ˈspits sometimes ˈshp- noun
( -es )
Usage: sometimes capitalized
Etymology: German, from spitz pointed, from Old High German spizzi; from the shape of the ears and muzzle — more at spit
: any of several dogs native to northern areas and distinguished by a broad strong stocky body with heavy double coat, a broad somewhat flat head with rather short muzzle and erect prick ears, and a heavily feathered tail tightly recurved over the back: as
a. : a dog regarded as ancestral to a modern breed exhibiting these qualities
b. : a dog of such modern breed (as a chow chow, samoyed, or pomeranian)
c. : a medium-sized white dog descended from Pomeranian ancestors and often regarded as constituting a separate breed
[s]spitz.jpg[/s]