Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison

Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed ComparisonSpitz is originated from Russia but New Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea. Spitz may grow 32 cm / 13 inches higher than New Guinea Singing Dog. Spitz may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than New Guinea Singing Dog. Spitz may live 4 years less than New Guinea Singing Dog. Spitz may have more litter size than New Guinea Singing Dog. Both Spitz and New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

spitz - historyA spitz is not a breed of dog, but rather a “group or family” of dogs that has its roots in Germany. Within this family there are a variety of breeds that were bred for very specific purposes by people in many different parts of the world. The spitz family can be toy dog size up to vey large. Examples run from the Pomeranian to the Canadian Eskimo Dog.

The Spitz family dogs share the look of thick, long fur and pointed muzzles, ears and curly tail. Despite their German name, they are thought to originally be of East Asia or Artic descent. Most of today’s spitz are from Siberia’s Artic region, first described in 1788 and in English in 1792. Spitz have been bred for three types of jobs depending upon where they were developed. These jobs included pulling, herding and hunting.

There are very powerful and large Spitz breeds that pull or hunt large game. Examples of these breeds are the Swedish Elkhound, the Akita Inu, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog. The smaller sized breeds like the Samoyed hunted small mammals and birds, while the Finnish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, and Swedish Lapphund herded, hunted and pulled small sleds.

The three largest spitz also pulled sleds throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In most places the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Alakan Malamute and the Greenland dog were used in sled racing and fur trapping while in Canada and Alaska the Siberian Husky was used for the same things.

Recently there have been genetic tests that show a large number of dogs that are considered Spitz type so share many strong ancestral ties and DNA similarities with wild wolves. It is now believed that a lot of these breeds were intentionally mated with wolves and some were accidental. Both domestic and wild dogs are included in this history.

Most spitz are made for cold weather, even today’s lapdogs, like the Pomeranian, do not do well in hot climates.

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

Description

spitz puppy - descriptionMost of the spitz breeds share a “look” that includes erect ears, stocky heavy, usually double coats, a pointed muzzle, thick, fluffy ruffs and a heavy curled tail carried high over the body. Build for northern climates they are insulated by a undercoat that is waterproof and dense and a less dense topcoat. Their ears are small to prevent frostbite and their paws have thick fur to protect them in the frigid, icy terrain.

Many still have wolf-like looks and tendencies. Some are very difficult to train to be companions – the Akita, Chow and especially the Karelian Bear Dog – fall into this category. Many mixed breed dogs are also considered members of the Spitz family. These dogs are easy to recognize as spitz because of these physical characteristics

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

Characteristics

Characteristics

spitz dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness excellent with almost all the breeds. Be careful of size. Smaller breeds may not be as friendly and larger may knock down small children.

2.Special talents stamina

3.Adaptability excellent

4.Learning ability excellent

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

Health Problems

spitz puppies - health problemsIt is a little harder to characterize the health issues of a family of dogs than it is a .will overheat in hot climates due to their double coats. Here are some propensities of dogs in the Spitz family.

  • Haemolytic anemia – heritary anemia can be mild to life threatening.

• Thrombopathia bleeding disorder with the risk of a hemorrhage, platets don’t clot.

  • Epilepsy – medication can manage this well.
  • Cancers for different types.

• Larger breeds are affected by Elbow and Hip dysplasia that can cause arthritis and lameness.

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

Caring The Pet

spitz dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy The Spitz family has high energy needs but in a slow-release so they need protein more than grain. Puppies should be fed 3-4x a day in small meals. Don’t overfeed them.

2.Feeding the adult – The Spitz type dog stores their energy to use in extended periods when working or playing. They will become obese if overfed or if they don’t get enough exercise. Feed 2-3X a day in small or medium sized meals, even the larger breeds because of their storage of calories.

3.Points for Good Health endurance and stamina

4. Games and Exercises – Having been bred for endurance and stamina most Spritz breed need plenty of exercise, lots of space and lots of play. They love to run, jog, or play games. They are outdoors types who love to hike, and run or walk for long times over long distances. They are great in cold, wet weather but not so good in the heat. How much exercise they need depends on the size and history of the specific breeds. Most love to play with other dogs, so dog parks and dog day care can both be good choices for most of them. Agility, barnhunt, field trials, pulling games are all good choices.

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
Russia
Papua New Guinea
Height Male:
21 - 70 cm
8 - 28 inches
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Height Female:
20 - 65 cm
7 - 26 inches
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 40 kg
4 - 89 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 37 kg
4 - 82 pounds
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 16 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 19
1 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
numeroud breeds
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Colors Available:
all
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
Coat:
double coated undercoat is coarser
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Cheerful, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spitz vs Other - Breed Comparison
  2. Spitz vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  3. Spitz vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  4. Spitz vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Spitz vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  6. Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  7. Spitz vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  8. Spitz vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  9. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Spitz vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  11. Spitz vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Spitz vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  13. Spitz vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  14. Spitz vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  15. Spitz vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  16. Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  17. Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Spitz vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Spitz vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  20. Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  21. Spitz vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  22. Spitz vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Spitz vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  24. Spitz vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Spitz vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  26. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  27. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  29. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  31. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  33. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  34. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  35. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  37. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  38. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  39. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  40. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  46. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  47. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  48. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds