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

1. any of various stocky heavy-coated breeds of dogs native to northern regions having pointed muzzles and erect ears with a curled furry tail