SPITZ

Chow chow. Pomeranian. Samoyed. any of a group of northern dogs, such as the chow chow (see photograph), Pomeranian (see photograph), and Samoyed (see photograph), characterized by dense, long coats, erect pointed ears, and tails that curve over their backs. In the United States, the name spitz is often given to any small, white, long-haired dog. It is also used for the American Eskimo dog, an all-white breed that weighs about 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and resembles a small Samoyed (q.v.). The American Eskimo dog is recognized by the United Kennel Club, a U.S. organization, but not by the more widely known American Kennel Club. There are a number of dogs known as spitz in Europe. Among these is the Finnish spitz, a breed recognized by the Kennel Club of England. The Finnish spitz stands about 16 to 19 inches (40 to 48 centimetres), has a bright reddish brown coat, and is characterized by a lively and alert disposition. Other spitz breeds include the Eskimo dog (q.v.), or Greenlandic dog, and the Lapland spitz, a breed with a white, brown, black, or blackish brown coat.