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© Roughcollie (Karen Arnold) | Dreamstime.com
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Finnish Spitz
Breed origin: Finland
Original purpose: Hunt small game and birds.
AKC recognized: 1991
AKC group: Non-Sporting
Size:
Weight: males 27 to 33 lbs;
females 20 to 27 lbs
Size: Height: males 17½ to 20 inches;
females 15½ to 18 inches
Color: Varying shades of golden-red ranging from pale honey to deep auburn.
Life span: 12 to 15 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland. They are intelligent, active, friendly, lively and eager, faithful, brave but cautious. They have a special love for children and make a great family dog. Because they are highly intelligent but independent and strong-willed, they are best trained with a firm but gentle voice and touch. They are quick learners but are easily bored with repetitive training, and respond better to praise than correction. They have very good vision and hearing and make an excellent watchdog. However, since they do like to bark at anything they perceive as being out of the ordinary, it might become a problem for owners with neighbors in close proximity. Although this is a Nordic breed, they generally do fine with either heat or cold.
Good with children? Yes
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? No
Suitable canine sports/activities: obedience, agility, rally
Grooming requirement: Brush weekly, especially during shedding season, usually twice a year. Bathe only when needed. This is a meticulously clean breed, sometimes giving the impression that they groom themselves.
Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy.
Recommended books for further reading:
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Finnish Spitz
By Anna Katherine Nicholas
Published in 1990
192 pages
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Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Finnish Spitz Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Finnish Spitz National Rescue
DogBreedMatch
