Finnish spitz Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Finnish spitz?

Finnish Spitzes were originally bred using dogs from Central Russia by tribes in the far north of Finland who wanted a dog that could take on a breadth of tasks such as hunting small game. Out of this breeding process the Finnish Spitz developed, which was the most skilful hunter and a brave companion.

In the late 19th Century as people moved to different areas of the country, the bloodline of the Spitz began to diffuse as they bred with other dogs. Luckily, the Finnish sportsman Hugo Roos was a fan of the Finnish Spitz and set about building a breeding program to save them from being bred out.

While the Finnish Spitz dog hasn't yet gained the popularity it enjoys in its native Finland. Every Finnish Spitz you see today will be a descendent of the program started by Hugo Roos.

Very few puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club but the Finnish Kennel Club recognized it already.

The waiting lists for these purebred dogs can be long and they're pricey once you reach the front of the queue.

They are relatively popular in Australia, New Zealand, Holland, and America.

Who are Finnish spitz dogs best for?

The Finnish Spitz temperament makes an absolutely fantastic family pet for homes with small children. They have a natural affinity for kids and are very affectionate and playful with them. This naturally kind nature makes them perfect for a family environment.

They are a loyal, good-natured, and intelligent breed that can be a little slow to mature, sometimes retaining silly puppy behaviour until they are four years old.

Their affection and intelligence make them emotionally sensitive, so they don't do well in noisy homes or tense environments and they prefer not to be left alone for any extended amount of time.

They need plenty of space to run around in so are not suited to apartment living. A house with a large garden is a bonus to supplement the minimum two sessions of 30-minute exercise they require every day.

They require patience for training as they are wily and intelligent dogs that will try to outsmart you if they're feeling bored.

How much grooming does a Finnish spitz need?

The Finnish Spitz is a moderate to heavy shedder that will require a weekly brush with a slicker brush. You will need to be more frequent with brushing during Spring and Autumn when they shed heavier.

The Finnish Spitz dog breed is a clean dog that doesn't have a 'doggy smell' and will maintain a soft and shiny finish to their coat with regular brushing and bathing once every 3-4 months.

Trim their nails once or twice a month, or whenever you think it's needed, and brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to prevent any bad breath and maintain healthy gums.

Check their ears regularly for any redness, tenderness, or odour, which could be a sign of infection.

Do Finnish spitz bark much?

When they were still used for hunting purposes, the Finnish Spitz was used as a 'bark pointer'. This means their main task was to locate prey and bark to alert their owner to it with loud barks.

With this in mind it's no surprise that barking is hardwired into their behaviour, so stopping them from voicing their opinion can be curtailed to an extent but stopping it altogether can be very challenging.

Do Finnish spitz bite?

Finnish Spitz dogs have strong instincts to chase and seize any animal that will run from them. Whether or not they will bite isn't certain but they can show aggressive, dominant behaviour towards animals like cats or other dogs of the same sex.

They aren't mean-spirited dogs, they simply perform behaviours they are bred to believe are desirable and they will never show aggression to friends or humans and are more likely to be aloof or cautious around strangers.

What is the temperament & personality of a Finnish spitz?

The national dog of Finland is a bright and lively dog that loves to be kept busy and will happily stay active all day.

If they get vigorous exercise and are mentally stimulated throughout the day then they are happy to cuddle up and relax in the evening. They love being part of a family and show a tremendous amount of love and affection to younger family members.

They tend not to be aggressive towards strangers but instead would rather keep their distance until they warm up to them.

Bred to be hunting dogs, Spitz-type dogs are what's known to be barking bird dogs. This means their harsh shrill bark would not only alert their owner to their quarry but also mask their approach. They maintain a high propensity for barking to this day which can be difficult to coach out of them.

They need to be kept on a lead when they're out for a walk as this breed is likely to pursue any small animals that might cross their path.

What is the weight & size of a Finnish spitz?

Finnish Spitz dogs show little variation in size and weight between the sexes with both sexes weighing around 19-25kgs when fully grown and standing at 38-50 cm at the shoulder.

How much training does a Finnish spitz need?

The Finnish Spitz is a highly intelligent dog that has spent years working alongside humans in a professional capacity. Due to this, they are great at picking up instructions and learning behaviours, both good and bad.

These dogs boast a bit of a stubborn streak that can become an issue when they are adult dogs. With that in mind, it's best to begin training them as early as possible once they are settled into their new home.

With the right brand of sympathetic and gentle training in short and interesting bursts, they are quick learners who excel at sports and work, like agility or bird hunting though they're not so great at obedience tasks.

Finnish Spitz puppies are very cute and it can be easy to spoil them and let them get away with murder when they're so adorable. But you and your Finnish Spitz puppy should establish a working relationship and pecking order early in their lives.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Finnish spitz?

The Finnish Spitz is generally a healthy dog with no striking hereditary illnesses, however like many other purebreds there are a few conditions that tend to affect the Spitz. These include -

• Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia – mild to severe anaemia

• Spitz dog thrombopathia

• Cataracts

• Epilepsy

What is the lifespan of a Finnish spitz?

With the correct care, diet, and exercise an adult Finnish Spitz can enjoy a healthy life for up to 12-15 years.

How much should you feed a Finnish spitz?

Any Finnish Spitz breeder will give you a feeding schedule which it's crucial to stick to at the start of your puppy's life to avoid any upset stomachs. When you do change their dog food it's best to do it gradually so you don't aggravate their gentle digestive systems.

This breed loves to eat and is very treat-driven, so make sure their treats are healthy and try not to overfeed them.

What is the price of a Finnish spitz in Australia?

The average cost o a Finnish Spitz puppy in Australia is between $500-$700.