Finnish Spitz Dog Breed

Finnish Spitz dogs, or Suomen-pystyykorva as they are known in Finland, is a gundog whose ancestors date back some 3,000 years. The Finnish Spitz, itself, is not quite that old and the original type is said to have mixed greatly with other European breeds; in fact, the purebred Finnish Spitz was so rare by 1880 the breed has to be pulled from the brink of extinction by fanciers Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos. Although in almost every country the breed is primarily a family companion, in their native land they are still hunting dogs. They are known to track birds until they settle in trees-- they then begin to wag their fluffy tails and bark repeatedly to distract the bird while the hunter takes his/her shot. No wonder the breed has been called the "Finnish Barking Birddog". These very vocal canines are not well known in America but are a part of the AKC's Non Sporting Group. They make excellent companions for active owner, families with children and those that love the outdoors. Consider the following Finnish Spitz facts before committing to the breed:

The Finkie is clearly a Nordic dog-- the golden-red, foxy coat is very thick. She is small-medium sized but you wouldn't be able to tell by her off the charts lung capacity for barking-- part of her hunting style. She has the prick ears and curled tail characteristic of Spitz-type canines. Happy and lively, this doggy isn't for everyone-- in fact, in addition to being an active, outdoorsy person, it's best if you're also an experienced dog owner. This section will give you the 101 on the Finnish Spitz dog. We will briefly touch on the intelligence, temperament and exercise requirements that are covered in detail in other sections.

Members of this breed are intelligent but also stubborn and independent. They need early, firm training and easily get distracted with monotonous repetition. Socialization is also extremely important as the Finkie is naturally weary or strange people and can be aggressive towards strange dogs. This probably isn't the best match for a first time owner. A well trained one can excel in agility and tracking activities.

Finnish Spitzes are known to be excellent dogs for families with kids. They love to play and don't typically get snappy. Typically, the breed does well with dogs, and even cats, that they were raised with. Don't expect them to warm up quickly to newcomers-- they are usually aloof around unfamiliar people and can be aggressive with new dogs.

Lively and playful, the Finnish Spitz needs daily outdoor exercise. A minimum of two 30 minute walks is recommended per day. Ideally, the owner will have a large fenced yard but it isn't necessary. Hiking, agility training, tracking and even obedience training are all ways to exercise your Finkie's body and mind.

There are several other breeds of Finnish Spitz dogs, however, don't get confused between the Finnish Spitz breed and Spitz type dogs from Finland. We know this may be confusing but the Finnish Spitz (which is also called the "Suomen-pystyykorva" or the "Finsk Spetz") is its own breed. There are other Finnish breeds that are of the Spitz variety but they also have their own breed names such as the Finnish Lundehund. The term "Spitz" simply refers to a type of dog that hails from a cold weather region and typically has triangular, erect ears, a weatherproof coat and a tail curled over the back.

There are no size variations considered standard for this breed. This means you aren't likely to find a miniature Finnish Spitz and, if you do, consider that purebred dogs bred down for size often come with more health issues.

The Finnish Spitz temperament is playful, energetic and loving. The Finkie is still utilized as a hunting dog in Finland but everywhere else is considered a family companion. Being part of the family is something this breed takes very seriously; he/she is not an outdoor only dog and thrives in the home where they can take part in the household. They are not apartment dogs, however, and do best in a home with easy access to a fenced yard. They are playful, energetic dogs that must get daily outdoor exercise-- a lonely, bored Finkie is prone to nuisance behaviors like excessive barking and digging. Members of this breed require a good deal of patience to train and should be kept leashed when not in a fenced area.

The Finnish Spitz personality is very friendly to those they know well and consider part of their "pack". Otherwise, they are usually aloof and weary around strangers. The Finnish Spitz's characteristics of being extremely vocal and while being intelligent and alert make them excellent watch dogs. They aren't good guard dogs but will stand up for themselves if necessary. Finkies are excellent with children and make loving playmates for them; Inugami Finnish Spitz breeders say they are the type of breed that will walk away from a rough, disrespectful child rather than get snippy. It goes without saying that every adult should teach their children how to respectfully handle pets. Members of this breed also do quite well with other dogs and cats but can be aggressive towards those they are not raised with.

The Finnish Spitz dog breed is exceptionally hardy with an average lifespan of 13-15 years. There are no serious diseases or disorders that are well documented within the breed. Occasionally, you may see the following conditions:

• Joint problems such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Eye Problems

Note that even the above health issues are not that common. To keep your Finnish Spitz as healthy as possible, there are a few things you can do at home. Feed your pet according to your veterinarian's or the company's instructions-- an obese dog is far more likely to develop health problems. Keep up with your dog's dental care; brush the teeth as often as possible and you can also buy dental chews and treats. Finally, don't skip your yearly veterinary check ups even if your pet seems well.