Spitzer-Spitz (Candidates as dogs, revisited)
He's not a candidate anymore -- and probably will never be again -- but we couldn't resist weighing in on the likenesses between Eliot Spitzer and the Spitz.
So, as an encore to our popular feature, "If the Candidates Were Dogs," which looked at what breed -- in terms of appearance and temperament -- the presidential candidates most resembled, here's our take on the former New York governor.
Spitzer, a married man, left office last week amid reports that he patronized Ashley Dupre, a high-priced call girl who worked for the Emperor's Club, a New York escort service.
As with our earlier series, the information below comes virtually verbatim from kennel club and breed organization descriptions of the Shiba Inu, the breed we have chosen as most representative of the former governor. The Spitz is not a breed, per se, but a type of dog that includes, among other breeds, the Shiba Inu.
Description: With well-developed cheek and almond-shaped eyes, the friendly and extroverted Shiba Inu projects a confident, erect and sturdy appearance. Shiba Inu's name means, literally, "Little Dog."
Behavior: In some ways, the Shiba Inu is said to be very catlike, and sometimes even makes a sound resembling "Meow." In some ways he is all dog -- such as his need for constant human companionship. This is not a dog to be left alone for long periods.
He has a fiery, strong-willed personality, and fox-like cunning. He can behave very territorially. Energetic and agile, he has a high activity level, needs lots of exercise and should have a large, fenced yard.
According to a web site devoted to the breed, "the Shiba enters the world knowing he is a superior being. Whether with intrepid boldness, squinty-eyed cuteness or calm dignity, he is king... If a Shiba could only utter one word, it would probably be 'mine.' 'Macho stud muffin' has been used to describe the male Shiba. The body may look 'muffin,' but the mind is all 'macho stud.' The Shiba takes the spirited boldness part of his temperament quite seriously. Early socialization and neutering are mandatory for the young puppy."
(Photos by Associated Press)
Description: A small, lively breed, originally used, along with fox hounds, to chase foxes. Flat broad skull and deep set almond shaped eyes. First developed and named after the Rev. John “Jack” Russell, in 18th-century Devon, who wanted a dog that could run quickly yet was small enough to flush foxes from their dens.
Description: Known for its lustrous coat of resilient quality and medium length, the breed has a friendly and intelligent expression with perfect symmetry. 
Description: Powerful and sturdy, with a massive skull and a peculiar rolling gait, the Bulldog was originally from Greece and Egypt, where it was used as a guard and attack dog. Later in England, they were bred smaller and began to be used as bull baiters. Bred for tenacity and a high pain threshold. Noted for distinctive loose skin, especially at the head neck and shoulders. 
Behavior: The poodle is noble, elegant and well balanced. They are extremely intelligent and eager to please, high-spirited and anxious to be involved in whatever is going on around them. 
They will not thrive without human contact, and are particularly affectionate and loving with children, making the breed well suited for work as a therapy or assistance dog. 
The sketches used for our entries this week, aka “The Dog Lovers' Guide to the Presidential Election,” were drawn by Susan Donley, a Pittsburgh artist who sold her first drawing in the sixth grade – four portraits of the Monkees, purchased by a classmate for $2. 
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