Finnish Spitz: Breed Characteristics, Care & Exercise Needs
Detailed Facts & Information

Group: Northern, AKC Non-Sporting

AKC Ranking: 147

Also Known As: Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets

About Finnish Spitz

Origin The Finnish Spitz was brought from the Volga River Area of Central Russia to what is now Finland by hunting tribes about 2000 years ago. The Finnish Spitz has been the national dog of Finland since 1979. Description With his pointed muzzle, perked ears and glorious golden-red to honey-colored double coat, the Finnish Spitz looks quite a bit like a fox. The nose and lips are black and the eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The topline is level from the withers to the croup and the deep chest reaches to the elbows.

The feet are round and cat-like. The plumed tail curls up over the back and down the side. The dog's body is squarish, with a proud carriage.

Coat

The coat consists of thick, erect, medium-length hair with a thick under-layer of straight hair. The color may be red-brown, or a yellowish-red. Small white markings are permissible. Puppies are born much darker and acquire their reddish coat later.

Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm.)

Weight: 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg.)

Personality

The Finnish Spitz is brave, friendly, playful, intelligent, strong-willed, affection-seeking, protective, lively, curious, a bit dominant and alert. The Finnish Spitz is renowned as a hunting dog, and also makes a great companion for family members of all ages, especially children and older adults. Reserved and even somewhat aloof with strangers, but generally good with other pets. The Finnish Spitz does not like to be petted and fondled, even as a baby. The breed is very noisy and is aptly called "barking bird dog" of Finland.

Living Conditions

The Finnish Spitz will do okay in an apartment, even without a yard provided it gets enough exercise. It is relatively inactive indoors and prefers cool climates.

Training & Excercise

The Finnish Spitz needs plenty of exercise, and need to be taken on daily, long walks or a jog.

Because of his intelligence, it is an independent and strong-willed dog and is best trained with a soft voice and touch. He will easily become bored with repetitive training and so sessions should be kept short and to the point, making patience a must-have for any owner. Obedience, agility, rally and field training should be understood from the dog's point of view. The dog doesn’t take punishments too well. Top trainers have found Finnish Spitz to be manipulative and sometimes too smart for their owners.

Grooming

The Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat. Regular grooming with brush and comb is still necessary to remove dead hair. The Finnish Spitz blows coat or loses its undercoat twice a year. It is imperative that owners brush out the old undercoat so the new coat can grow properly. The coat does not have a doggie odor.

Health Issues

The Finnish Spitz is typically a very healthy breed, and health concerns are rare. However, Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Elbow dysplasia and Epilepsy might occur. Excessive undercoat can cause skin problems.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 yrs.

Breed Club:  www.finnishspitzclub.org/

Rescue Link:  www.finnishspitzrescue.org/