PROVET HEALTHCARE INFORMATION - Early Dogs (original) (raw)
EARLY DOG BREEDS - THE SPITZ
Description
Along with Greyhounds the Spitz-type dogs are generally believed to be one of the earliest domesticated dogs in the world. They occur all over the world and the local varieties are considered to be indigenous to the area. This confirms that they are indeed an early form of domesticated dog. They have sharp features to the head, pointed erect ears, rather straight hindlegs with little angulation to the hock and a bushy tail that is carried over the back.
The geographical distribution of this type of dog is summarised in the following table :
| LOCATION | SPITZ-TYPE BREED | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic circle | Sledge dogs :Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malmute, the Eskimo and the Samoyed. | |
| China | Chow Chow | Pottery models exist from 206BC-AD220 (the Han dynasty) Used for hunting dear, putting up birds, sled dogs, guard dogs, for fur and meat. |
| Denmark | Medium -sized Spitz | One of earliest finds in Europe (Mesolithic) |
| Finland | Finnish Spitz | Used for putting up birds |
| Germany | German Spitz | These were large dogs called Pomeranians (not like the small Pomeranians produced by British breeders) and mainly white. Depicted in a painting by Gainsborough dated 1777. |
| Holland | Keeshond | Used as a watchdog |
| Iceland | Icelandic dog | Very similar to the Norwegian Buhund |
| Japan | Akita - 3 sizes | Used for hunting bear and deer. Now used for Police work |
| North Africa and Congo Basin | Basenji | Used for hunting |
| Norway | Elkhound Norwegian Buhund | Used for hunting elk Used for herding, hunting rats and as a watchdog |