From: srlee@beta.lanl.gov (Stephen R Lee)
Subject: Re: SPITZ DOGS
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 16:10:31 GMT

>In article <19309@drutx.ATT.COM> mlhb@mammoth.dr.att.com (Sky Warrior) writes:
>|>In article <897@hobby.ukc.ac.uk>, jm6@ukc.ac.uk (J.Mitchell) writes:
>|> 
>|> 
>|> Hello there
>|> 
>|> I'm new to this group so I hope I don't ask any obvious or FAQs. I am thinking
>|> about getting a Spitz type of dog but they are not that common where I come from
>|> so I can't just ask a neighbour etc. about them.
>
>These are terrific dogs (i.e., Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and the
>like)

I'll second that.

>
>|> 
>|> One major problem I have read about these dogs is there 'Call of the Wild' 
>|> nature, from what I have read the second you let them off a lead they shoot off
>|> only to return several hours later, is it true or does it just happen 
>|> occasionally? It would be a real shame to never let a dog like these have a 
>|> good run about for fear of them never returning.
>
>Any dog can be trained to come when called, but the so-called Spitz type dogs are
>notorious for disappearing.  Think about it, these dogs were bred for energy to
>pull sleds for long distances.  You can channel that energy into such activities
>as mushing, weight pulling, skijouring, and backpacking (the latter three need
>only one dog).  Personally, I would not let any dog run loose unless, 1. I knew
>this dog was properly trained to come, and 2. I supervised the dog while off
>leash.

This is quite correct.  None of my dogs are what I would call "perfect recallers."
In my case, is  does not matter becuase I never let them run loose.  I have
chanelled that energy into mushing, and the dogs love it of course.

>
>|> 
>|> One other minor point is about their smell, if I understand correctly this type
>|> of dog does not have a particularly 'doggie' smell, is that right or is the 
>|> book I read wrong?
>|>
>
>Trust me, they smell like a dog.  However, there are ways to minimize the smell
>on all dogs.

Oh, I dunno....Mine do not smell at all.  The keep themselves notoriously clean,
sort of cat like at times.  They smell slightly doggy if they get wet, but
nothing like other dogs I have seen.  Perhaps I have just been lucky, but
my dogs don't smell.  Nor do other Siberians and Mals I have met.  Like I said,
perhaps I have just been lucky.

> 
>|> Any reply by email or to this group would be gratefully recieved
>|> 
>|> JOHN
>
>I would recommend you do *a lot* of breed research before getting a dog.  Read
>books on the dogs you're considering and talk to local breed clubs.  (You'll find
>good breeders there too).  Learn the standards for the breed and get to know the
>dogs personally.  You may decide these dogs may not be the kind you want. 
>Remember, a dog is an *investment*.  An investment of money, time, and, of
>course, emotions.  Realize too that dogs are not disposable objects.  There is a
>lot of responsibility associated with them.  I have an FAQ on new dog ownership. 
>If you would like it or would like to discuss the breeds in question in more
>detail, please contact me.

Indeed, the dogs personality and how well it would fit into your lifestyle.  
These are energetic dogs, that need something to do.  Does not have to be
mushing, but some outdoor activities are a must.  You have to ask yourself
if the types of things you like to do would fit in with the type of dog you
are considering.  Feel free to e-mail me as well if you have questions.

>
>Sky Warrior
>
>-- 
>-----------------------------                                              
>SKY WARRIOR aka MLH Bonham  | "Good tea.  Nice House." -- Lt. Worf
>mammoth!mlhb@druhi.att.com  |----------------------------------------------
>mlhb@drutx.ATT.COM          | SKY WARRIOR RACING KENNELS - Coming to an
>                            | Iditarod near you!
>----------------------------- 


-- 
============================================================
Stephen R. Lee                 | 
OooWoo Racing Kennel           | I'd rather be driving sled
E-Mail: srlee@beta.lanl.gov    | dogs.
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs