<b>History:</> The Finnish Spitz was brought from the Volga River Area of Central Russia to what is now Finland by hunting tribes about 2000 years ago. The national dog of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is even mentioned in several Finnish patriotic songs. The breed is now widely known throughout the Scandanavian countries. It was first recognized by the AKC in 1987. The Finnish Spitz is renowned as a hunting dog, and also makes a great companion for family members of all ages, especially children and older adults. The Finnish Spitz is a people's dog.
<b>Description:</> With his pointed muzzle, prick ears and glorious golden-red to honey colored double coat, the Finnish Spitz looks quite a bit like a fox. The nose and lips are black and the eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The erect, pointed ears open towards the front of the dog. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The topline is level from the withers to the croup and the deep chest reaches to the elbows. The feet are round and cat-like. The plumed tail curls up over the back and down the side. The dog's body is squarish, with a proud carriage.
<b>Notes:</> This breed is called the "barking bird dog" of Finland; in contests these dogs have been known to bark up to 160 times a minute! The Finnish Spitz has been bred for centuries to emphasize the barking behavior. He also makes many other vocalizations, so if a lot of noise will drive you crazy, don't get one of these dogs. The barking can particularly be a problem if the dog must stay outside for any length of time, as he will bark with each and every new event. Very slow to mature, only reaching his complete adult form at 3-1/2 to 4 years of age. Buy only from OFA and CERF certified stock as a precaution, even though the Finnish Spitz has one of the lowest frequencies of any breed of hip dysplasia and PRA.
<b>Personality:</> Brave, friendly, lively and alert. A playful rascal. Somewhat aloof, but enjoys, and demands, affection and attention. Patience is required for obedience training. Very protective.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Fluffy coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, and guarding.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> FINNISH SPITZ
Slide 1 -AKC, SKC, Mex., and Int. Ch. Finkkila's Marsu. Bred and owned by Dr. Tom T. and Marg G. Walker, Finkkila's Finnish Spitz. Photo copyright: Sara Nugent; Slide 2 (and small picture) -Foxy. Owned by Shelia Goodwin, bred by Dr. Tom T. and Marg G. Walker, Finkkila's Finnish Spitz. Photo copyright: Samuel D. Goodwin.
