Spitz is the name of a family of dogs of far northern descent. Breeds in the spitz family include the Akita, Alaskan malamute, chow chow, Finnish spitz, Japanese spitz, Keeshond, Norwegian elkhound, Pomeranian, Samoyed, and schipperke. All these dogs have sturdy bodies, pointed ears, and thick, harsh coats. Many have curled tails that fall over their hindquarters.
