HEAD

CRANIAL REGION : The Spitz’s medium size head, seen from above, appears broadest at the back and tapers in wedgeshape to the tip of the nose.

Stop : Moderate to marked, never abrupt.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : The nose is round, small and pure black, dark brown in brown Spitz.

Muzzle : The muzzle is not overlong and stands in pleasing proportion to the skull.  (In Wolfspitz/Keeshond, Giant Spitz and Medium-size Spitz the ratio length of the muzzle to length of the skull is approximately 2:3, in Miniature Spitz and Toy Spitz approximately 2:4.).

Lips : The lips are not exaggerated, close fitting to the jaws and do not form any folds to the corner of the mouth.  They are completely black in all colours, brown in brown Spitz.

Jaws/Teeth : The jaws are normally developed and show a complete scissor bite with 42 teeth, corresponding to the teeth formula of the dog, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. In Miniature-and Toy (Pomeranian) Spitz the lack of a few premolars is tolerated. Pincer-bite is permissible in all varieties of Spitz.

Cheeks : The cheeks are gently rounded, not protruding.

Eyes : The eyes are of medium size, longish shape, slightly slanting and dark.  The eyelids are black in all shades of colour, dark brown in brown Spitz.

Ears : The small ears are set high and relatively close to each other, triangular and pointed; they are always carried upright, stiff at the tips.

NECK : The medium length neck is set broadly into the shoulders, slightly arched without throatiness and covered by a thick, profuse coat forming a large ruff.

Last Modified :  07/31/07

Copyright 2005