|
|
Finnish Spitz Puppies for Sale
Finnish Spitz
(Suomenpystykorva)
(Finsk Spets) (Loulou Finnoi)
Kati
|
Find
a Finnish Spitz Breeder
Place an Ad |
|
Rescue a Finnish Spitz
List Your Rescue |
|
Pronunciation |
Finnish Spitz
|
|
Description |
With his pointed muzzle, perked 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. The coat consists of thick,
erect, medium-length hair with a thick under-layer of straight hair. The color may be
red-brown, or a yellowish-red. Small white markings are permissible. Puppies are born much
darker and acquire their reddish coat later. |
Temperament
|
The Finnish Spitz is brave, friendly, lively and
alert. A playful rascal. Patience is
required for obedience training. 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. They are slow to mature, only reaching their
complete adult form at 3˝ to 4 years of age. It is a breed aware of its place in the
dominance hierarchy, and owners need to clearly communicate to the dog that their place is below all humans. Finnish Spitz who believe they are higher in the order can become protective, demanding affection and attention, become domineering and can be fairly dog
aggressive. Meek or passive owners will find them hard to manage. Socialize them well or they can be reserved and even somewhat aloof with strangers. They are generally good with other
pets. This breed is lively and curious, though not overwhelmingly so. They are loyal to
their own families but do follow their handler's orders slavishly. The Finnish Spitz is a
dog that requires much patience and understanding, together with a consistent manner. If
these elements go into its training it can be a very satisfactory pet. Visitors will be
announced, but that is all, it is no defender. 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. The barking can particularly be a problem if the dog must
stay outside for any length of time without human leadership, as he will bark with each and every new event. Teach this dog enough is enough and to limit his barking. Do not allow this dog to bark at you, as a dog that barks a it's owners is displaying dominance behaviors.
|
Height, Weight
|
Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm.)
Weight: 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg.) |
Health Problems |
The Finnish Spitz has one of the lowest
frequencies of any breed of hip dysplasia and PRA. |
Living Conditions |
The Finnish Spitz will do okay in an apartment
and without a yard provided it gets enough exercise. It is relatively inactive indoors and
prefers cool climates. |
|
Exercise |
The Finnish Spitz needs plenty of exercise.
Including daily,
long walks
or a jog, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Simply running around a large back yard will not satisfy the canine's instinct to migrate. With enough proper exercise, it will be content to lay at your feet at night.
They make an excellent jogging companion. |
|
Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
|
Grooming |
The Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat - as
do most other Arctic dogs. Regular grooming with brush and comb is still necessary to
remove dead hair. The coat does not have a doggie odor. This breed is a seasonally heavy
shedder. |
|
Origin |
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 Scandinavian countries. It
was first recognized by the AKC in 1987. The Finnish Spitz is good at hunting for
birds. It also makes a good estate dog and family pet. |
|
Group |
Northern, AKC Non-Sporting |
|
Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI,
ACR |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel Club
of Great Britain
ANKC = Australian National
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Kati
Photo Courtesy of
Yoshi's Kennel.
Squirrel Dogs
Hunting Dogs
|
|
