Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a breed originating from Finland and bred for hunting. Its appearance is very similar to that of a fox, with pointed ears, almond-shaped eyes and a bushy tail. They are also known for their active character and characteristic bark.

General details

Dogs of the breed are slender and medium-sized, weighing between 11 and 15 kilograms in males, and between 9 and 13 kilograms in females. The height varies between 44.5 and 51 centimeters in males and between 39 and 46 centimeters in females. The life expectancy of this breed is 13 to 15 years, and they belong to Group 5 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups Spitz and primitive type dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Finnish Spitz is believed to have been developed in the 17th century in Finland. The breed was created with the goal of obtaining a dog that would bark at prey over trees to alert the hunter of its location and also maintain a certain beauty. Mainly, the Finnish Spitz has been used for hunting small animals, such as squirrels and birds. During World War II, the breed's population declined due to hardship, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, the breed was preserved. Today, the Finnish Spitz is known as the national dog of Finland and is common in both Finland and Sweden.

Breed characteristics

The appearance of the Finnish Spitz is similar to that of a fox. The head is wedge-shaped and the eyes are dark, almond-shaped and slightly slanted. The ears are small, pointed and always held erect. Its tail is curved and carried over the back or hanging down. The coat is double, with a short, soft, light-colored undercoat and a moderately long outer coat. In certain areas, such as the tail, upper hind legs and shoulders, the coat is longer and thicker. The coat color is primarily golden red or bright red, although a lighter shade may be noticeable on the cheeks, chest, throat, belly, inner limbs, back of the thighs and tail. It may also have small white patches in its coat. The Finnish Spitz is a highly active dog breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. Known for being cheerful, courageous and fearless, the Finnish Spitz maintains a good relationship with children and other dogs, and is loyal and affectionate to its family members. The Finnish Spitz is a vocal breed, known for its distinctive bark that serves to communicate and alert its owners of possible dangers.

Common health problems

The Finnish Spitz breed is characterized by good health. However, they are prone to develop certain disorders or pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, hip dysplasia, platelet disorder and Shaker syndrome.