The Finnish Spitz is a medium sized breed that is alert and can be highly vocal. They are the national dog of Finland.

Physical Characteristics

• Golden-red to honey-colored double coat; some may have small white markings
• Coat: Thick and medium-length hair with thick under-layer of straight hair
• Black nose and lips
• Dark almond-shaped eyes
• Erect pointed ears
• Plumed tail curled up over the back and down one side
• Height: 15-20 inches
• Weight: 31-36 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament

• Inquisitive, lively, alert, playful, sensitive, loyal, sensitive
• Interaction with people: Good with children; wary of strangers. Tends to be devoted to one family member
• Interaction with animals: Good with other pets. Males can be aggressive toward other dogs
• Bark: Can be highly vocal
• Protection: Good watchdog, very protective

At Home

• OK for apartments
• Needs daily exercise
• Prefers cool climates
• Excellent jogging companion

Grooming

• Heavy shedder seasonally
• Self-cleaning coat (like most Arctic dogs)
• Regular grooming with brush and comb is necessary to remove dead hair
• No dog odor

Brief History

• Native to Finland
• Origins trace back several thousand years to era when Finno-Ugarian people inhabited central Russia
• Finnish spitz were mated with other breeds until 1880 when they were nearly extinct
• The breed was rescued by two sportsmen from Helsinki hunting in the Northern Forests
• Recognized in 1892 by the Finnish Kennel Club

Fido's Facts

• National dog of Finland
• Called the "barking bird dog" of Finland
• Has been known to bark up to 160 times a minute
• Mentioned in several Finnish patriotic songs