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Rescue a Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz Puppies for Sale
Finnish Spitz
(Suomenpystykorva)
(Finsk Spets) (Loulou Finnoi)
Kati
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Pronunciation |
Finnish Spitz
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Description |
In appearance the Finnish Spitz reminds one of a fox. The body is muscular and square. The head is flat between the ears rounding slightly at the forehead. The narrow muzzle has a pronounced stop and is wider at the base where it attaches to the skull tapering to a point. The nose and lips are black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The dark, almond shaped eyes have black rims. The ears are set high, erect, open towards the front of the dog. The legs are straight when viewed from the front. The topline is level. The chest is deep reaching to the elbows. The plumed tail curls up over the back and down
the side with an abundant amount of hair. Dewclaws are sometimes removed and the catlike feet are round. The double coat has a short, soft dense undercoat with a long, straight, harsh outer coat. Coat colors include various shades of golden-red, red-brown, yellowish-red to honey-colored, with or without small white markings. Puppies are born dark and lighten to a reddish color as they get older.
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Temperament
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The Finnish Spitz is friendly, active, playful, keen and courageous. They can be obedience trained, if the owner has an air of natural, gentle, calm, authority to them. 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. This breed does not fully mature until they are about 3 to 4 years old. The Finnish Spitz is aware of their 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 sometimes 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 require much consistent, patience and understanding. They are good watch dogs, but are not guard dogs. In Finland the Finnish Spitz is nicknamed the "barking bird
dog". They were bred to bark a lot and even participate in barking contests, where it is not uncommon for a dog to bark over 150 times in one minute. They were bred to bark (which can sound like a yodel) continuously to point the hunter in the direction of the game bird, therefore you will never get this dog to be totally silent. If you leave the dog outside for long periods of time without the proper exercise or human leadership they can become a nuisance. Teach this dog enough is enough and to limit their barking. Do not allow them to bark at you, as a dog that barks a their owner is displaying dominance behaviors. With the right owner they can make wonderful pets.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm.)
Weight: 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg.) |
Health Problems |
Generally healthy. |
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. |
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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. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
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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. |
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Origin |
The Finnish Spitz dogs were originally known as the Suomenpystrykorva (the Finnish Cock-Eared Dog ) and the Finnish Barking Birddogs. About 2000 years ago they were brought from the Volga
River Area of Central Russia to what is now Finland, and are considered the National dog of Finland, and are mentioned in several patriotic songs. They were used to hunt small game. When the dog would find their pray they would alert the hunter with their distinctive yodel type, ringing bark pointing with their head in the direction the animal was in. The breed is more popular in Scandinavian countries and less popular in the USA, most likely due to their reputation of using their bark to alert their masters. The Finnish Spitz makes a good bird dog. It
was first recognized by the AKC in 1987.
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Group |
Northern, AKC Non-Sporting |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI,
ACR, DRA |
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
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
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Kati
Photo Courtesy of
Yoshi's Kennel.
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