Spitz and primitive-type dogs
Group 5 includes the spitz breeds (Nordic sled dogs such as the Husky or the Malamute, German Spitz, Shiba, Akita…) and the primitive types that have stayed close to their ancestors, such as the Basenji or the Pharaoh Hound. Independent and often undemonstrative, they need a patient owner.
FCI Group 5, 21 breeds, from the most registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025 to the rarest.
Rank these breeds to fit your life-
Siberian Husky
United States · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · boundless energy · average coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Shiba Inu
Japan · Spitz and primitive types
Small · moderate energy · low coat care
Sheds a lot -
Eurasier
Germany · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · moderate energy · average coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Pomeranian
Germany · Spitz and primitive types
Very small · moderate energy · high coat care
Sheds a lot -
Samoyed
Siberia · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · high coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Finnish Lapphund
Lapland, Finland · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · average coat care
Sheds a lot -
Akita
Japan · Spitz and primitive types
Large · moderate energy · average coat care
Sheds a lot -
American Akita
Japan (developed in the United States) · Spitz and primitive types
Large · moderate energy · average coat care
Sheds a lot -
Chow Chow
China · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · calm · high coat care
Sheds a lot -
Yakutian Laika
Russia · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · average coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Japanese Spitz
Japan · Spitz and primitive types
Small · moderate energy · average coat care
Sheds a lot -
Keeshond
Germany · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · moderate energy · high coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Alaskan Malamute
Alaska, United States · Spitz and primitive types
Large · high energy · average coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Basenji
Central Africa · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · minimal coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Cursinu
France (Corsica) · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · minimal coat care
Struggles when left alone -
Swedish Vallhund
Sweden · Spitz and primitive types
Small · high energy · low coat care
Sheds a lot -
Xoloitzcuintli
Mexico · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · moderate energy · low coat care
-
Finnish Spitz
Finland · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · average coat care
Sheds a lot -
Thai Ridgeback
Thailand · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · minimal coat care
Not suited to apartment living -
Pharaoh Hound
Malta · Spitz and primitive types
Medium · high energy · minimal coat care
Struggles when left alone -
German Spitz
Germany · Spitz and primitive types
Small · moderate energy · high coat care
Sheds a lot
