ARCTIC SPITZ BREED HISTORY

We will briefly go over the history of the following: Spitz breeds, the Siberian Husky, the Pomeranian, American Eskimo & Arctic Spitz (Pomskies)

The Spitz Breeds

Many of these dogs were bred for life in arctic climates and originated in Scandinavia, Russia, North America, and Asia. The word “spitz” in German means pointed. Physically, most spitz breeds have a wolf-like appearance that includes pointy, pricked ears, almond-shaped eyes, a heavy, double coat, and the iconic plumed tail that curves like a sickle over the rear. All of these features help keep them warm when the temperatures drop.

Spitz breeds are often loyal, intelligent, and affectionate, but they can also be independent and bold. Not always suited to the novice owner, these active dogs have working backgrounds, and their tasks ranged from helping hunters find game to hauling sleds with heavy loads to herding animals like reindeer. Their thick coats also need regular grooming to keep the shedding at bay!

There are between 50 and 70 distinct spitz dog breeds, but some aren’t easily categorized because there is no exact definition. A few of the more well-known Spitz breed members include, but are not limited to: Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Pomeranian, Chow-Chow, Keeshond, Eurasier, Shiba Inu, Malamute, Eskimo, Klee Kai, Akita, and many more!

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working sled dog breed. It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings, and is smaller than the similar-looking Alaskan Malamute.

Siberian Huskies originated in Northeast Asia where they are bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sled pulling and companionship. It is an active, energetic, resilient breed, whose ancestors lived in the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. William Goosak, a Russian fur trader, introduced them to Nome, Alaska, during the Nome Gold Rush, initially as sled dogs to work the mining fields and for expeditions through otherwise impassable terrain. Today, the Siberian Husky is typically kept as a house pet, though they are still frequently used as sled dogs by competitive and recreational mushers.

Sled dogs that were bred and kept by the Chukchi tribes of Siberia were thought to have gone extinct, but Benedict Allen, writing for Geographical magazine in 2006 after visiting the region, reported their survival. His description of the breeding practiced by the Chukchi mentions selection for obedience, endurance, amiable disposition, and sizing that enabled families to support them without undue difficulty.

The Siberian Husky

The Pomeranian, as we know it today, descended originally from the Spitz family of dogs in the frozen Arctic region of Iceland. These Spitz dogs were much larger than the modern Pom as evidenced by their primary purpose of herding, pulling sleds, and guarding. In Italy they were used to watch over their owner’s items. The Pomeranians would alert their owner of someone coming or attempting to steal their valuables.

An interesting fact – Germany did not accept the breed to be named Pomeranians until 1974. All 5 sizes were generically called the German Spitz.

In 1888 a Pomeranian named “Marco” was sent from Florence, Italy to become the beloved companion of Queen Victoria of England. Marco weighed 12 pounds. The Queen also imported a 7.5 pound, white female named Gena. The Queen’s love of the breed was clear to everyone who saw her with her dogs. Because the Queen was a popular monarch, the breed’s popularity grew as well. In fact, the Queen is credited for encouraging the trend toward the smaller Poms. At one time, Queen Victoria had 35 Pomeranians in her kennel, and on her deathbed, asked for her Pomeranian Turi to be at her side.

While this Nordic breed has sled dogs, watch dogs and herding dogs behind them, they have been bred for many years for simple companionship. You will find that many Pomeranians today still carry many of the same traits as the breeds behind them.

The Pomeranian

American Eskimo

We are including this breed because it is a qualified “third” breed allowed in the Arctic Spitz genetic makeup (according to APKC guidelines) in small percentages to help further the Arctic Spitz breed in being recognized by the AKC. So when you see a “F2x” generation pomsky, for example, the “X” implies a small percentage of American Eskimo.

The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog, originating in Germany. The American Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family. The breed's progenitors were German Spitz, but due to anti-German sentiment during the First World War, it was renamed "American” Eskimo Dog.

The German Spitz was originally used as a herder, livestock guard, and hunting dog. When they were brought to the United States, they became popular as family pets. Despite what their name might suggest, Eskies were never bred to be sled dogs. They do, however, excel at agility competitions.

In the late 19th century, the American Eskimo Dog became popular with traveling circuses. They were easily trainable and capable of performing entertaining agility stunts. Their bright white coats also looked great in the spotlight. It was the circus that made the American Eskimo Dog extremely popular as a family pet.

The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995.

Arctic Spitz

The Pomsky is believed to have originated around 2009, in the United States and the first record of a Pomsky litter born in the U.S. was in 2012. This hybrid was developed from crossing a Siberian Husky dam with a Pomeranian sire, and F1 generation Arctic Spitz' are mainly bred through artificial insemination to avoid complications. This designer dog became rapidly popular around Europe and North America, and it’s thought to be the most popular designer dog of 2017!

On March 5th 2012, two friends in Arizona, Tressa Peterson of Apex Pomskies and Joline Phillips of Arctic Design Pomskies initiated the first formal plan of bringing the Pomsky breed into existence. Although there are claims of accidental pomsky litters prior to 2012, without verification, its impossible to know if the rumors are true, or what the exact dates and mixes were.

Despite criticism from opponents who claim the development of the breed to be irresponsible, Pomskies have become widely accepted. Many of these protestors are anti-breeder in general or blatantly disregard how all breeds, AKC recognized or not, came into existence.

With responsible breeders and owners alike working together to promote the breed in a positive way, Pomskies can be established as the outstanding family and companion dog they were bred to be. Its hard to say when or if Pomskies will be accepted into the draconian AKC world, but one things for certain: the breed has already achieved a greater tier of acceptance and notoriety than most breeds do in decades.

Our mission is to help this breed thrive and flourish.

aka “Miniature Huskies” or “Pomskies”