what breed is this dog?

[greenthumb]

Sorry I don't have a picture. I've been seeing them on the street more often these days, but always being walked too far away for me to stop the owner and ask.

- under 50 lbs
- Fox-like coloration (burnt brown above, white underbelly)
- small feet
- very short, dense coat
- NOT a Shiba Inu (more delicate-framed and less furry than the Shiba)

Your thoughts?

[Kater]

Jindo?

Like on this site..... http://www.kang.org/Jindo.html ??

[Twisterdog]

Basenji?

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/basenji.htm

[greenthumb]

No, the Basenji is too short and his muzzle too long to match the dog I saw. The Jindo is too big, plus his tail doesn't curl under.

try again?

[pegwad16]

I think it sounds like a Siberian Husky

[greenthumb]

Sorry, the Husky is about twice the size and brawn. This dog is fine-boned and not at all thick-coated; there is nothing about this animal that suggests it was bred to haul heavy things or withstand Arctic nights.

[wolflady]

Interesting question! So, would you classify this dog as medium-size? What shape is it's tail? Does it carry the tail above or below it's back? Does it have erect ears? I take it that it doesn't have a foxy face(long pointy snout), but a shorter muzzle? Is it more square in shape? LOL Lots of questions huh?

Hmmmm...I'm thinkin...

Does it look like the Carolina Dog? These dogs are usually 30-40lbs

[greenthumb]

Hm. I'm beginning to suspect the dog I saw the other day had mixed parentage. He looked sort of like the Carolina dog, if you made his ears much smaller, his muzzle shorter, and his coat shorter -- as short as the fur on a Steiff toy animal!

To answer your questions:
- size of dog was about 40 lbs, 24" tall (head height to ground).
- tail is short and curliqued, like an Akita's.
- tail was curled to rest on top of the back.
- ears were erect but not pointing straight up -- sort of pointed out a little.
- muzzle was medium -- not pointy, not square, somewhere in between.

[Kater]

Finnish Spitz?

http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/finnish.cfm

[wolfsoul]

i was thinking finnish spitz too but they have somewhat thick fur

[greenthumb]

This dog must have SOME Finnish Spitz in him/her. The coat was a big difference -- the animal I met had a coat no longer than a half-inch, while the Finnish spitz coat is 2" thick. Also, the Spitz has a certain Husky-esque look to his head that this dog didn't. I'm going to have to collar the owner the next time I see this dog being walked and demand to know the breed!

But thanks so far for all your suggestions.

[Cheshirekatt]

Australian Kelpie? There was one in Joxer's obedience class and she looked like a delicated little brown fox.

[greenthumb]

The Kelpie's ears are much bigger than this dog's were.

I think it was a mix between a Shiba and a somewhat larger, short-coated breed. I am still keeping an eye out for this dog but haven't seen it in the neighborhood! Will post if I do.

Thanks to everyone and their ideas so far!

[lovemyshiba]

You're SURE it's not a Shiba??? That was my first guess, till you said it wasn't. Maybe a mix?? I have a Shiba, and I think he looks different from a lot of other ones (he's cuter, of course)--curly tail, red like a fox, cream underbelly, short hair, but double coated
Here's his pic:


Definitely ask the owner--I'm curious!!

[Desert Arabian]

lovemyshiba- your pup is ADORABLE!!!