Hailing from the dense forests of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is a small but very capable hunting dog. It is particularly skilled in tracking and pointing game birds, barking to alert their hunting partner to the direction of their quarry. These lively dogs have been faithful companions to Finnish hunters for centuries, thanks to their agility, alertness, and distinctive bark.
With their fox-like appearance and a cheerful charm, Finnish Spitzes are more than just hunters. They are also great family pets, playful and friendly natured, including with children. They share some traits with the Shiba Inu but are distinguished by their own unique vocalizations and their recognizable coat with hues of red and gold.
The Finnish Spitz is recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto) and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Although still relatively rare outside of Finland, their popularity is growing as more people discover this delightful breed.
They are recognized by the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK in the Hound group and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as members of the non-sporting group. The FCI have them listed as Nordic Hunting Dogs (Section 2) of the Spitz and primitive types (Group 5).
History Of The Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz, like many of the Scandinavian breeds, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Originating from the ancient spitz breeds brought to Finland by migrating tribes, this breed was primarily used for hunting small game and birds.
To this day, they are a breed still prized for its keen sense of hearing and unique barking technique to alert hunters. While still used primarily in their hunting roles in their native Finland, this Spitz has also become a much loved, though still rare, companion dog internationally too.
In the late 19th Century, the Finish Spitz almost faced extinction, as modern transportation opened up more of their native land. What were once relatively isolated towns and villages were much easier to get to and the dogs were widely cross bred with various other breeds. From 1880 and for the next thirty or so years, dedicated selective breeding became a passion project for breeder and sportsman Hugo Roos. His work greatly helped to revive the breed and all modern Finnish Spitz dogs are believed to trace back to his original breeding stock.
The Finnish Kennel Club have revised the breed standard six times since their establishment in 1889, and on their 90th anniversary they named the Finnish Spitz the national dog of Finland.
Breed Origin
The Finnish Spitz is believed to have descended from the spitz-type dogs that accompanied Finno-Ugrian tribes to Finland over 3,000 years ago. These dogs were adept at surviving the harsh climates and landscapes of the region.
Through selective breeding, these dogs evolved into a specialized hunting breed. They were a really important member of the tribe for the small clans of woodsmen that relied on their excellent skills to find and flush out their prey. Excelling in tracking and alerting hunters to game by barking.
Quick Facts About The Finnish Spitz
- Agile and Graceful – The Finnish Spitz is known for its agility and fox-like graceful movement. Originally bred as a hunting dog, its keen senses and nimble build make it excellent at tracking and pointing game birds.
- Friendly and Playful – Finnish Spitz dogs are both affectionate and sociable by nature. Their playfulness and deep bond with family members make them excellent companions. Especially for active households. They are pretty good with other dogs too, used to being part of a community.
- Vocal and Alert – Known for their distinctive bark, Finnish Spitzes are a very vocal and alert breed. They are natural watchdogs, always ready to signal the presence of something unusual. It’s in their pointing nature.
- Intelligent and Independent – This breed is intelligent and can be quite independent. Despite their general good obedience, they have a need for consistent training and mental stimulation to keep them well-behaved. Their strong-willed nature means they do best with experienced dog owners.
- National Dog of Finland – The Finnish Spitz was named the national dog of Finland in 1979. A nod to its cultural significance and history in Finnish society.
Characteristics Of The Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is often compared to breeds like the Shiba Inu and Norwegian Lundehund, and it does share ancestry with these breeds. But at the same time, it has its own distinct traits and care needs which we will get to later in the post.
In it’s native Finland, the breed goes by many different names. Some names go back far, symbolic of the fragmented, tribal and often nomadic nature of the country for centuries past. The most notable name variations include the Suomenpystykorva (its official name in the FCI breed standard description), and a variant of this name, the suomalainen pystykorv. These are native names, both for the same breed. Internationally or in English, they are also sometimes called the Finnish Hunting Dog, Finsk Spets or the Loulou Finois. You might also hear them go by their rather long nickname the ‘Finnish Barking Bird Dog’.
Finnish Spitz puppies
Finnish Spitz puppies typically come in litters of four to six. They should stay with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to develop essential social behaviors. It’s really important for hunting breeds like this, as they can otherwise be very stubborn, disobedient and independently minded.
For those looking to add a Finnish Spitz to their family, the cost can vary. In the United States, prices typically range from $1200 to $2500, depending on breeding quality and demand. They are still quite a rare breed, particularly so state side of the Atlantic. In Europe, prices generally range between €800 and €1,500. In the UK expect to pay more than £500 and to have a fair wait as not many of these dogs have registered litters with the Kennel Club in a given year.
Appearance
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, fox-like dog with a distinctive and attractive appearance. They have a square, balanced body with a slightly arched neck and a proud, lively expression. They have dark, almond shaped eyes and erect, pointed ears giving them a sharp, alertness to their look. Males typically stand 17.5-20 inches tall, while females are slightly smaller at 15.5-18 inches, with a weight range of 20-35 pounds.
These dogs have a very recognizable dense double coat, that is short and soft under, with a long and harsh outer layer. Their tails are bushy and curl gracefully over their back, typical of a Spitz type and adding to their fox-like charm.
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 44 – 50 cm (17 – 20 in) | 39 – 45 cm (15 – 18 in) |
| Weight | kg (25 – 33 lbs) | kg (20 – 28 lbs) |
Coat
The Finnish Spitz has a double coat that is both functional and attractive, but does require a fair amount of brushing to keep it looking tidy. The outer coat is long and harsh, providing protection against the cold arctic elements. The undercoat is shorter, soft and dense, providing plenty of insulation.
Color
The breed’s coat color ranges from golden-red to deep red, with some variations in shade. Puppies are usually born with a darker coat that lightens as they mature.
The AKC describes the breed standard color as Red-Golden, with solid red or gold possible but not as the standard. White markings are also noted as possible but not accepted in the standard.
The FCI are a bit more descriptive in their standard guidelines. They describe the color as being bright red or golden-red on the back with lighter shades around the face, ears, chest and underside. Unlike the AKC, white markings are permitted on the feet or as a spot on the chest in this standard.
Temperament
Finnish Spitz dogs are known for their lively and friendly temperament. They are highly active and alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are also a very social breed, enjoying nothing more than being part of family activities. Their intelligence and curiosity make them quick learners, but they can also be somewhat independent and this can present some challenges in training. Their guarding nature can make them a little wary of strangers and somewhat reserved to begin with, but never vicious.
Lifespan
The Finnish Spitz typically lives between 12 to 15 years, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle contributing to their longevity. The median life expectancy was determined to be 11.2 years in studies carried out by the Kennel Club in 2004 on a sample population, which is slightly lower than for the average for the population as a whole.
Known Health Issues
While the Finnish Spitz is generally a healthy breed, there are a few health issues that can affect them. Understanding these conditions and their treatments can help ensure your dog leads a happy and healthy life.
Hip Dysplasia – This is a common genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which can lead to arthritis or lameness.
- Treatment: Managing hip dysplasia typically involves lifestyle modifications such as weight management and controlled exercise, along with anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Patellar Luxation – This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause discomfort and mobility issues.
- Treatment: Mild cases may be managed with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require surgical intervention to correct the alignment of the kneecap.
Epilepsy – A neurological disorder that can cause seizures in dogs. While it can be alarming for owners, many dogs with epilepsy lead full lives with proper management.
- Treatment: Epilepsy is typically managed with medication to help control seizures. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Elbow Dysplasia – This condition involves abnormalities in the elbow joint, leading to pain and lameness.
- Treatment: Management of elbow dysplasia includes similar techniques to managing hip dysplasia, namely weight control, regular low-impact exercise, and pain relief medications.
Daily Life
Food and Diet
As a general guideline, an active adult Finnish Spitz needs about one and a half to two and a half cups of premium dry kibble per day, divided into at least two meals across the day. Some dogs may do better with their food spread over three meals, if they have a long working day for example. This breed benefits from a diet rich in proteins and fats to support their energetic and agile nature. Ensure the kibble you choose has high nutritional value and minimal fillers, suitable for a medium-sized, active breed. For less active or older Finnish Spitzs dogs, adjust the amount downward to prevent obesity and accommodate their changing metabolism.
For puppies, who are typically more active and growing rapidly, more frequent feedings are recommended. At least three to four smaller meals per day are recommended to support their developmental needs and high energy requirements. This regimen helps maintain steady growth and energy throughout their early, very active months.
Exercise
The Finnish Spitz is an active and energetic breed and it does need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to run off-leash in a secure area are ideal. They particularly enjoy exploring natural settings, so if you like hiking through forests or trails they would love to come along. They also enjoy activities that engage their hunting instincts, such as tracking games.
In addition to physical activities, Finnish Spitzes require plenty of mental activity too. They are a very intelligent breed and benefit from activities that challenge them. Things like puzzle toys, obedience training or agility courses are all good things to add to help mix up their routine too. Interactive play, like fetch or hide-and-seek, can also keep them entertained and mentally engaged. Depending on how strong their prey drive remains with training, they might need to remain exercised in secure areas or kept on a leash to prevent them from chasing after wildlife.
Family Compatability
The Finnish Spitz is a family-friendly breed that gets along well with the whole family and potentially other pets when properly socialized. They thrive in an environment where they are included in family activities and given plenty of attention. They form deep bonds with their family members and are especially good with children. Making them a great addition to active, multi-member households. Not so much for people that live alone though.
As watchdogs the Finnish Spitz does very well, due to their alertness and vocal nature as a ‘pointing’ breed, always ready to signal the presence of something unusual. They are also excellent companions, thriving in homes where they receive plenty of interaction and engagement.
Finnish Spitz dogs, like many intelligent breeds, do not do well if left alone for long periods. They can become bored and may develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors. As such, they are more suitable for family homes where someone is usually around to provide companionship and activities.
Training
Training a Finnish Spitz can be both rewarding and challenging. They are very intelligent and eager to learn but can be independent and sometimes stubborn. Positive reinforcement methods work best, along with consistency and patience. The key is in that last sentence. If you want a well balanced Finnish Spitz you have to invest in this style of training, and keep the session short and engaging.
Socializing
Early socialization is crucial for the Finnish Spitz to develop into a well-rounded adult. They are a strong willed and intelligent breed, and without early exposure to different environments, people and other animals at a young age, they can develop behavioral issues. For a confident and friendly dog, start socializing early. A well-trained and socialized Finnish Spitz will be affectionate and sociable, enjoying the company of people and pets alike.
Grooming
The Finnish Spitz is not as demanding as some of the other Scandinavian breeds when it comes to grooming, requiring a good brush maybe every two to three days. A good tip is to spray them with water first as this helps to run the pin brush through their coat. During the shedding seasons they will need a daily brush and frequent baths as they will moult a lot of hair. Interestingly, females tend to need more grooming than males.
Nail trimming and a good regular check in their ears for grime and wax should also be part of a healthy grooming routine.
Breed Traits
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
| Typically friendly and good with children | Needs plenty physical and mental activity |
| Very adaptable, better with other dogs than most similar Scandinavian breeds | Very active bark |
| Relatively easy to train if consistent | Strong prey drive |
| Good hunting breed | Can be stubborn and independent natured, especially if bored |
Breed FAQs
Are Finnish Spitz dogs easy to train?
They are intelligent but can be stubborn, so consistent and positive training methods are recommended to encourage well-rounded behavior.
Are Finnish Spitz good family dogs?
While they are still very much an active hunting breed in Finland, they do make great companion dogs for active families. They tend to be gentle and affectionate with children, more likely to walk away from annoyance than to lash out. It’s still important to keep an eye on them though with younger or unfamiliar kids that might take fright to their bark.
Summary
While rare outside of it’s native Finland, these active and lively dogs are known for their hunting prowess and unique, purposeful bark. With a friendly temperament, intelligence, and loyalty, they make excellent family dogs. Proper care, training and socialization ensure that this breed does well as an active member of a loving home. They are not for lonely or inactive homes though, and can be a handful to train, so best suited to owners with experience of intelligent hunting breeds.