The Finnish Spitz is a the national dog of Finland. Other names for this breed are the Barking Bird Dog and the Finnish Hunting dog. The name of "Barking Bird Dog" is quite appropriate. When attending dog shows where Finnish Spitz are entered, one can always find the grooming area of this little dog by following the sound of the barking! The breed has been used as a hunting dog in Finland since ancient times and was recognized by the Finnish Kennel club in 1892. In the American Kennel club they have recently been recognized as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. They are gaining in popularity but are still considered "rare" in this country.
The Finnish Spitz dogs have the typical "Spitz" appearance of a brushy coat with emphasis on the ruff at the neck and the bushy curled tail. They are always bright red to apricot in color. Finnish Spitz are easy to care for, the coat is dense and needs regular brushing but the hairs are straight and stiff and relatively short so is not difficult to keep free of mats. This type of coat is what is called "harsh" or "brush" and is always easier to deal with than a long coat that is "soft" in texture. It is a good looking dog, small upright ears and rather pointed face give this dog a fox-like appearance. By nature the Finnish Spitz does not seem to have a "doggy" odor so it is a clean dog to keep in the household.
The breed is relatively free of genetic conditions and the incidence of hip dysplasia is rare although this should be checked before breeding. Their hunting repertoire includes everything from birds to bear and the dog is fearless as a hunter despite its small size of 15 to 17 inches. The Finnish Spitz "points" and usually barks to hold its prey at bay until shot by the hunter.
This is a dog that is considered aloof with strangers, not especially "cuddly" but actually very reserved in nature. Most Finnish Spitz dogs are extremely busy creatures and will give chase at the sight of any other creature, so a fenced yard or supervised walking are necessary at all times. Obedience lessons must be given from the beginning so that this dog will come when called. It is loyal but strong willed and can be stubborn. As a house pet, it goes without saying that it will give voice to loud barking at strangers so it is an excellent watchdog. It also does love children and is very playful. Because this breed is highly curious about its surroundings and has an investigative nature, people who keep them in the house need to "puppy-proof" the environment.
The Finnish Spitz makes a great family dog. She likes older children and is generally good with other pets. She needs plenty of daily walks or a properly fenced in yard for exercise. She does not have a dog odor but can tend to be a barker. She is extremely healthy for a purebred and she is the national dog of Finland.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male and female Finnish Spitz is 15 to 20 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 30 to 35 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Finnish Spitz is no exception. Although she is considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), and patella luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Finnish Spitz has a double coat, a long hard outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. She sheds heavily seasonally. Her coat is pretty much self cleaning but she still should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Finnish Spitz can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Finnish Spitz was bred to hunt elk and bear. They were originally called the Finnish Hunting Dog. They were later turned into bird dogs. She is the national dog of Finland. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1991.
Some Registries: *Finnish Spitz Club of America, Inc. *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 3 to 6 Finnish Spitz puppies
Category: Non-Sporting
Terms To Describe: Gay, happy, fox like, active, friendly, eager, brave, faithful, alert
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS This is a low odor dog. Highly intelligent. Good companion dog. Great for jogging.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS Known for her barking. Can be very strong willed. Sheds heavily during spring and fall. She likes to explore so she must be secured. Often does not like to be petted.
*Other Names Known By: Finsk Spets, Barking Bird Dog, Finnish Hunting Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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