.

Russo-European Laika

The Russo-European Laika is closely related to the Karelian bear dog. Though these tough hunting dogs can hunt large game like bear, their prey typically consists of squirrels or other smaller game. As suggested by its name, this breed was developed in the northern regions of Russia and Europe.

This smaller Laika breed is full of energy, smarts, and courage, and is very affectionate towards family, including children. Their bold personality and protective nature make these dogs territorial towards other dogs, so proper training is essential.

Pungsan Dog

Though their exact history is unknown, people bred the Pungsan dog in North Korea for hunting, as these dogs love to be outside and are known for their courage. The Pungsan dog was used for hunting tigers and boar.

These dogs are highly regarded in their homeland, and in 2000, the president of North Korea gifted two Pungsan dogs to the president of South Korea. Pungsan is also the name of a town in South Korea. They make loving family dogs and protective watchdogs.

Norrbottenspets

Despite its small size, the Norrbottenspets is as tough as they come. These agile, rugged dogs were used for hunting in the frigid Scandinavian peninsula. For a while, it was thought that this breed had gone extinct, but they survived as watchdogs and companions in the area of North Bothnia.

They are still a rare dog breed today. Though fearless hunters, they make kind, loving companions at home.

Kishu Ken

The Kishu Ken is extremely loyal and dignified. Bred to be bold hunters in Japan, these dogs are very active but can easily be calm and loving when at home. They are attached to their loved ones but distant with strangers.

Their strong prey drive may not make them the best choice for homes with other small animals. Viewed as a national treasure in Japan, these noble dogs are rarely exported outside their homeland.

Korean Jindo

Once these fiercely loyal Korean dogs choose their person, they remain forever faithful to them. The agile, intelligent Jindo requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation, too.

From the Korean island of Jindo, these dogs were used for hunting for thousands of years. They are a national treasure in Korea. The president of South Korea gifted the president of North Korea two Jindo dogs in return for the gift of two Pungsan dogs.

Hokkaido

These hardy Japanese dogs are thought to have come to the island of Hokkaido with the Ainu people, where they adapted to the cold conditions of the area. They are devoted companions and brave hunters, being used for hunting large game like deer and bear.

Their smarts and high energy level make them excel at problem-solving. They are also very protective of their loved ones and wary of strangers, so proper socialization is essential.

Greenland Dog

The Greenland dog worked alongside the Eskimos for hunting and pulling sleds. They are valued for their stamina, strength, and work ethic. They have bold personalities and do not get overly attached to one person.

They require clear boundaries and training, and once established in an adopted family or “pack,” they can be quite loving. Though independent, they are friendly towards people and do not make good watchdogs.

Canaan Dog

The national dog of Israel, the Canaan has been herding and guarding for thousands of years in the area of what used to be called Canaan. For some time, these dogs were wild in the deserts of Israel, and were again domesticated in the 20th century. They were even used as service dogs during WWII.

The Canaan dog is confident, agile, and tireless, but they make great companions for those able to give them the proper training and exercise.

German Spitz

Though sometimes confused with the Pomeranian, the German spitz is their larger cousin. Closely related to the Pomeranian and the keeshond, this spitz dog breed shares much of the same history and features of both of these German breeds, including the famous neck ruff.

Their alertness and tendency to be vocal make them perfect watchdogs. They are lively, loyal to their family, and wary of strangers.