spitz
/spits/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A spitz is a type of dog characterized by a stocky build, a thick double coat, a pointed muzzle, erect ears, and a tail that curls over the back. These breeds originated in cold, northern regions.
Examples
- The Pomeranian is a well-known example of a spitz.
- Many spitz breeds, like the Siberian Husky, were originally bred for pulling sleds.
- Her dog has all the classic features of a spitz: a thick coat, pointed ears, and a curled tail.
Advanced Usage
- The term "spitz" can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe the characteristic features of these dogs.
- The shelter identified the stray as a spitz-type dog.
Variants and Related Words
- Spitz-type: Used to describe dogs that share the physical characteristics of spitz breeds, even if not a purebred.
- Common breeds in the spitz group include the Pomeranian, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, and Finnish Spitz.
Synonyms
- Northern breed
- Cold-weather dog (descriptive, not a direct synonym)
Related Idioms or Phrases
- While not a direct idiom, the phrase "spitz and span" is a common eggcorn (mishearing) of the idiom "spick and span," meaning neat and clean. This is a coincidence of sound and not related to the dog breed.
Noun
- any of various stocky heavy-coated breeds of dogs native to northern regions having pointed muzzles and erect ears with a curled furry tail