Finnish Spitz
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- Dog Breed Group
- Hound Dogs
- Origin of Breed
- Finland as a hunting dog for many types of game including bear and squirrel, but is now a bird dog used for flushing wood grouse
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 Years
- Color
- Reddish-brown, red gold on back, preferably bright; lighter shades permissible on the underside.
- Coat
- Short and close on head and front of legs, longer on body and back of legs, semi-erect and stiff on neck and back.
- Exercise Needs
- Enjoys short daily walks, but loves the outdoors and the ability to run free.
- Temperament
- Requires patience and understanding when training as he had the tendency to be stubborn. Need to be trained not to bark incessan
- Good with Children
- Excellent with children and other pets. Makes a good watchdog.
- Grooming Needs
- His double coat should be brush once or twice a week, more when shedding. He does not have a doggy odor and should only be bathe
- Average Size - Male (in)
- 15 - 20 in
- Average Size - Female (in)
- 15 - 20 in
- Average Weight - Male (lbs)
- 31 - 34 lbs
- Average Weight - Female (lbs)
- 31 - 34 lbs
- Health Issues
- Hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and weal elbows.v
- Living Conditions
- Does the best in the country but will adapt to city or apartment living if sufficient exercise is given. Owners should desire an
Breed Description
The Finnish Spitz or Finsk Spets is the national dog of Finland. He is an independent, reserved, cautious and sometimes aloof breed. As he was bred to be a hunter he needs to be kept in a secure fenced yard or he may go off on a hunting expedition. Sensitive and strong minded he is loyal to his human family and loves being with children. Once used as to hunt bear and elk by the Finns, he was called the Finnish Hunting Dog as well as the Barking Bird Dog. Now he is used to hunt grouse and other game birds. Related to the Russian Laika, the breed originated in the eastern area of Finland.
Breed Infobits
The coat of the Finnish Spitz is a double one, with a short, soft and lighter shade of undercoat and a longer, denser topcoat.
The Finnish Spitz most certainly deserves its position as the national dog of Finland.
It is also known as the Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets.
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