Finnish Spitz Overview

The Finnish Spitz, like most Spitz breeds, is durable enough for outdoor living, but is too connected to its family to be a strictly outdoor dog. Devotion is its name, and it needs to be aware of the established family hierarchy. Its daily exercise requirements are moderate, needing a long walk or vigorous play session in an enclosed area. It is important to keep a yard well-fenced, for this dog will wander off in search of prey. Grooming is not too difficult, needing to be brushed once or twice weekly, more when shedding. A unique quality of the Finnish Spitz is its non-oily coat, which prevents it from succumbing to “doggy smell.” The Finnish Spitz is not for everyone. It is a dedicated, serious hunter that needs social contact to thrive. It is best suited for single owners or active families who can devote the time to make it feel wanted.

Finnish Spitz History

Because the Finnish Spitz is an ancient breed, its original purpose is left to speculation. It can be safely assumed that it protected nomadic tribes traveling into Finland, then the breed became hunters once the tribe settled. Centuries of isolation preserved the breed until the 1800s, when foreigners introduced other dogs to the country. Interbreeding ran rampant, and the original Finnish Spitz was nearly bred into extinction. A pair of Finnish hunting enthusiasts discovered a few dogs that were still preserved, and set themselves to the task of resurrecting the breed. Its original name, being lost to history, was replaced by names like “Finnish Bird Dog,” “Finnish Cock-Eared Dog”, and the Swedish “Finsk Spets.” The modern use of the Finnish Spitz is to hunt the capercaille, a Finnish bird that resembles the turkey. The dog runs ahead of the hunter and locates a bird, where it then barks loudly. When the bird moves, the dog follows and resumes barking when it lands. The hunter is lured to the barking dog, where he/she shoots the bird. Popular myth suggests the dog’s barking hypnotizes its prey into paralysis. The breed was renamed Finnish Spitz in 1891, gained the nickname “Finkie” when it arrived in England in 1920, and arrived in the U.S. in 1960. It was recognized in the Non-Sporting group in 1988. Today, the Finnish Spitz is a relatively rare pet. However, it is the national dog of Finland, where it participates in hunting, obedience, and barking competitions.

Finnish Spitz Character

The Finnish Spitz needs social contact to be happy. If left in a kennel or backyard all day, it will voice its displeasure all over the neighborhood. It is a champion barker, and it is not afraid let others know. The need for social contact, however, is anything but a bad quality. It is eager to please, which makes training an enjoyable experience; though it tends to be hard-headed at times. It tends to strongly attach itself to one person, so single owners may benefit over families. With proper socialization, it can get along with other dogs and pets, but it is wary around strange people. True to its hunting heritage, it will gladly chase any small animal if given the chance. Males tend to be domineering around other dogs. It is very patient and gentle around children. The Finnish Spitz is an intelligent, sometimes stubborn, but eternally loving companion.

Finnish Spitz Care

The Finnish Spitz is a meticulously clean dog, sometimes giving the impression that they groom themselves. They should be brushed weekly, especially during coat change and should only be bathed when needed. The Finnish Spitz is a natural (wash and wear) dog on whom no trimming should be done, except under the pads of the feet. Trimming the whiskers or sculpturing for the show ring is to be heavily penalized. Nails should be kept trimmed, ears and teeth cleaned. With an annual trip to the Veterinarian and proper shots, the Finnish Spitz can live a lively long life. A Finnish Spitz 13 - 15 years is not unusual. This dog loves to eat and will do his best to get extra goodies. He is a dog that can easily get overweight, which will cause health problems in the long run.

Finnish Spitz Training

Because of his intelligence, he is an independent and strong-willed dog and cannot be bullied. He can be trained with a firm but gentle voice and touch, and responds better to praise than correction. He is easily bored, so training sessions should be kept short and interesting. Patience is a key word when training a Finnish Spitz. You may feel as if you are making no headway and all of a sudden he will surprise you. Many Finnish Spitz do well in obedience classes if trained with a praise and reward method, as opposed to a heavy hand.

Finnish Spitz Health

Common Health Issues for the Finnish Spitz:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Finnish Spitz:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Finnish Spitz Resources