Dog Breeds - Finnish Spitz

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
Assessing the level of affection a breed is likely to display towards family members and individuals they are familiar with. Certain breeds may exhibit a degree of aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest companion and friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
Considering the general friendliness a breed tends to display towards other dogs. It is important to always supervise and carefully manage interactions and introductions between dogs. However, some breeds inherently have a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs both within the home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed is likely to leave behind. Breeds that shed more will require more frequent brushing to manage loose hair and they are more likely to trigger allergies related to pet dander. Additionally, they may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean from stray hairs.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Evaluating the grooming requirements of a breed in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks. It is important to consider factors such as the time, patience and budget you are willing to allocate for grooming when selecting a breed. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming for their overall well-being.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Considering the drooling tendencies of a breed. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that are prone to excessive drooling, leaving ropes of slobber on their arms or creating wet spots on clothes may not be the ideal choice.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Assessing a breed's typical attitude towards strangers. While individual dogs may vary, some breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers regardless of the situation or location, while others are generally more open and eager to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Considering a breed's inclination towards playfulness even beyond the puppy stage. Some breeds tend to retain their enthusiasm for play such as engaging in activities like tug-of-war or fetching well into their adult years. They may exhibit a high energy level and enjoy interactive playtime
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Considering a breed's inclination to alert their owners of the presence of strangers. Some breeds are more likely to react and signal any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are typically vigilant and possess a heightened sense of awareness. However, it's important to note that once strangers are accepted by the family and allowed into the house these breeds are likely to become more welcoming and warm towards them.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Assessing a breed's adaptability to change encompassing alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other fluctuations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Considering a breed's trainability and willingness to learn. Dogs can vary in their ease of training and their desire to learn new things. Some breeds are highly trainable and have a strong desire to please their owner, making them more receptive to learning and following commands. These breeds may be motivated by praise, treats or engaging in activities with their owners.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Assessing the exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed. Different breeds have varying energy levels and requirements for physical activity and mental stimulation. High-energy breeds are typically primed for action and thrive with regular opportunities for running, playing and engaging in vigorous exercise. They require activities that can challenge them both physically and mentally to prevent restlessness and behavior problems.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Certain breeds are more reserved with their bark standing to bark only in specific situations such as when they perceive a potential threat or when they are seeking attention. It is also worth noting that some barkless breeds may still express themselves through other sounds or vocalizations to communicate their needs or emotions. Understanding a breed's vocal tendencies is essential in choosing a dog that aligns with your preferences and living environment.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
These breeds may thrive when provided with activities that engage their decision-making skills problem-solving abilities and concentration. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may become bored and may engage in behaviors or activities to occupy their minds, which may not align with the owner's preferences or desires. Providing appropriate mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle games, training sessions and other mentally engaging activities can help fulfill a breed's mental needs and contribute to their overall satisfaction.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

Assessing the level of affection a breed is likely to display towards family members and individuals they are familiar with. Certain breeds may exhibit a degree of aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest companion and friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

Considering the general friendliness a breed tends to display towards other dogs. It is important to always supervise and carefully manage interactions and introductions between dogs. However, some breeds inherently have a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs both within the home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed is likely to leave behind. Breeds that shed more will require more frequent brushing to manage loose hair and they are more likely to trigger allergies related to pet dander. Additionally, they may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean from stray hairs.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Evaluating the grooming requirements of a breed in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks. It is important to consider factors such as the time, patience and budget you are willing to allocate for grooming when selecting a breed. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming for their overall well-being.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Considering the drooling tendencies of a breed. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that are prone to excessive drooling, leaving ropes of slobber on their arms or creating wet spots on clothes may not be the ideal choice.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Assessing a breed's typical attitude towards strangers. While individual dogs may vary, some breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers regardless of the situation or location, while others are generally more open and eager to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Considering a breed's inclination towards playfulness even beyond the puppy stage. Some breeds tend to retain their enthusiasm for play such as engaging in activities like tug-of-war or fetching well into their adult years. They may exhibit a high energy level and enjoy interactive playtime

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Considering a breed's inclination to alert their owners of the presence of strangers. Some breeds are more likely to react and signal any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are typically vigilant and possess a heightened sense of awareness. However, it's important to note that once strangers are accepted by the family and allowed into the house these breeds are likely to become more welcoming and warm towards them.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Assessing a breed's adaptability to change encompassing alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other fluctuations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Considering a breed's trainability and willingness to learn. Dogs can vary in their ease of training and their desire to learn new things. Some breeds are highly trainable and have a strong desire to please their owner, making them more receptive to learning and following commands. These breeds may be motivated by praise, treats or engaging in activities with their owners.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Assessing the exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed. Different breeds have varying energy levels and requirements for physical activity and mental stimulation. High-energy breeds are typically primed for action and thrive with regular opportunities for running, playing and engaging in vigorous exercise. They require activities that can challenge them both physically and mentally to prevent restlessness and behavior problems.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Frequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

These breeds may thrive when provided with activities that engage their decision-making skills problem-solving abilities and concentration. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may become bored and may engage in behaviors or activities to occupy their minds, which may not align with the owner's preferences or desires. Providing appropriate mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle games, training sessions and other mentally engaging activities can help fulfill a breed's mental needs and contribute to their overall satisfaction.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Red Gold	152
Red	140
Gold	091

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Finnish Spitz is a lively breed from Finland, known for its flame-colored coat, fox-like face and prick ears. They are fearless hunting dogs with a unique style of tracking and indicating their prey, earning them the nickname "Barking Bird Dog." Finnish Spitz dogs are symmetrical and have a balanced body structure, standing not more than 20 inches tall at the shoulder. Their dense golden-red coat, which is never monochromatic gives them a distinctive "glow." They are easily recognized by their lively expression and their tail which curves and is plumed.

These dogs have a bold and brisk gait, reflecting their energetic nature. They excel as alert dogs, being cautious but not shy around strangers. Finnish Spitz are known for being vocal, and their barking and yodeling are embraced by their owners. In fact, in Finland there are even contests held to crown a "King Barker." Finnish Spitz are not only active canine athletes but also eye-catching show dogs. They are recognized for their intelligence sensitivity and captivating companionship.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A FINNISH SPITZ

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Finnish Spitz: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Finnish Spitz in the United States and Canada are generally healthy and do not have significant health concerns. Reputable breeders prioritize the screening of potential breeding dogs for conditions such as patella, elbows, hips and eyes, resulting in a low incidence of affected dogs. New owners are advised to have thorough discussions with their breeders about the care and upbringing of Finnish Spitz puppies. This includes understanding the need to limit vigorous exercise during the growing phase and avoiding early spaying or neutering until the dog reaches maturity, typically around 3 to 5 years old. These precautions help ensure the overall well-being and long-term health of the Finnish Spitz. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: No recommended health test

Grooming

	The Finnish Spitz is considered a "natural" breed that requires minimal grooming and is often referred to as "wash and wear" by owners. The breed standard is quite specific and no trimming except for the feet is allowed. Whiskers should not be trimmed either. Altering the coat through coloring, dyeing, trimming, scissoring or any other means is strongly discouraged and considered a fault. To maintain the Finnish Spitz's coat, lightly spraying it with water and using a pin brush every two to three days is sufficient. Hot blow-drying should be avoided as it can dry out the outer coat. During shedding seasons, which occur twice a year daily brushing or giving the dog a bath followed by a cool-temperature blow-dry and brushing can help speed up the shedding process. A good quality comb and slicker brush are useful for removing the undercoat. It should be noted that intact females often experience more severe shedding compared to spayed females.

Exercise

	Finnish Spitz were originally bred for hunting in dense woods, which means they have the stamina to cover a significant distance. Therefore, it is important to have a securely fenced yard to ensure their safety and prevent them from wandering off. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and should not be kept away from them. They thrive when they are in close proximity to their loved ones and enjoy being an integral part of the family unit.

Training

	The Finnish Spitz is known for its high level of intelligence, which can make training a bit challenging. It is advisable to keep training sessions short and engaging making sure to incorporate fun elements. Providing ample praise and rewards is crucial in motivating and reinforcing desired behaviors. As is often the case food tends to be a universal motivator for this breed. Pay attention to cues from your Finnish Spitz during training sessions as they will indicate when they have reached their limit and need a break.

Nutrition

	The metabolism of the Finnish Spitz is remarkably efficient especially considering its primitive nature as highlighted by breed experts. This efficiency indicates that the breed can quickly become overweight if overfed. To maintain an optimal condition and weight it is recommended to provide high-quality dry dog food. It serves as a suitable and balanced source of nutrition for this breed. While treats can be valuable for training purposes it is important to offer them sparingly. Excessive treat consumption can contribute to weight gain in Finnish Spitz. Additionally, when it comes to table scraps it is generally advised to limit their intake or avoid feeding them altogether. This precaution applies especially to cooked bones and foods with high fat content as they may pose a risk to the dog's health.

Historiography

The history of the Finnish Spitz dates back approximately 3,000 years when migrants from central Russia brought their spitz-type dogs to what is now Finland. These early predecessors of the modern Finnish Spitz were versatile hunting dogs employed for various purposes. Over time they specialized in hunting gamebirds.

Finnish Spitz, also known as Finkies or Finns have a distinctive bird-dogging style. Their keen sense of smell guides them to treed birds. Once they locate the birds they captivate them by slowly wagging their tail and emitting a unique 'yodeling' sound or rapid-fire barking, reaching an impressive rate of 160 barks per minute. The swishing tail also served the purpose of allowing hunters to spot the dog amid the dense forest enabling the game to remain in place until a hunter with a rifle arrived to complete the task. Finkies are also proficient at flushing and trailing birds towards trees.

By the late 1800s, the Finnish Spitz faced the threat of extinction. Thanks to the efforts of two passionate Finnish individuals Hugo Roos and Hugo Sandberg, who embarked on an extensive promotional campaign the breed was saved from near oblivion. By the end of the century the Finnish Spitz was officially recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club.

Around the 1920s, the breed was exported to England, where early enthusiasts like Lady Kitty Ritson gave them the nickname 'Finkie,' a term still used by English-speaking admirers today. In the United States, Finnish Spitzes arrived around 1960 and began participating in competitive events within the American Kennel Club's Non-Sporting Group in 1988.