Finnish Spitz

Fox-Coloured Appearance

With a compact body, upright ears and a bushy tail curled over its back, the medium-sized Finnish Spitz stands out with its red or golden-brown coat. This coat consists of two layers: a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh top coat. The undercoat is usually slightly lighter in colour.

Male dogs can reach a withers height of about 47 cm, while female dogs can be around 42 cm. Their weight varies between 7 and 13 kg, depending on size.

Finland’s National Dog

For centuries, the Finnish Spitz has been used as a hunting companion in northern and eastern Finland. Initially, it was used for hunting smaller predatory animals, moose and waterfowl, later specialising in capercaillie and black grouse: It flushes these large birds into the treetops where they seek supposed safety.

The Finnish Spitz then barks incessantly until its two-legged companion is close enough to shoot the game. The exact development of the breed is not well documented, but it is believed to descend from Spitz-type dogs that have aided people in Russia for over 1,000 years. In the late 19th century, Hugo Roos observed the original Spitz in northern Finland and recognized its outstanding abilities. By promoting selective breeding, he developed the modern Finnish Spitz, although the standard has changed several times since.

In Russia, this breed is also known as the Karelo-Finnish Laika. However, in 2006, the Finnish and Russian breeding associations agreed that both names refer to the same breed. This recognized Finland as the breed’s country of origin, responsible for its standard. Since 1979, the Finnish Spitz has been Finland’s national dog.

© Juha Saastamoinen / stock.adobe.com

Character with Lovable Edges

If you’re looking for a cuddly dog that always seeks its owner’s approval, the Finnish Spitz is not for you. This independent, confident dog likes to decide on its own path and never fully submits. It is exceptionally intelligent and enjoys learning new things but gets bored quickly with frequent repetitions, reducing its willingness to cooperate.

Brave and very vocal, one of its characteristics is a piercing voice – more on this later. A Finnish Spitz can make an excellent watchdog but needs to be linked to its human family. It is friendly towards its owner and enjoys being around children.

Attention: Barking King

We must highlight a particular characteristic of this dog: the Finnish Spitz’s penchant for barking. Remember, in Finland, with a population density of around 16 inhabitants per square kilometre, the nearest neighbour often lives far away. Here, the dog’s loud voice is not only known but also celebrated in barking competitions. This trait is crucial for hunting, aiding the two-legged hunter, who moves less nimbly through the occasionally snow-covered forest. Finnish Spitz dogs don’t just bark; they master various sounds, from short barks to a type of yodelling. Many Finnish Spitz dogs can produce up to 160 barks per minute.

If you’re considering bringing one into your life, be aware of its barking propensity. While you can manage or reduce this tendency, some Finnish Spitz dogs will still bark more than most other dogs – it’s simply in their genes. Those living rurally can use the Finnish Spitz as an excellent watchdog for house and farm.

Training for the Independent

If you’re considering bringing a Finnish Spitz into your home, you should already have some experience with dogs to guide this independent companion to the necessary level of obedience. Don’t expect it to fully submit; this breed is much too self-reliant. Be consistent in all that is important but allow the Finnish Spitz its own way in other areas. With loving consistency and positive reinforcement, you can generally train this dog well.

It is very intelligent and enjoys learning new things, making it cooperative. Take this opportunity during its training. With a young Finnish Spitz, attending a puppy school is beneficial for positive interaction with puppies of other breeds, enhancing and developing its social skills. Also, training basic commands at a dog school is very useful – ideally, find one experienced with the independent Spitz character.

Robust Health

The typical Finnish Spitz is a hardy, weatherproof dog: The breed is barely burdened with specific hereditary diseases. If you’re considering bringing such a dog into your home, buying from reputable breeders is essential, as responsible breeding helps reduce the risk of genetic health issues. Examples include hip dysplasia and problems with the knee and elbow joints.

Speak with the breeder about the health precautions for the parent dogs. You can also contribute significantly to its health by providing a healthy diet and exercise appropriate to your dog’s age and fitness level. Given their northern origin, this breed is heat-sensitive – be mindful of this in warmer weather. Winter walks, on the other hand, are much to this four-legged friend’s liking. The breed typically lives for 12 to 13 years.

Finnish Spitz Nutrition: Healthy in the Bowl

A balanced diet tailored to your dog’s needs is essential for its health. Like all dogs, the Finnish Spitz requires a meat-based diet. Ensure that meat is the first listed ingredient in its food. Avoid grain. This applies whether you choose wet or dry food. With a dry food diet, ensure your dog drinks enough water. Fresh water should always be available.

After meals, your Finnish Spitz should have time to rest and digest – feed it after walks. Treats should count towards its daily ration to maintain a slim waistline. You can also use dry food as a reward. Chewing items like beef ears satisfy your dog’s need to chew. Dental care snacks or freeze-dried meat treats are other tasty and practical rewards to delight your four-legged friend.

Coat Care? Easy!

Although coat care for this dog is relatively easy, it should not be neglected, especially during the coat change. The Finnish Spitz usually sheds heavily in spring and autumn – help it get rid of dead hair by brushing it regularly, ideally daily. This prevents skin irritations that can quickly occur if too much undercoat remains on the dog.

Outside the moulting season, brushing once a week suffices. During this grooming ritual, which you should start with the puppy, check the ears and clean them with a dog ear cleaner if necessary. Regularly inspect the nails – older dogs or those that walk almost exclusively on soft ground may need a pedicure. Use a nail clipper designed for dogs.

Spitz Joy: The Outdoors

The Finnish Spitz loves spending time with its owner and being outdoors. Combine these activities as often as possible with long, extended walks. It’s a wonderful companion for hikes, provided it remains on a lead or its hunting instinct is well-controlled. Training recall from the start is crucial, as frequent repetitions can bore the Finnish Spitz. Seek a shared activity that stimulates its intelligent mind, such as tracking work, which many Finnish Spitz dogs enjoy. Ensure your companion isn’t overworked to keep it motivated and prevent injuries.

Is a Finnish Spitz Right for Me?

The ideal home for a Finnish Spitz is a large rural property with family ties. The breed suits dog lovers who appreciate independent dogs and enjoy outdoor activities, imparting basic obedience with expertise, consistency and patience. It isn’t an urban dog, and its barking makes it unsuitable for apartment living – though with ample activity and patient training, you could have a quiet Finnish Spitz housemate.

As a family dog, with the right activity and training, it is well-suited. It is patient and affectionate with children, forming strong bonds – ensure the dog has a retreat when needed. The Finnish Spitz is unsuitable for warm climates and is not ideal for beach holidays – it thrives in cooler weather.

Before deciding, consider that the dog should be well cared for in sickness and holidays, ideally by someone familiar with its traits. You can take it on holiday, but ensure it won’t disturb hotel guests with its loud voice. Such trips are only feasible with a well-trained Finnish Spitz.

Consider the one-time and regular costs associated with your new pet: Beyond the basic equipment and purchase price from a reputable breeder, potential travel expenses for a puppy from abroad should be factored in. Ongoing costs include quality food, dog tax and insurance, and regular vet visits, including vaccinations and deworming.

Where Can I Find My Finnish Spitz?

Like many other Nordic breeds, the Finnish Spitz is rare south of Scandinavia. In many countries, no Finnish Spitz litters are born within a year – if you’ve fallen for this breed, you’ll often need to travel far to get a puppy. Contact Nordic dog breed clubs that can assist in finding a dog of this breed and may connect you with breeders in Scandinavia.

When adopting a puppy from abroad, research the process thoroughly! Visiting the breeder before deciding is always advisable to meet the parent dogs and see their living conditions. If possible, visit the breeder even when adopting from abroad to ask questions without pressure. Buying a puppy is a matter of trust!

If you desire an adult Finnish Spitz, options in most Central European countries are limited – perhaps consider a future trip to Finland to find one there? Nordic dog breed clubs can also help in this search. Alternatively, a Nordic mix or another Spitz breed might capture your heart?

Tip: Seek your new companion with open eyes and an open heart, as many Spitz mixes have similar traits. Detailed conversations with the adoption agency can help determine if you’re a good match.

We wish you many adventures with your characterful Finnish Spitz!