Finnish Spitz

Overview of Finnish Spitzs

The Finnish Spitz is a versatile hunting dog that uses its voice to indicate the location of game. it’s mostly used to hunt forest game birds, but also to a few extent as an elk-hunting dog as well as to hunt small game and retrieve birds shot into water. 

The Finnish Spitz is very intelligent and learns quickly but this means that they easily become bored, so it’s essential that there is plenty of variation to keep them entertained and ensure they do not become disobedient.

Finnish Spitz are a fewtimes acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering.

Finnish Spitz Vs German Shepherd Breed Comparison Nella The Finnish Spitz And German Shepherd Mix German Spitz Puppy High Resolution […] They originated in Germany as their name indicates.

Finnish Spitz temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Finnish Spitz-type dogs are excellent hunting dogs that can follow game by smell, hold it against a tree and bark continuously until the master hunter arrives to kill the prey.

The Finnish spitz is a medium-sized dog with a pointed muzzle; short, erect ears; and a lush, golden-red or honey-colored coat that makes the dog look much like a fox.

Finnish Spitzes are believed to have originated from the spitz dogs brought from central Russia by migrants who moved to present-day Finland about 3,000 years ago.

Finnish Spitzes also generally know when to walk away if a child is doing a fewthing they don’t like, compared to a few other breeds that may snap at the child.

Finnish Spitz can suffer from Hip Dysplasia which is said to heritable condition in which the thigh bone doesn’t fit on the hip bone.

Barking

If you live beside neighbors who don’t tolerate the barking of dogs, perhaps you have to stay away from Finnish Spitz as well.

Breed

The Finnish Spitz is particularly good on the feathered game as well.Type and ability were set and the breed was recognized, at last, by the Finnish Kennel Club in the 1920s.When nothing had been done to preserve the purity of the breed by the end of the 19th century, two Finnish sportsmen traveled to the north country to obtain purebred specimens and set up a Finnish Spitz dog breeding program.

Coat

They are cheerful and intelligent dogs which makes a good family breed.With the fox-like appearance, the Finnish Spitz is the Northern breed with small erect ears, dense coat, and curled tail.

Energy

But this is not the case because Finnish Spitz isn’t the most energetic dog at all.In fact, Finnish Spitz has moderate energy.That requires a smaller volume of exercise compared to Border Collie or even Golden Retriever.

Grooming

Find out more about grooming the Finnish Hunting dog here.So grooming needs are sustainable when they come to Finnish Spitz.

Health

Finnish Spitz are generally healthy breed, but like all other breed they are also subjected to have some common issues as they age.Some health problems are as follows

Social

Early socialization is a must for Finnish Spitz.Introducing to new people and animals will help them stay healthy both physically and mentally.They are reserved with strangers and if not checked properly they can develop behaviors like shy and timid.

Training

The Finnish Spitz aren’t lazy dogs.The Finnish Spitz easily gets bored with repetitive sessions so the trainers need to keep the training sessions short by mixing up the routine.Their independent streak often makes training hard.They need vigorous exercise every day in order to avoid boredom and anxiety.

Are Finnish Spitz Dogs Noisy?

Ah yes, they are quite vocal little canines.

Are Finnish Spitz good with children?

This breed is a perfect companion for an active family. They are happy and fairly easy going, which makes them a good match for families that have children. Like any breed, never leave a small child unattended with a dog.

Are Finnish Spitz Good With Kids?

Finnish Spitz are gentle, lively, and playful with children, making them excellent playmates and companions.Play should be supervised with very young children.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? ??

Finnish Spitzes are social dogs that love to be around people and thus make great family dogs.They can become highly attached to their owners, though, and will suffer from separation anxiety if left at home.If you are away at work frequently with no one at home for long periods, the Finnish Spitz may not be the best choice of dog for you.They love children and will play gently for hours with an enthusiasm to match the most energetic of kids.

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Do Finnish Spitz Dogs Need Lots Of Exercise?

In the past, the most successful Finnish Spitz dogs had lots of stamina for accompanying their handler on long hunting expeditions.

Do Finnish Spitz Dogs Shed A Lot?

Finnish Spitzes have a plush, medium length, double coat.

Do Finnish Spitz shed or cause allergies?

With weekly brushing, Finnish Spitz stay exceptionally clean. They do shed heavily twice a year.During this time, they will need additional maintenance during that time to keep the shedding at bay.

Do they require a lot of grooming?

Frequent baths and brush outs are necessary to keep the skin and coat in optimal condition.Keeping the skin and coat clean is the key to keeping your Finnish Spitz in top condition.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Finnish Spitz will usually get along well with other pets, but they are known to be temperamental around smaller animals like cats or dogs of the same sex.If you own any small rodents or birds, this may be too much of a temptation for the Spitz, and you’ll need to keep a close eye on them around these small creatures.That said, early socialization and good training will go a long way in mitigating these risks.

Exercise ??

Finnish Spitzes are high-energy animals that require a great deal of intensive exercise.They have a hunting heritage in which they covered long distances, so a 20-minute walk will not cut it with this active breed.We recommend a minimum of 2 hours a day of intensive exercise.This should include both physical and mental exercise, as these dogs are an intelligent breed that needs their minds to be stimulated too.One session a day should be focused on physical activities like running and jogging, with the other filled with games like fetch and frisbee.

Food & Diet Requirements ??

Finnish Spitzes are active and energetic dogs and will need a diet that matches their high energy and fast metabolism.They will need around 2-3 cups of good quality dry kibble per day, ideally divided into two smaller meals.The dry kibble should be as high quality as possible, and you should beware of filler ingredients like wheat, soy, or corn, as these are often found in commercial dry foods and can be potentially harmful to your dog.

Grooming ??

The Finnish Spitz has a thick double coat that will require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and knotting.These dogs lose their undercoat twice a year, and special attention should be paid at these periods to remove the dead hair.If this undercoat is left ungroomed, it can potentially cause serious skin issues to your Spitz.This undercoat is soft and dense and is covered by a coarse and medium-length coat.They don’t need much trimming, excepting on the pads of their feet.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed.They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

Health Conditions ??

Finnish Spitzes are mostly a healthy breed, but there are potential health conditions to be aware of.These conditions are by no means an exhaustive list, and they may not suffer from any of them at all.

How active is the Finnish Spitz?

Finnish Spitz are very active dogs so need active owners who are happy to be out with them each day and do not have any resentment committing to that.It can adapt to apartment living as long as it gets out at least twice a day for some good long walks, and then has opportunities to play too.But preferably it has access to a yard though.Visiting a dog park where it can play with you, have time off leash and a safe place to run, and even socialize is a good idea.Just take care in hotter months as it can overeat very easily so will need shade and water and opportunities for rest.If it does not get enough mental stimulation and physical activity it will become hyperactive, anxious, destructive and hard to control.It would happily join you for a jog, a hike and such and still makes an excellent hunting dog.In all a good couple of hours a day should be spent having it engaged in physical activities.Any yard should be well fences as some are very good escape artists.Keep it on a leash too when not somewhere enclosed as if it sees a small critter, bird or really anything that moves that catches its interest, it will try to chase off after it.

How is the Finnish Spitz with children and other animals?

This is a great dog to have around children, its energy means it is a tireless playmate for them and it is affectionate towards them too.Socialization and being raised with them does help but in general they are tolerant and tend to just walk away when they have had enough.This means they can even deal with toddlers who can be clumsy and may tug and pull at the Spitz sometimes.Supervision is still advised and children should be taught what is acceptable and what is not.

How Much Does A Finnish Spitz Puppy Cost?

Raising healthy puppies is an expensive occupation.

Is A Finnish Spitz A Good Dog For Me?

This dog is a great choice if you’ve got an active lifestyle and you’re looking for a dog that’s a little unusual.

Is Finnish Spitz aggressive?

This dog goes along well with other pets, including cats, too.Sometimes, the Finnish Spitz can be aggressive towards another dog that he does not know.The Finnish Spitz is also suspicious and aloof towards strangers.This dog is an excellent watchdog and will alert the family if someone is approaching or something odd is going on around his territory.In these cases, the Finnish Spitz will engage in his favorite activity — barking! These dogs bark.A lot! It is important to teach your dog to stop barking on command.Otherwise, they could drive you and your neighbors crazy.They can achieve 160 barks in just one minute.Except for barking, these dogs use all kinds of sound to communicate.

Is The Finnish Spitz Suitable For Everybody?

Unfortunately, no.

Is your dog a Finnish Spitz?

You can use our Dog Scanner app to find out whether your dog is a Finnish Spitz.

Looking for a puppy?

Looking for a Finnish Spitz? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.

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Training ??

Finnish Spitzes can be a challenge to train, as they have a fiercely independent nature and can quickly get bored with repetitive activities.The first rule with training these intelligent pooches is to begin training from the day you bring them home.Early socialization with other family pets is essential, and basic command training and obedience training are essential to get started on early and can begin anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

What if I have a show dog?

Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the maintenance, conditioning, and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of showing dogs. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Finnish Spitz Club of America, www.FinnishSpitzClub.

What is a common problem in Finnish Spitz?

As with all breeds of dogs, the Finnish Spitz does have some breed-specific health concerns.Epilepsy is a real concern for this breed. Diabetes is also an issue seen more in this bred than others.

What kind of dogs are part of your family?

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What will training look like?

The Finkie is a moderately easy dog to train meaning results will come but it will be a gradual process.However some can be more difficult if you run into that independent side along with a lack of maturity.Stay calm and positive with your approach.Show the dog you are the boss, you are the pack leader not it.Offer it treats to motivate it, and also praise its achievements and offer positive encouragement.Keep in mind that they do become bored easily so avoid making it too repetitive, and keep the sessions short, fun and engaging.Some Finkies can be very obstinate and are more dominant so may test you more.Consistency and meaning what you say is essential.

What you should never overfeed a dog?

Carbohydrates.You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used.

What’s the Price of Finnish Spitz Puppies?

The price that you can expect to pay for a Finnish Spitz puppy depends on several factors, including the parents, the breeder, and availability.These dogs are fairly rare in the U.S.and can be difficult to find.If you are in the market for a Finnish Spitz puppy, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000.

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Where Does The Finnish Spitz Live?

I ignore this typically—however, this time, I have to mention it.

Which Breed Are Finnish Spitz Similar To?

Above all, Finnish Spitz are the most wonderful dogs you can ever have in your family.Their protective nature and keeping their loved ones near will make you and your canine to live happily.

History of Finnish Spitzs

In the 1920s the Spitz came to England and enough interest was shown that the Finnish Spitz Club was formed in 1934 and the Kennel Club recognized them in 1935.

In the 1920s, Finland began exporting Finnish Spitz dogs to England, where they first got their easy-to-say nickname “Finkie.”They arrived in America around 1960 and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1988.

In 1834, Wilhelm von Wright wrote about the similar appearance of the barking bird dog and the fox.

In 1875, French explorer de la Martiniere wrote of his encounters with dark red dogs in the far north, up to as far as the Murmansk coast.

In 1890, several hunters and foresters saw the pure breed of Finnish Spitz during hunting and returned home with several specimens in hopes of retrieving the breed.

In 1891, the name was officially changed to Finnish Spitz, and the nickname Finkie became popular after the dog’s arrival in England in the 1920s.

In 1892, a “Finnish barking bird dog” was added to the organisation’s pedigree book.

In 1892, The Finnish Kennel Club officially recognized the breed and was given the official name “Finnish Spitz” in 1897.

In 1927, the first-ever Finnish Spitz arrived in England and were popular enough to warrant registration with The Kennel Club Of England.

In 1933 King George VI gave Corgis to his daughters, the breed has risen in popularity ever since, it has also remained a favorite among royalty.

In 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was officially recognized by the AKC.

In 1959, two pups were born while in quarantine in England.

In 1979, Finnish Spitzes were named the National Dog of Finland.

In 1979, when the club celebrated its 90th anniversary, the Finnish Spitz was declared Finland’s national dog breed.

In 1988 the breed was allowed to be shown and exhibited in a Non-Sporting group.

In 1988, the breed was approved to be shown in the Non-Sporting Group.

In 1991, the Finnish spitz was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the non-sporting group.

In 1993, the Finnish Spitz Club of America became a member of the American Kennel Club.

In 1995, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed with three separate size divisions.

In 1999, German shepherd dogs were third on the American Kennel Club’s list of the Top 50 Breeds.

In the 1800s, people started keeping them as family pets instead of for hunting and they became very popular with the European royalty like Queen Victoria’s court.

In the 1800s, the pure Finnish Spitz was almost wiped out due to inter-breeding when other people came to the region with their dogs.

In the 1800s, the purebred Finnish Spitz was almost wiped out due to inter-breeding when other people came to the region with their dogs.

In the 1880s they were at risk of becoming extinct but several hunters and foresters saw the dogs working during a hunt and came home with dogs to start a breeding program in the hopes of saving them.

In the 1960s, Henry Davidson of Minnesota and Alex Hassel of Connecticut began breeding imported Finnish Spitz.