Spitz vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Spitz vs Greenland Dog - Breed ComparisonGreenland Dog is originated from Greenland but Spitz is originated from Russia. Both Greenland Dog and Spitz are having almost same height. Both Greenland Dog and Spitz are having almost same weight. Greenland Dog may live 3 years less than Spitz. Greenland Dog may have less litter size than Spitz. Both Greenland Dog and Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Greenland
Russia
Height Male:
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
21 - 70 cm
8 - 28 inches
Height Female:
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
20 - 65 cm
7 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
2 - 40 kg
4 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
2 - 37 kg
4 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
7 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 19
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Greenland
numeroud breeds
Colors Available:
grey or silver, tan, beige, white, Mix of cream, black
all
Coat:
Short to medium length, coarse, stand-offish
double coated undercoat is coarser
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Cheerful, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

greenland dogThe Greenland dog is an ancient breed of dog hailing from Greenland. The dog was brought to North American from Siberia hundreds of years ago. In fact the very first dogs arrived in the Americas some 12,000 years ago.

The Greenland Dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but it is recognized by a number of other groups. While the Greenland Dog is valued in Greenland, it isn't particularly well known in other parts of the world.

spitzA spitz is not a breed of dog, but rather a “group or family” of dogs that has its roots in Germany. Within this family there are a variety of breeds that were bred for very specific purposes by people in many different parts of the world. The spitz family can be toy dog size up to vey large. Examples run from the Pomeranian to the Canadian Eskimo Dog.

The Spitz family dogs share the look of thick, long fur and pointed muzzles, ears and curly tail. Despite their German name, they are thought to originally be of East Asia or Artic descent. Most of today’s spitz are from Siberia’s Artic region, first described in 1788 and in English in 1792. Spitz have been bred for three types of jobs depending upon where they were developed. These jobs included pulling, herding and hunting.

There are very powerful and large Spitz breeds that pull or hunt large game. Examples of these breeds are the Swedish Elkhound, the Akita Inu, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog. The smaller sized breeds like the Samoyed hunted small mammals and birds, while the Finnish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, and Swedish Lapphund herded, hunted and pulled small sleds.

The three largest spitz also pulled sleds throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In most places the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Alakan Malamute and the Greenland dog were used in sled racing and fur trapping while in Canada and Alaska the Siberian Husky was used for the same things.

Recently there have been genetic tests that show a large number of dogs that are considered Spitz type so share many strong ancestral ties and DNA similarities with wild wolves. It is now believed that a lot of these breeds were intentionally mated with wolves and some were accidental. Both domestic and wild dogs are included in this history.

Most spitz are made for cold weather, even today’s lapdogs, like the Pomeranian, do not do well in hot climates.

Description

greenland dog puppy - descriptionThe Greenland Dog is a heavily built dog, and between the males and females, this medium to large sized dog can be 51 – 68cm in height and weigh 30 – 35kg.

He has the typical slanted eyes of the husky-type dogs with a keen, alert expression in them. He has small triangular erect ears. The long, bushy tail of the dog is curled over the back of the dog.

The coat is short to medium length and has 2 layers with the outer layer being fairly coarse. The double coat is thick and shortish but also stand-offish, meaning the hair doesn’t lie flat against the dog’s body. Color of the fur is a mix of cream, beige, white, tan, black, grey or silver.

Temperament:

As a working dog, the Greenland Dog is known for its strength, its boisterous nature and speed. Because its a dog that has worked as a pack, it wants a firm, patient, fair, confident owner to bring out the best in him. Being intelligent, independent and work-orientated, it is perhaps not a great choice for the first-time dog owner who may be out of their realm with the demands of these high-energy dogs.

The dog is independent, but he is quite capable of forming a strong, loving bond with his owner. This is certainly a dog that is never going to thrive if he has to lie around the house all day – he is an active dog who wants a task to do and he is going to need plenty of daily exercise.

They’ve always had active lives pulling sleds or hunting for seals and he craves this busy, active lifestyle. He is the kind of dog that shouldn’t live in the city with a tiny garden unless he has an owner who takes time to walk him and exercise him vigorously. He is a dog that will require training and socialization.

spitz puppy - descriptionMost of the spitz breeds share a “look” that includes erect ears, stocky heavy, usually double coats, a pointed muzzle, thick, fluffy ruffs and a heavy curled tail carried high over the body. Build for northern climates they are insulated by a undercoat that is waterproof and dense and a less dense topcoat. Their ears are small to prevent frostbite and their paws have thick fur to protect them in the frigid, icy terrain.

Many still have wolf-like looks and tendencies. Some are very difficult to train to be companions – the Akita, Chow and especially the Karelian Bear Dog – fall into this category. Many mixed breed dogs are also considered members of the Spitz family. These dogs are easy to recognize as spitz because of these physical characteristics

Characteristics

greenland dog dog - characteristicsBred as a working dog, the Greenland Dog, native to Greenland is a high energy dog who is boisterous, lively and social. With training and socialization, he becomes an obedient, loyal and devoted pet.

While he is quite capable of being an awesome domesticated pet, he is essentially a working dog, loving having to be part of a very active lifestyle. He may not be the best pet for a first time owner or a home with small children. This is because he isn't your cuddly, lying-around-the-house, playmate kind of pet. He wants a home and owner similar to himself – strong, active, energetic, bold, independent, strong-willed and firm, and when he gets this, he becomes the splendid pet he is so well known for.

Characteristics

spitz dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness excellent with almost all the breeds. Be careful of size. Smaller breeds may not be as friendly and larger may knock down small children.

2.Special talents stamina

3.Adaptability excellent

4.Learning ability excellent

Health Problems

Eye Disease:

greenland dog puppies - health problemsYour Greenland dog can battle with eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, hereditary or juvenile cataracts and corneal dystrophy. Eye diseases like this can cause a host of problems for your pet and should receive immediate veterinary attention.

Cataracts in dogs are a common problem affecting the eyes of dogs, with there being different forms and causes.The age at which your pet develops cataracts is important for identifying the type of cataract it is because it will give the vet an idea if the cataracts are an hereditary trait in certain dog breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

Nearly every dog can battle with hip dysplasia and it can be a serious concern for active canines such as the Greenland dog.

This joint and bone ailment can start manifesting itself as early as 4 months of age with your pet. This dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur doesn't fit into the pelvic joint the way it should. It can lead to pain, arthritis and lameness with your dog.

spitz puppies - health problemsIt is a little harder to characterize the health issues of a family of dogs than it is a .will overheat in hot climates due to their double coats. Here are some propensities of dogs in the Spitz family.

  • Haemolytic anemia – heritary anemia can be mild to life threatening.

• Thrombopathia bleeding disorder with the risk of a hemorrhage, platets don’t clot.

  • Epilepsy – medication can manage this well.
  • Cancers for different types.

• Larger breeds are affected by Elbow and Hip dysplasia that can cause arthritis and lameness.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

greenland dog dogs - caringAs a medium- to large-sized dog breed, the Greenland Dog will require a high-quality commercial dog food if that is what you will be feeding him. The top quality brands have the right mix of vitamins and minerals in them for health.

However, it is wise to ensure that such an active dog breed gets his quota of raw meat in too. He has been used to eating fish and seal meat and will require this raw diet too. Sometimes if you cook rice, chicken and vegetables, you can add this into his kibble too.

He must never be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Greenland Dogs need to be groomed at least twice a week to keep the thick coat in tip top condition. He sheds throughout the year.

He will also require you brushing his teeth to get rid of plaque which can cause a host of health issues. You get special toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Exercise:

Make sure you give your high-energy Greenland Dog the right dose of exercise. He is intelligent too so he needs walks, games and other activities that contribute towards his physical and mental wellbeing.

He will do well on large properties or farms but won't do well where the space is tiny and where the owners are inactive couch potatoes.

Be careful too that the Greenland Dog isn't exercised immediately after eating as this puts him in danger of developing bloat.

spitz dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy The Spitz family has high energy needs but in a slow-release so they need protein more than grain. Puppies should be fed 3-4x a day in small meals. Don’t overfeed them.

2.Feeding the adult – The Spitz type dog stores their energy to use in extended periods when working or playing. They will become obese if overfed or if they don’t get enough exercise. Feed 2-3X a day in small or medium sized meals, even the larger breeds because of their storage of calories.

3.Points for Good Health endurance and stamina

4. Games and Exercises – Having been bred for endurance and stamina most Spritz breed need plenty of exercise, lots of space and lots of play. They love to run, jog, or play games. They are outdoors types who love to hike, and run or walk for long times over long distances. They are great in cold, wet weather but not so good in the heat. How much exercise they need depends on the size and history of the specific breeds. Most love to play with other dogs, so dog parks and dog day care can both be good choices for most of them. Agility, barnhunt, field trials, pulling games are all good choices.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Greenland Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Greenland Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Greenland Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Greenland Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Greenland Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Greenland Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Greenland Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Greenland Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Greenland Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Greenland Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Greenland Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Greenland Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Greenland Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Greenland Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Greenland Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  22. Greenland Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Greenland Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Greenland Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Greenland Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Spitz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Spitz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Spitz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Spitz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Spitz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Spitz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison