Finnish Spitz Breed Info

Energy ***
Trainng ***
Watchdog *****
Grooming ***

Finnish Spitz are originated from Finland and also known as Finnish pick-eared dog
Size: max: 20 in (H), 35 lbs (W)
Color: red-gold, may have white markings on toes and chest
Coat: dense double coat
Personality: intelligent, independent, friendly, loyal
Care: leashed, socialization, training
Known health problem: heart problems, obesity
Group: non-sporting dogs

Good with children? yes
Good with other pets? no

Finnish Spitz Club

The Finnish Spitz Club of America
www.FinnishSpitzClub.org

Finnish Spitz dog were originally used as watch dogs and for hunting animals such as the black grouse and the capercaille bird. The breed stems from its ancestors, northern Spitz dogs, which were owned by Finno-Ugrian tribes traveling across the lands of Eurasia and Finland.

While most dog breeds experience crossbreeding through time, this dog remained pure due to isolation. In the early part of the 1800s interbreeding with other dogs became common practice once introduced into the region and almost wiped out the original pure Finnish Spitz.

A couple of Finnish sportsman, who saw a pack of these dogs, were so impressed by the look of the Finnish Spitz that they decided to rescue and save the original breed that had apparently not been mixed with other breeds.

During this time, several names were introduced to describe the Finnish Spitz. Suomenpystykorva was one of them. It meant “Cock Eared Dog”. Another name that was used was the Finnish Barking Bird Dog. When introduced to England they were called Finsk Spet dogs. However, in 1891, the name was officially changed over to the Finnish Spitz and inherited the name “Finkie” in England during the 1920s.

Finnish Spitz dog was brought in the United States in the late 1960s. In 1988, they were officially admitted into the non-sporting group category. Finnish Spitz dogs of today are mostly considered to be household pets in the U.S. but are still used to hunt in Finland.

Finnish Spitz dogs are playful, independent and they make excellent watchdogs. They are generally good with children and other pets from the same household, but will bark incessantly when strangers approach. They aren’t very friendly towards other pets, but their cold temperament towards outsiders makes them a loyal protector to its family. This dog can be a bit stubborn sometimes.

Upkeep of the Finnish Spitz dog requires daily exercise needed from long walks or runs outside, so it is highly recommended to have a large fenced-in area for this dog to roam. Due to its hunting ancestry, this dog should be kept leashed in an area that will attract it towards scent hunting otherwise it would run off on its own.

Proper care of the coat is most important. The Finnish Spitz dog 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. Excessive undercoat can cause skin problems and although your dog may look fluffy and full, the undercoat may be causing serious skin problems. These dogs can live up to 15 years, with 13 years being the average.