PicoPets

Spitz & Primitive Breeds

Independent, Hardy, and Born for Adventure

Spitz and Primitive Breeds are known for their striking appearance, featuring thick double coats, pointed ears, and curled tails. These breeds, which include the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Shiba Inu, and Chow Chow, were originally bred for working in harsh environments, excelling in tasks such as sled pulling, hunting, and guarding. Primitive breeds tend to have a strong connection to their wild ancestors, making them independent and, at times, challenging to train. While they can be reserved or aloof with strangers, these breeds are fiercely loyal to their families, making them excellent companions for experienced dog owners.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Spitz and Primitive breeds are highly energetic and require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy. They were built for endurance and often enjoy activities that allow them to run, hike, or engage in problem-solving tasks. These dogs also have a strong prey drive, so games that stimulate their natural instincts, like scent tracking or fetch, can help keep them engaged. It’s important to note that they can become bored or frustrated if not given enough exercise, leading to destructive behaviors.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Long-distance fetch or running games to burn off energy
  • Scent-tracking games that mimic hunting
  • Tug toys for interactive play and bonding
  • Puzzle toys to challenge their minds
  • Agility courses to keep them physically engaged
  • Hiking and outdoor exploration to satisfy their adventurous spirit

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Spitz and Primitive breeds are often more independent than other dogs, which can make them appear aloof or stubborn. They tend to form strong bonds with their families but can be reserved with strangers, making early socialization essential. Many of these breeds also retain a strong sense of territoriality, which can make them excellent watchdogs.


While they generally get along well with other pets in their household, Spitz and Primative breeds prey drive may cause them to chase smaller animals.

Independent + Reserved

Loyal + Protective

High Prey Drive

Breed-Type General Temperament

Spitz and Primitive breeds are highly independent and intelligent. While they are trainable, they may ignore commands if not engaged. Without enough mental and physical activity, they can become stressed, showing it through barking, howling, or digging. Consistent training, clear boundaries, and providing tasks that challenge both their mind and body are essential for their well-being.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Excessive barking or howling
  • Digging or escaping behaviors when bored
  • Aloofness or stubbornness during training
  • Destructive behavior due to frustration

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Spitz and Primitive breeds are typically hardy, but they can be prone to certain health issues due to their size and build. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common concerns in larger Spitz breeds like the Alaskan Malamute, while smaller breeds may be prone to patellar luxation. Regular grooming is essential for their thick coats, which can otherwise lead to skin issues if not properly maintained. Dental care is also important, as many of these breeds can develop oral health issues over time.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring joint health, especially in larger breeds prone to dysplasia. Consistent grooming, including brushing and bathing, is necessary to maintain their thick coats and prevent matting or skin problems. Additionally, providing a balanced diet that supports joint health and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions. Regular dental care, such as brushing or providing dental chews, helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

3: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Average hydration needs, but ensure regular water intake during intense exercise or hot weather.

Average hydration needs, but ensure regular water intake during intense exercise or hot weather.

3: Innate Immune Function

Generally strong immune function, but breeds with thick coats may be prone to skin irritations.

Generally strong immune function, but breeds with thick coats may be prone to skin irritations.

4: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, requiring regular joint support and monitoring.

Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, requiring regular joint support and monitoring.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Good digestive health, but a nutrient-rich diet is necessary to support their energy levels.

Good digestive health, but a nutrient-rich diet is necessary to support their energy levels.

4: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy demands, especially for working breeds, requiring a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

High energy demands, especially for working breeds, requiring a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

4: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

High intelligence and independence, benefiting from regular mental stimulation.

High intelligence and independence, benefiting from regular mental stimulation.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but thick coats can increase the risk of overheating during exercise.

Generally healthy, but thick coats can increase the risk of overheating during exercise.

4: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Thick double coats require regular grooming to prevent skin issues and promote healthy skin.

Thick double coats require regular grooming to prevent skin issues and promote healthy skin.

3: Heart Health + Circulation

Average heart health, but monitoring is important, especially in larger, more active breeds.

Average heart health, but monitoring is important, especially in larger, more active breeds.

3: Infection + Resistance

Strong overall health, but regular care is needed to prevent infections related to coat and skin conditions.

Strong overall health, but regular care is needed to prevent infections related to coat and skin conditions.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Many Spitz breeds are long-lived, but regular joint and health support are key to ensuring they age well.

Many Spitz breeds are long-lived, but regular joint and health support are key to ensuring they age well.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their active lifestyle and unique health needs, Spitz and Primitive breeds can benefit from targeted supplementation that promotes joint health, skin care, and overall wellness:

  • PicoMyte: Supports joint health, essential for preventing issues like hip dysplasia in larger Spitz breeds and ensuring agility in more active dogs.
  • ReMag®: Promotes muscle function and recovery, especially after long periods of physical activity, keeping these energetic breeds flexible and healthy.
  • Pico Silver®: Provides immune support and reduces inflammation, which can help protect against skin irritations common in thick-coated breeds.
  • Pico Selenite®: Offers powerful antioxidant support, promoting cellular health and longevity, helping Spitz and Primitive breeds age gracefully and maintain vitality.