Episode 12: The Spitz Breeds

In this episode, we travel way back in time to some of the earliest types of dogs that developed alongside humans for the mutual benefit of dog and man. These dogs are classified as spitz dogs, named for their pointy ears and muzzle. While the various breeds are found around the world and used in a variety of working tasks, they all share a few key characteristics: a thick coat, pointy ears, a short muzzle, a tail that curls up and over their back, and an independent character that harkens back to their earliest ancestors.

Not all spitz dogs are currently used for hunting, though they can all trace back to early hunting roots. Today, spitzes are used to pull sleds, herd livestock, guard property, provide companionship, as well as hunt birds, small game, and big game.

One interesting example of the spitz, though now extinct, is the Salish Wool Dog. These small, white dogs were developed and raised by the Coast Salish indigenous people of what is now Washington and British Columbia. They were deliberately managed for their thick, luxurious fleeces, which were sheared each spring and spun into prized blankets and other textiles.

As for hunting spitzes, the most primitive style of hunting is that done with Korean Jindos. The hunter would release his pack of dogs, who went out into the forest and hunted down big game such as a deer or boar. Once the animal was down, one dog would return to the hunter to alert him to the kill and to lead him to the site, while the rest of the pack remained with the game to protect it from scavengers.

In Scandinavia, spitzes such as the Finnish Spitz are used to locate and tree forest game birds such as the Capercaillie. Once treed, the dog will carefully bark at the bird to hold its attention and distract from the approaching hunter. This allows the hunter to cautiously approach and take the bird from the tree with either small caliber rifle or a shotgun. Small game is taken in much the same way, with the dog holding the game at bay until the hunter can arrive. Large game such as moose require a similar approach, because the moose will often stand its ground and face down the dog while the hunter approaches undetected.

Overall, hunting spitzes represent a versatile range of skills in pursuing prey and working cooperatively with the hunter. Tune in to hear more discussion of this fascinating type of hunting dog and learn more about how they have been and continue to be used around the world.

As always, we thank you for listening and hope you’ll continue to reach out with your comments, questions, and ideas. We can be reached at HDC@northwoodscollective.com.

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Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food