The Spitz
This dog will not go unnoticed, even by the layman, as it is one of the few breeds that have retained their original characteristics despite the greatest neglect in breeding.
In the past, the spitz was a very common and popular dog, and there was probably not a farm or lorry that didn't have a spitz as a guard. But the previously mentioned neglect in breeding resp. Crossbreeds have made themselves felt and a really good race pure Spitz is hard to come by and where one does appear at shows, a well attended and attractive exhibit.
The spitz is a tireless guardian and restless controller of the house under his command. Not allowing himself the slightest rest, constantly barking, he searches and rummages through every corner, and nothing is hidden from his keen eyes.
His fierce fighting spirit spares nothing, and everything has to be attacked, not even the harshest punishment can stop him. He is cowardly and takes to his heels in front of superior opponents. The Spitz is not recommended for children, as it does not tolerate teasing and is therefore dangerous; Quarrelsome, cowardly, stubborn and grumpy are his salient characteristics.
There are currently 4 varieties in Germany, namely white, black, gray and the Pomeranian, which latter differs only because of its smaller figure.
Head:
Medium size, broadest at back and gradually tapering to tip of nose. Overall, the head appears fox-like.
Snout:
pointed, bridge of nose straight and narrow, nose small and black. lips taut.Eyes: medium-sized, dark and slanting.
Ears:
small, triangularly pointed, set high, erect and with a stiff tip.
Neck and Torso:
Neck of medium length, straight back, deep chest, arched at the sides, stomach moderately tucked up backwards. Because of the abundance of hair, it will not be possible to judge the individual parts of the body more closely.
Runs:
Medium length, stocky, and straight, the hind ones slightly curved at the hock.
Ruthe:
Rather long, set on high, arched firmly on the back, ringed at the sides.
Hair:
on the head, ears, feet, as well as on the inside and outside of the front and hind legs, short, soft and dense. The rest of the body long and softly hairy. Hair particularly long and standing straight on the neck, chest and shoulders. On the forelegs, from the elbow to the ankle, feathers that gradually run downwards; the same extends on the hind legs only to the hock. Ruth very hairy.
Color:
Pure white and pure black without any markings, and wolf gray with lighter markings, similar to the Dachshund.
Source: KYNOS. Handbook for assessing the race purity of dogs., Jean Bungartz (Thier painter and President of the Hamburg Association for the Promotion of Pure Dog Races.), Stuttgart, PUBLISHING PAUL NEFF, 1884