The Finnish Spitz, also known as Suomenpystykorva, is a captivating dog with a rich history and distinctive appearance. Over the years, this dog has carved out a special place in the hearts of many people, not only in Finland but also in other parts of the world. But what makes this dog so special? Let’s delve deeper into its history and appearance to learn more about this unique canine.

History of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is an “old-timer” in Finland, but little is known about its exact origins. What we do know is that it has always been a loyal companion to the local population. Bred to be robust and suitable for everyday use, snow and ice pose no problem for it.

It has made a name for itself as a tireless hunting companion, especially due to its powerful, loud voice. When following a trail or cornering prey, it signals with its voice. This helps the hunter to follow it even in the snow and find the prey. In Russia, it is also known as the Karelian-Finnish Laika. Interestingly, the Finnish and Russian kennel clubs have agreed that Finnish Spitz and Karelian-Finnish Laikas are the same breed, with Finland setting the standard.

Appearance of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is an impressive sight. It can grow up to 50 cm tall and weigh up to 13 kg. Its coat varies from reddish-brown to golden-brown and is long, standing, and stiff, with plenty of undercoat. This not only gives it a majestic appearance but also protects it from the cold temperatures in its homeland.

Its small, erect ears are typical of Spitz breeds, and its tail, carried over the back, completes its characteristic appearance. This dog exudes elegance and strength and is a real eye-catcher wherever it appears.

Personality and Character

The Finnish Spitz is a breed distinguished by its original characteristics of hunting dogs. It is an independent and self-assured companion, often used as a guard dog. In everyday life, this adventurous four-legged friend needs varied activities as it quickly becomes bored.

It is a clever dog that constantly seeks new challenges. Although it has a lot of self-confidence and a desire for independence, it is friendly and affectionate towards its favorite humans. However, it is often distrustful of strangers. A special trait of the Finnish Spitz is its propensity to bark, which is even measured in bark competitions in Finland.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	High

Acquiring a Finnish Spitz

If you are considering getting a Finnish Spitz, there are some things to consider. In the United States, this breed is rare, so it is important to approach reputable breeders. They can often provide documents about pedigree and medical examinations.

A Finnish Spitz is not a lap dog and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It is ideal for active people who want to spend a lot of time in nature. A house with a garden would be ideal, but it can also be kept in a larger city apartment as long as it gets enough exercise.

Development and Training of the Puppy

A Finnish Spitz is best acquired as a puppy, as they are easiest to train at this stage. Consistency is the key to successfully training this independent creature. If you allow too many exceptions, they might interpret this as weakness and try to take control. It’s important to have experience with dogs since the Finnish Spitz doesn’t readily obey commands and prefers to maintain its independence.

They require daily exercise and should not be kept constantly indoors. Their natural propensity to bark can be problematic in an apartment, so it’s important to teach them early on when it’s appropriate to bark and when it’s not.

How to Care for a Finnish Spitz?

The Finnish Spitz is a lively and active dog that needs plenty of space to run and play. A large garden or yard would be ideal for them. If you live in an apartment, make sure to provide them with daily walks and enough exercise.

This dog is particularly suitable for active people. Singles who enjoy being outdoors and want to spend a lot of time with their dog will find great joy in them. Retirees who maintain an active lifestyle can also get along well with the Finnish Spitz. Families should note that this dog is very child-friendly and gets along well with children. So, it’s a good choice for families with kids.

As for other pets, the Finnish Spitz can sometimes be territorial. It’s important to socialize them with other animals from a young age so they get along well with them. Cats and other small pets might pique their interest, so make sure they feel secure.

Activities with the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz loves to be active. Daily walks are a must, and the longer, the better. They have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. In addition to walks, you can also try dog sports like agility or obedience with them. They will love learning new tricks and working with you.

It’s also a good idea to engage them with toys that stimulate their mind. Puzzle toys and intelligence toys can help keep them mentally sharp and prevent boredom.

Grooming a Finnish Spitz

Caring for a Finnish Spitz is not too complicated. Their coat is medium-length and dense, so you should brush it regularly to prevent matting. Once a week is usually sufficient. During shedding season, which typically occurs in spring and autumn, you may need to brush them more frequently.

Also, pay attention to their ears, eyes, and teeth. Clean them regularly to avoid infections and other problems. A healthy Finnish Spitz is a happy Finnish Spitz, so make sure to provide them with the best care you can.

Health and Genetic Diseases

The Finnish Spitz is known for its robust health. This breed is hardly affected by specific genetic diseases. If you’re considering adding such a dog to your family, it’s important to buy from reputable breeders.

These breeders reduce the risk of genetically related diseases through responsible breeding. Some dogs may have a predisposition to hip dysplasia or issues with knee and elbow joints. Therefore, it’s advisable to discuss the health care of the parent dogs with the breeder. You can also make a significant contribution to your dog’s health through a healthy diet and tailored exercise.

Originating from the far north, the Finnish Spitz is rather sensitive to heat. Therefore, you should exercise special caution in warmer seasons. In winter, on the other hand, this dog loves walks. On average, this breed reaches an age of 12 to 13 years.

Interesting Facts

The Finnish Spitz has a long history and is closely associated with Finnish culture. For centuries, it has been used as a hunting companion in northern and eastern Finland. Originally, it helped in hunting small game, moose, and waterfowl. Later, this dog specialized more in capercaillie and black grouse hunting.

Little is known about the exact development of the breed, but it is believed that the Finnish Spitz descends from spitz-type dogs that have existed in Russia for over 1,000 years. In Russia, this dog is also known as the Karelo-Finnish Laika. Interestingly, the Finnish and Russian breeding associations have agreed that both designations refer to the same breed.

Since 1979, the Finnish Spitz has even been Finland’s national dog. Another interesting fact is its propensity to bark. In Finland, there are even bark competitions for this breed. Some Finnish Spitz dogs can bark up to 160 times per minute!