Finnish Spitz is a northern breed which resembles a red fox. This is a lively dog with a keen and intelligent expression. The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, agile and workmanlike dog with no exaggerated or showy features.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Russia
Used for: Hunting, working, companion
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Golden-red, yellowish-red, honey-colored and brown-red with or without white markings
Coat: Double with soft, short and dense undercoat and long, straight and harsh topcoat
Average Height: 16-21 inches
Average Weight: 31-35 pounds
Group: Northern, non-sporting
History and Domestication
The Finnish Spitz dogs were originally known as the Finnish Barking Birddogs and the Suomenpystrykorva (the Finnish Cock-eared dog). They were brought to Finland from the Volga River area of Russia about 2000 years ago and are now considered to be the national dog of Finland. These dogs have even found mention in several patriotic songs of Finland. These dogs were used to hunt small games. When they would spot their pray, they would alert the hunter with their distinctive yodeling and ringing bark and point towards the animal with their heads. These dogs are more popular in Scandinavian countries.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Finnish Spitz resembles a red fox with its muscular and square body. Between the ears, the head is flat but it rounds at the forehead. The muzzle is deep and wider at the base and has a pronounced stop. The lips and nose are black. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped and have black rims. The erect ears are set high. The chest is deep and legs are straight. The feet are catlike and round.
Care, Grooming and Health
Like many other Arctic dogs, the Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat. However, removal of dead hair with combing or brushing is still required. They do not have doggie odor. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.
This is a working dog and needs plenty of exercise including long daily walks and jogs. Running in a large yard will not satisfy its canine instincts. You need to take it out on walks and jogs. If it gets enough exercise, it will be content and proper.
This is a generally healthy breed with no heredity problems.
Living Conditions
The Finnish Spitz can do okay in an apartment and in the absence of a yard, if only it gets enough exercise. The dog is relatively inactive indoors and prefers cooler temperatures.
Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is an active and playful dog. It is keen, friendly and courageous. The breed can be obedience trained by leader with natural and gentle authority. This is a hunting dog but makes a good family pet especially children. These dogs do not fully mature until they are 3 or 4 years old. They need to be socialized well in order to avoid timidity and aloofness. They are generally good with other pets. This is a lively and curious breed, though not overwhelming. They can make good watchdogs but not guard dogs. They tend to bark a lot.
