Finnish Spitz Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

38-50 cm

Height

12-18 kg

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Finnish Spitz

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Finlands’ national dog, the Finnish Spitz has the look of a fluffy fox with a golden tint to its reddish hair. This is one of the dog breeds yet to reach the heights of popularity elsewhere in the world that they enjoy in Scandinavian countries thanks to their loyal natures and handsome features.

They get on excellently with adults and small children alike, making them perfect for a family home or in a working one.

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 skillful 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

What is a Finnish Spitz Breed?

The Finnish Spitz bears a striking resemblance to a fox with its long narrow muzzles and soft, red coats.

Their straight, clean-cut heads are longer than they are broad and they have soft ears that they tend to keep cocked. They have a perfect scissor bite with a relatively long muscular neck. The males have a fluffy ruff around their necks which makes them look shorter than the females.

They have compact midsections with well-muscled back legs with proud, pleasingly plumed tails.

The golden-red hair on the Finnish Spitz’s head is short and tight but the rest of their body is longer and stands up. They have a double coat, the undercoat is short, soft, and dense providing protection from the cold climates they come from.

Who is a Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz Grooming & Shedding

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 its 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 a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Finnish Spitz dog?

Finnish Spitz dogs show little variation in size and weight between the sexes with both sexes weighing around 12-18kg when fully grown and standing at 38-50cm at the shoulder.

Are Finnish Spitz easy to train?

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.

How do Finnish Spitz behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Finnish Spitz have any common health issues?

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 Hemolytic Anemia: This condition can cause mild to severe anemia as the immune system attacks red blood cells. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for early detection.
Spitz Dog Thrombopathia: A blood disorder that affects platelet function, leading to increased bleeding risk. Genetic testing can help identify affected dogs.
Cataracts: Finnish Spitz are prone to cataracts, which can impair vision. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring.
Epilepsy: This neurological condition can cause seizures, with varying severity among affected dogs. Consultation with a veterinarian is important for management and treatment options.

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 does a Finnish Spitz need to be fed?

Any Finnish Spitz breeder will give you a feeding schedule that 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.

How much can you expect to pay for a Finnish Spitz in Australia?

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

Finnish Spitz FAQs

Are Finnish Spitz hypoallergenic dogs?

No. This breed of dog is generally a medium shedder all year round and will shed heavier twice a year during Spring and Autumn.

Is a Finnish Spitz ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Not especially. They have the potential to be an independent and stubborn dog breed with a low capacity for boredom and a high tendency to bark a lot. They can take a lot of focus and patience to train, so if you think you have that then they might be the dog for you.

Do Finnish Spitz dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Finnish Spitz dogs can form strong family bonds with their tribe but are independent by nature and good at surviving slightly extended periods of being by themselves.

Can a Finnish Spitz swim?

Finnish Spitzs love water and will take it when they can, especially on a hot day. For this reason, it’s best to keep an eye on them or keep them on a lead when near any potentially dangerous or fast-moving water.