Finnish Spitz: temperament, size, care and health

About the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, squarely built dog with a foxy head, erect pointed ears, a bright eye and a tail curled over the back. The coat is a glowing shade of red-gold, with a lighter tone on the cheeks, chest and underside and a thick ruff and feathering on the tail. Males are noticeably larger and more heavily coated than females.

The breed is the national dog of Finland, where it is known as the barking bird dog. It was developed to find game birds in forest and keep them occupied by barking while the hunter approached, and people now keep it for its handsome looks, its energy and its alert, cheerful temperament.

Temperament and family life

Finnish Spitz are lively, intelligent and affectionate with their families, with a playful side that lasts well into adulthood. They are generally friendly with children and with visitors once introduced, though some are initially reserved. They are not aggressive dogs but are alert and quick to announce anything unusual.

The most notable trait is the voice. A hunting Finnish Spitz uses a distinctive, rhythmic bark, and the pet version will use it for strangers, squirrels, boredom and excitement. This makes the breed a poor choice for close neighbors. The breed has a strong prey drive, so cats and small animals outdoors may be chased, though household pets known since puppyhood are often accepted.

Exercise and training

The Finnish Spitz needs a good hour of activity daily. Long walks, hikes, off-leash play in a secure area and games that use its nose all suit it. A bored dog barks and digs. The breed is agile and can climb or jump a low fence, and its hunting instincts mean it may wander after a scent.

It is intelligent and learns well, but it has an independent streak and is not as eager to please as a retriever. Training should be consistent, brief and rewarding. Teaching a quiet command early is worthwhile, though no training will remove the barking completely. Socialization to many people, dogs and sounds is important during puppyhood.

Grooming and shedding

The harsh double coat repels dirt and has little odor. It sheds a moderate amount through the year and heavily when the undercoat is blown, usually twice annually, when daily brushing is needed to control the amount of hair. At other times, brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. Baths are rarely required.

Never shave the coat, as it insulates against both cold and heat. Trim the nails, check the ears and brush the teeth.

Health

The Finnish Spitz is generally a robust breed with a modest list of concerns. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are seen in some lines, and eye problems, ear infections and skin allergies are reported. Because the breed is rare, the gene pool is limited, so health testing and genetic diversity matter.

Responsible breeders typically screen hips, knees and eyes. This is general information about the Finnish Spitz, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Finnish Spitz is generally traced to ancient spitz-type dogs that traveled with people into the northern forests of Finland and Karelia. Over centuries, hunters selected for dogs that would find birds such as capercaillie and black grouse and bark at them, and the dog's voice was valued more than a quiet nose. In the late nineteenth century Finnish sportsmen worked to preserve the type, as crossbreeding with other dogs had threatened it, and a standard was written. Finland holds barking contests to name a "King of Barkers." The breed was exported to Britain and later the United States.

Is the Finnish Spitz right for you?

A Finnish Spitz suits an outdoorsy household with a secure yard, no close neighbors and a sense of humor about barking. It can be a loyal family dog for owners who walk or hike regularly.

It is a poor match for apartments, for people who need a quiet dog or for owners who cannot give the exercise. If you like the look but want a calmer dog, the Keeshond is a thoughtful alternative. For a similarly hardy northern hunter, consider the Norwegian Elkhound, and for a smaller, white version of the same type, the American Eskimo Dog.