Norrbotten Spitz

The Norrbotten Spitz is probably descended from a prehistoric Laika-type dog living with the hunting peoples of the North Cape. The cradle of this breed is Norrbotten County in Sweden, where for centuries the dogs were used for hunting sable and ermine, as part of the fur trade. After World War II, fur prices decline and the population of the breed decreases drastically. The disappearance of the Norrbotten Spitz is announced by the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK). However, a few dogs used as companion and guard dogs are found in Norrbotten about a dozen years later. In 1967, the breeding register is reopened and a new standard is published.

The Norrbotten Spitz is attentive and a good guardian. As a hunting dog, the Norrbotten Spitz must be attentive and courageous, giving the impression of an alert, active, friendly and confident dog. It is never nervous, fearful or aggressive.

The Norrbotten Spitz is a small Spitz-type dog, square, compact and sturdy, with dry and strong musculature. Of medium size, the eyes are almond-shaped and placed obliquely, they are dark brown in color. The ears are set high, of a size slightly above average, of triangular shape and well erect. The tip is slightly rounded. Set relatively high, the tail is carried in an arc, loosely curled, the tip touching the side of the thigh. The outer coat is hard, short, straight and rather tight, with fine and dense undercoat. The muzzle, skull, ears and front of the limbs are covered with short hair. Around the neck, on the back of the thighs and on the underside of the tail, the hair is longer. The ideal coat is white base with yellow to red markings. Other colors are admitted but less frequent.