Learn About The American Eskimo Dog Breed

Of all the dog breeds one of the fluffiest and cutest is the American Eskimo puppy. It is from the Spitz family and considered a Nordic breed. When brought to America its name was changed to the American Eskimo dog. It was originally related to the white German Spitz. They originally changed the name because after World War I there were widespread anti-German sentiments. They are now considered to be two separate breeds but the two a very closely related.

Evidence shows that the "White Spitz" was also brought to America by German immigrants. The studbook was closed by the North American Eskimo dog Association in 1969. To gain acceptance into the AKC, The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1985.

On July 1, 1995 the American Eskimo dog was accepted in to the AKC in the Non-Sporting Group. There are three sizes of the breed, the standard, miniature, and of course, the toy. The standard size will reach a height of 15 to 19 inches, and will weigh between 18 and 35 pounds. A miniature will be 12-15 inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds. A toy dog will be 9-12 inches high and weigh six to ten pounds.

Being a small to medium size dog the American Eskimo dog is a well-balanced, compact Nordic type dog. When it walks or run you will see a smooth gait. The dog is also very alert. There are very distinctive black points on the dogs face. They are around the eye rims, lips and on the nose. The ears also have the black points and are triangular shaped and stand erect.

The coat is two fold. The under coat consist of short dense hair. The outer coat grows through the undercoat with long guard hair. This gives the dog a double coat. The hair should lay flat with no waves or curls. Around the neck and chest the coat is much thicker and forms a ruff similar to a loins. This trait is more pronounced on a male than on the females. The breech look, which is characteristic of the breed, is formed around the back legs to the hocks and is covered in very thick hair also. The tail is loosely carried on its back and is very plum. The color of the American Eskimo dog should be pure white, though white and biscuit cream is also allowed.

As a puppy the American Eskimo is a little on the conservative side but is generally friendly. They are very intelligent and highly alert. If being shown they can be penalized for either aggressive behavior or being overly shy. If you want a watchdog this is a good breed, due to its alertness they will bark when someone is approaching. They do not general threaten to bite or attack people, but they are protective of their area and family. It is quick and eager to learn new tricks.

Though this breed is generally healthy there are a few things it is susceptible to. Owners should pay close attention to any changes in the tear ducts or eyes. Progressive retinal astrophy and hip displaysia also run in this breed. To avoid dermatitis keep the coat free of fleas and clean.

This dog is very active and is best suited for living in an area with a yard where it can run and play. It can become overweight very easily so regular exercise is a must. It would be okay in an apartment as long as you had a place to exercise them. You should brush the dog at least twice a week. Remember it has a thick coat so you will need a comb or brush with bristles that are firm. The breed is not really a heavy shedder, but when it does shed its coat increase the brushing frequency to daily. Wash only when needed.

About Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz are developed in Japan in the 1920s and 30s by breeding a number of other Spitz type dog breeds together. They are recognized by the vast majority of the major kennel clubs, due to its being similar appearance to the American Eskimo and Samoyed dog from other country. A Japanese Spitz is a small dog around 33 cm at the withers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick, pure white double coat.

The Japanese Spitz has wedge-shaped face. It is an intelligent breed and will quickly learn what is required of them if gentle consistency is applied. They are also playful, alert, and obedient, and particularly excellent and loving towards children. They are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but do possess an independent nature and a strong will of their own so new owners need to be firm with their pups, but not that harsh because harsh handling and strong verbal and physical discipline are harmful and may be met with resistance. Positive reinforcement of treats and praise will bring out their eagerness to learn and their willingness to please. Socialization at a very early age can introduce the puppy to various people, places, noises, situations and other animals. This will mature into a friendly, confident, well mannered adult. This kinds of dogs are a type of companion dog and prefer to be an active part of the family but they can act as reliable watchdogs.

Although the Japanese Spitz might appear fluffy, they are a low maintenance breed as the coat has a non stick texture often compared to Teflon. This kind of dogs requires weekly care and grooming because a regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible. But grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails

Finnish Spitz: Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Finnish Spitz

Breed Description

The Finnish Spitz is a northern breed that resembles a red fox. This medium-sized breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but now they are a bird dog that is used to flush wood grouse. This breed weighs an average between 31-34 pounds, and has a height of 15-20 inches.

Coat

The Finnish Spitz has a double coat. Their undercoat is dense and soft, while their topcoat is harsh and long that is one or two inches long. Males have slightly longer and coarser fur than the slightly refined furs of the females. Red gold on their backs, or reddish-brown colors are accepted, preferably bright, with accepted lighter shades on their underside.

Activity

The Finnish Spitz loves outdoors, but can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise. A securely fenced area should be provided for this breed as they love to run free. Requiring a great deal of exercise, this breed should be taken on a long walk, or a jog, as running around a fenced space cannot satisfy their primal instinct to walk.

Temperament

The Finnish Spitz is known to intermingle admirably with people, children included. This breed is a delightful member of the family, with the ability to play placidly with children, yet rough with other dogs. Some of these dogs love other dogs, and some may be passive or aggressive, and shy. This breed is highly loyal, and so it should be expected to be moody or shy around other dogs. This dog is known to bark on anything they perceive as unusual. This can be prevented through training, although this can make them excellent watchdogs.

Overview

The Finnish Spitz is known to be generally great companion animals. They are protective and loyal, but this tends to make them noisy as they bark at anything that is atypical for them.

Care

With a self-cleaning coat that sheds dirt by itself, the Finnish Spitz does not have a doggie odor on their coats. Regular grooming with a comb or a brush is required to remove dead fur as they are known to be a seasonally heavy shedder.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a highly intelligent breed that is strong-willed and independent. A highly trainable breed requiring a firm but gentle tone and touch, this dog responds best to appreciation than correction. They easily get bored, so training should be kept short, and appealing. Patience is highly essential in training the Finnish Spitz. Owners may feel as if they are not making progress, and suddenly, they will surprise you. This breed is known to be competent in obedience competition, if trained with reward and a lot of praise.

Character

Bred as barking hunting dog, this breed is known to bark at anything they perceive as a threat. It should be noted, though, that although this breed may be barkers, they are well-suited to be a watchdog rather than a guard dog as they rarely bite. This breed makes a delightful family dog and a hunting dog as well, with a big heart for children.

The Japanese Kai Dog

The Japanese have six native Spitz type dogs that are unique to their part of the world. Among these six, the Kai Dog or the Tora Dog is the Shika Inu which means "medium sized" as opposed to Shiba Inu which is smaller. The Kai Dog has the typical Spitz type of short stand-off brush coat and the tail curled tightly over the back, while the head has the wedge shaped look of a fox and the ears are prick.

In the early 1900s there was an influx of western dogs into Japan due to the opening of their borders after the first World War. The Japanese were impressed greatly by the larger size of the dogs and the unique hunting abilities. The two breeds in particular which made a big impression were the German Shorthair Pointer and the Alsatian. For some time the Japanese abandoned their own breeds in favor of the newcomers. In 1930 a Japanese breeder by the name of Haruo Isogai attempted to revive the interest in breeding of these dogs. At that time he developed the categorizing of the native breeds by size and somewhat by function.

The function of the Kai Dog has always been that of a hunter. It is recognized by the F.C.I. as a member of Group 5 (Spitz type). The Kai Dog hunts deer and boar and small game. The alternate Japanese name of this breed "Tora Dog", which means "Tiger Dog", signifies the common coloring of the coat, which is often striped like that of the Tiger. Some breeders will also say that the name implies the disposition of the dog also, for it is a strong willed and cunning hunter and will not pass up the opportunity to hunt independently of its master.

The common colors of the Kai Dog are brindled with black, red, or a generally dark brindle, sometimes with white markings on the legs. However the white markings should not extend above the knee on the legs. Size is usually about 18-22 inches at the withers. The dog should be rather square in appearance and without legginess or ranginess. The Kai has made only a few inroads into other parts of the world. It wasn't until 1990 that there were the first imports into the United States. It is now recognized as a member of the United Kennel Club in the U.S.A. and is a member of the group of dogs which are listed in the F.S.S. registry of the A.K.C.

If its function is that of a household pet the Kai will be very affectionate and strongly loyal and requires a strong owner or it will take over the alpha position in the household. The Kai Dog in Japan is usually found in a hunting dog kennels but may be in the house as a pet more frequently in the United States, in which case it is very often a "one man dog". This is a breed which gets along well with other dogs. The Kai Dog also functions as a guard dog, although it is usually within a fence for it will definitely run off and hunt if allowed to roam free. The Kai is a good household pet when introduced as a puppy to the household, being very affectionate and loyal.

Pomeranian Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Pomeranian is a small Spitz dog weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, and measuring 7 to 12 inches at the withers. The Pomeranian has a long, fluffy coat that can be found in many color varieties such as orange, cream, black, red, spotted, and white. This dog carries its plume-like tail flat on its back. Pomeranians have a short, pointed muzzle, and small, upright pointed ears. This is a confident and active toy dog. The Pomeranian has a delicate body structure. The Pomeranian is also known as the Dwarf Spitz, Pom, or Loulou.

History: Ancient Spitz herding dogs led to the toy dog we know today as the Pomeranian. Originally utilized as sled dogs in Lapland, these Spitz dogs were brought to Pomerania, now part of Poland and Germany, in the 16th century. This early progenitor was considerably larger than today's dog and weighed 30 pounds or more. Mozart and Marie Antoinette kept Pomeranians, but it was Queen Victoria of England who was responsibly for breeding the dogs down to a smaller size. These small Pomeranians became very popular and the breed was officially recognized in 1900.

Temperament: The Pomeranian is a merry and lively dog. It is even-tempered and makes an excellent companion. Pomeranians are very affectionate and attached to their human family. This is an intelligent, trainable dog that also serves as a good watchdog. They do tend to bark quite a bit, though, so should be taught to be more restrained from the start. Since the Pomeranian is such a tiny dog, it is not a good choice as a pet for small children. There is generally no problem with older children or adults.

Health Issues: A major health problem with Pomeranians concerns the breed's high propensity for tooth decay. This can lead to heart or kidney ailments. It is best to feed Poms dry dog food and provide chews that help clean the teeth. Although they do not usually suffer from hip dysplasia, Pomeranians can experience problems with their knee caps, which can shift out of place, causing the affected leg to become stiff. The Pomeranian can develop eye conditions such as cataracts or entropion. The trachea can sometimes collapse, which is a serious condition. The Pomeranian can live for 16 years or more.

Grooming: Since the Pomeranian has a very thick double coat and sheds heavily, it is important to brush the dog daily. The fur can easily become matted otherwise. It is best to use a dry shampoo on the Pomeranian to preserve the dog's coat oils. The owner should clean the ears and eyes every day to help prevent infections. While a daily brushing of the teeth can help prevent decay, a veterinarian should clean the teeth on a regular basis.

Living Conditions: The Pomeranian makes an excellent companion for indoor living. The dog will play and exercise itself in an apartment or house, but the Pom will enjoy and occasional walk or play session outside. While these dogs are not clingy, they definitely enjoy being around their family. They must be kept inside, and are not suitable for outdoor living.

Keeshond Dog Breed Height, Weight, Color, History and Description

Description: The Keeshond is a member of the Spitz group. This dog is 17 to 18 inches, in height and 35 to 45 pounds in weight. This dog has a stocky build, with a wedge shaped head, small but pointed ears and a medium length muzzle, in proportion to the rest of the body. The Keeshond tail is tightly curled and should be carried high. With good straight legs and catlike feet that are solid and well rounded.

This breed has a dense double coat with a very thick ruff around the neck this is more pronounced in the male of the breed. This breed has a long straight and harsh outer coat. The colours are steel or grey with black tips. The undercoat being cream and pale grey this is soft. The Keeshond coat stands away from the main body, which exaggerates the ruff neck. This breed has a very expressive face.

History: The Keeshond breed has Arctic origins, and was known as a dog of the people, as it was a symbol of the rebellions, against the house of Orange, in the 18th century. This breed, as we know it today, came from the Netherlands. It is known to be part of the German spitz family. It was first seen at the 1899 club the German spitz. And the German standards were revised in 1901, and it went on to be recognized by the British kennel club in 1915 then in standards set in 1926.

The Keeshond was recognized by the club and given its present-day name. Thanks to a man called Carl Hinderer, visiting the AKC. The breed was registered in 1930, he had work hard for this recognition and even had all the German standards translated for the AKC. This dog has been known to be a guard dog and watchdog on river boats and barges, but mostly it has been known for being a companion.

The Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed Makes a Great Companion

The Norwegian Buhund or "Norsk Buhund," is a herding dog of the spitz group, and is the farm dog of Norway. Buhunds have the typical spitz characteristics of activity, self-confidence and independence, but are trainable and home-loving with less inclination to hunt than other spitz breeds, having been bred as herding dogs rather than as hunters and draft dogs. These dogs were taken along by the Vikings on their travels and colonising journeys over 1,000 years ago and were the ancestors of the Iceland Dog. They also are said to have influenced the development of the collie breeds.

They love their family and are known for their fondness of children. Although Buhunds do get on very well with children it would be possible for parents to take this too far. Like any breed, they should not be left alone with unsupervised young children who can easily tease, frighten or hurt a dog without realising it.

This breed has also been trained as a hearing dog, and at least one dog was taken through the training course at the RAF Police Dog training school in the United Kingdom. This dog performed protection work and tracking. It was only its lack of size, which reportedly made it unsuitable for this in a practical situation.

Genetics

Buhunds are often born with double dewclaws on the rear legs; the dewclaws are left on in Norway but are usually removed in Britain and the US.

Breed Clubs

The breed is a registered American Kennel Club Breed with its own club known as the

Norwegian (Norske) Buhund Club of America.

The Norwegian Buhund Club is the Kennel Club registered breed club promoting the interests of the breed in the UK.

Why their Owners Like Them

Norwegian Buhunds are:-

o a medium sized breed, but they are not a toy dog, and are big enough to be a "real" dog. So, for those with small homes and gardens they are particularly well suited. They are smaller than collies and, for example, Labradors, so they are not too big for anyone in reasonable health to be able to handle them with ease.

o are so good as pets because they have a real desire for human companionship. This in particular makes them an ideal family pet as they are very affectionate.

o are vocal and brave but not aggressive. This is a big asset when walking them in town parks and anywhere that chance encounters with people and other dogs may occur. The Buhund owner can relax that this breed will not normally disrupt a peaceful walk by enjoining another dog in an argument. There may be some noise at times but rarely, if ever, anything like a fight.

Breed Characteristics and Variations

The Norwegian Buhund comes in red, black and sandy brown colours.

They are lightly built, with a short, compact body, fairly smooth-lying coat, erect, pointed ears, and a tail carried curled over the back

The coat is smooth and less abundant than some of the spitz dogs and fairly easily to keep.

Within the spitz group the Buhund is a middle-sized breed and a typical Nordic Spitz dog, and has a lively tail that stands vertical and curls.

They may tend to bark somewhat more readily than most breeds. This probably derives from their herding background when high vocality would be an asset.

History

The Buhund is the Norwegian variant of the original small spitz dog type, which quite remarkably goes back to the stone age, and in fact is thought to have already in the stone-age have been widely dispersed throughout Scandinavia.

In the ancient Gokstad excavation in Norway, six spitz-like dogs of various sizes were found within a Viking grave dating back to about the year 900. It is clear that the buhund's ancestors were expected to continue to protect the herds of their owners, even after the death of their owner.

Interesting Facts

Recently Buhunds, together with Norwegian Lundehunds, have been involved in the experimental endeavours of breeders to achieve the recreation of the barking bird-dog of Norrbotten, which had been removed from the list of recognized breeds in1936 by the Swedish Kennel Club. The reason for this was that it was then regarded as extinct. So, one day you may see this breed breeding true again and re-registered.

Conclusion

If you decide that you seek a real dog, in a small package, with a courageous, energetic, and affectionate character the Norwegian Buhund is the dog for you.

You are lucky to have found this web page because the breed is not very well known. Very many of these dogs are simply chosen by people who know somebody who owns one, and they have been delighted with what they have seen.

If the truth be known many just fall in love with the first dog of this breed they get to know, and they decide that they really want the same delightful companionship for themselves. There can be no better recommendation than this!

Steve Evans is a regular contributor of dog breed related articles.

There are more essential details for this dog breed and many others at The Dog Breeds Compendium.