“Spitz” refers to a group of related dog breeds that are classified as “primitive breeds.”
Most spitz breeds trace their lineage to northern climates and have a thick undercoat for warmth and an outer coat that repels water and ice.
I have picked this list of 42 Spitz dog breeds, which are loyal and affectionate with their families.
#1 Hällefors Elkhound
The Hällefors Elkhound is a medium-sized, rectangular Spitz which is native to Sweden.
#2 Kishu Ken
The Kishu Ken is a hunting dog from Japan’s Kii Peninsula. The Kishu needs adequate space to roam and exercise.
#3 Akita Inu
The Akita is a loyal breed from Japan, and it is not a breed for a first-time dog owner.
#4 Podenco Canario
The Podenco Canario is a dog of Egyptian origin, which is known for their strong prey drive. It is a close relative of the Pharaoh Hound.
#5 Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, fluffy Spitz breed that has a tail curled over the back and evolved throughout the Arctic regions of the world. Malamutes tend to chase just about everything, and you should know that this can make them prone to getting lost.
#6 Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust spitz type with an average life span of 12 to 15 years.
#7 Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is an American spitz-type breed of dog with the appearance of a small Siberian Husky.
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#8 Shikoku
The Shikoku Dog is a medium-sized spitz breed from Japan, which is recognized by the United Kennel Club. The Shikoku is one of the six native Japanese breeds.
#9 American Eskimo Dog
It comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The American Eskimo Dog originated in Germany and descended from the German Spitz.
#10 Peruvian Hairless Dog
It is a Peruvian breed of hairless dog and is now a symbol of Peru.
#11 Argentine Polar Dog (extinct)
The breed was a Spitz that originated in Argentina in the early 20th century.
#12 Russo-European Laika
It is a hunting dog that originated in the forested region of northern Europe. You should know that obedience training or a working job to do will give Russo-European Laikas a sense of purpose.
#13 Basenji
Basenjis are a primitive hunting breed from central Africa that is alert and careful with strangers.
#14 Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is a herding dog breed from Sweden with an average lifespan of 15 years. The Swedish Vallhund is considered an ancient breed. The breed has herding instincts and can be trained to compete in herding trials.
#15 Canaan Dog
The Canaan dog is a herding dog breed from the Middle East, with a short to medium-length dense coat.
#16 Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a spitz-type breed of medium size, which is smaller than a typical herding breed. It is the only dog breed indigenous to Iceland. The breed is descended from dogs that the Norse people found in Scandinavia.
#17 Canadian Eskimo
The Canadian Eskimo dog dates back as far as 4,000 years ago. They were used to aid hunters and as guardians, and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
#18 Finnish Lapphund
It is a medium-sized breed of Spitz type with a coat designed to cope with the icy conditions of Lapland.
#19 Chow Chow
Chow Chows are very large and independent, hailing from China. The breed is known for a very dense double coat and moderate exercise needs.
#20 Norrbottenspitz
The Norrbottenspets is a fun, active dog belonging to the Spitz family. The Norrbottenspitz originated from northern Sweden and northern Finland.
#21 Donggyeongi
The Donggyeongi is a rare spitz-type breed from Korea. It is an endangered breed that has been around in Korea for at least 1000 years.
#22 Samoyed
The Samoyed originated as a companion to the Nenets people, and its melodious yodels sound a lot like singing.
#23 East Siberian Laika
The East-Siberian Laika is the largest of the Russian Laika breeds. They are adapted for hard work in the conditions of the mountainous Siberian taiga.
#24 Greenland Dog
It is descended from the dogs of the Thule people, and weighs between 30 and 50 kilograms. These dogs are friendly with people, including strangers.
#25 Eurasier
The Eurasier is a spitz type breed of dog that originated in Germany. It has a typical lifespan of 12 to 16 years. I like Eurasiers since they are vigilant companions who bark little.
#26 Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)
Swedish elkhounds originated in northern Sweden from a region called “Jamtland.” Historically, Jämthunds have been used to hunt a wide variety of game.
#27 Finnish Spitz
Finnish spitz dogs are loyal dogs that are known to be quite vocal.
#28 Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is known for its loyalty and friendly nature. They are believed to be descended from the white German Spitz.
#29 German Spitz
The German Spitz is a small to medium-sized companion breed with a double coat, which sheds twice per year. The dog is naturally suspicious of strangers. They tend to form strong bonds with their family.
#30 Hokkaido
It is one of the oldest of the six native Japanese spitz breeds.
#31 Indian Spitz
Indian Spitzes are small dogs (a little larger than the Pomeranian) that are relatively low-maintenance.
#32 Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz breed with quick reflexes and strong jumping ability.
#33 Kai Ken
Kai Ken is a breed of dog native to the Kai region in Japan.
#34 Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the most agile dog breeds in the world.
#35 Karelian Bear
The Karelian Bear Dog has quick reflexes and a fearless nature. The first standard was established in 1945.
#36 Kintamani Dog
It is a dog breed native to the Indonesian island of Bali.
#37 Korean Jindo Dog
The Jindo Dog is used for hunting and guarding, and doesn’t always have a strong desire to please.
#38 Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized, short-coated dog known for its affectionate temperament.
#39 Norwegian Buhund
The breed is closely related to the Jämthund and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
#40 Portuguese Podengo
The Podengo is a rugged coursing hound that is known for its independent nature.
#41 Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is one of the nine monument breeds of Japan.
#42 Swedish Lapphund
Lapphunds exhibit basic herding instincts and were originally used by the Sami people.