Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz - Breed Profile:

Origin: Finland
Colors: Golden-red to honey
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Regular
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Tends to be dog-aggressive
Dominance: High
Noise: Likes to bark

Physical characteristics

The Finnish Spitz is a small to medium size dog that looks somewhat like a fox. The muscular body is square-shaped: the dog's height is approximately the same as the dog's length. The topline is level. The deep chest reaches to the elbows. The front legs are moderately spaced, parallel and straight, with elbows close to the body. The neck seems shorter in males due to their heavier ruff. The head is fox-like, with a narrow pointed muzzle and a distinct stop. The black lips are thin and tight. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The almond-shaped eyes are dark, with black rims. They are set neither too far apart nor too close to each other. The pointed ears are erect and very mobile; they are set high and open towards the front of the dog. The plumed tail forms a single curl up over the back and down the side. The gait is quick and light.
The Finnish Spitz's weight averages 23 pounds for females and 29 pounds for males. The height is 15,5 to 20 inches.

Temperament

The Finnish Spitz is brave, friendly, lively and alert. It can be somewhat aloof, but most individuals enjoy affection and attention and will often demand it. This breed tends to be very protective, so proper socialization and patient obedience training are necessary. Don't let the dog claim the leading position as this can result in various types of unwanted behaviour. The owners should set clear rules and hierarchy in the pack, showing the dog that its place is below humans. A well-balanced and happy Finnish Spitz is a great family companion that is good with children, elderly people and other pets. Good watchdogs.

Coat and grooming

The double coat consists of a short, soft, thick undercoat and long, harsh, straight outer hair. The hair is longest and most dense on the tail plume and the back of thighs. Male dogs have a more profuse coat than females. Even though the Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat (a feature of most Arctic dogs), it still requires regular grooming to remove dead hair.
The Finnish Spitz comes in various shades of golden-red to pale honey. Small white markings on the tips of the toes and a little spot or narrow white strip on the chest are allowed.

Health

The Finnish Spitz is a healthy dog with no known breed-specific diseases. It has one of the lowest rates of hip dysplasia and PRA. The lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Other interesting facts

The Finnish Spitz used to direct the hunter to treed game with its ringing bark or yodel. The breed has been bred for centuries to emphasize the barking behaviour. In the country of its origin, Finland, the dog is also known as the "barking bird-dog". The Finnish Spitz makes a lot of vocalizations, so if a lot of noise drives you crazy, don't get one of these dogs.
The Finnish Spitz is very slow to mature. It reaches its complete adulthood at about 3 to 4 years of age.

Finnish Spitz

Physical characteristics

Temperament

Coat and grooming

Health

Other interesting facts

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