Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz Facts

Finnish Spitz Information

Finnish Spitz Description:

Finnish Spitz Care & Grooming:

Finnish Spitz Health Problems:

Group:	Non-sporting
Size:	Medium
Life Span:	12-14 years
Height:	Male: 17-20 inches
	Female: 15-18 inches
Weight:	Male: 30-35 lbs
	Female: 25-30 lbs

Coat :	Outer coat is hard and straight. Undercoat is soft and dense
Gait :	Quick and light
Color(s) :	Various shades of golden-red
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Medium
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk and jog
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Finland
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Bird Hunter
Other Name :	Suomenpystykorva, Loulou Finois

The origin of the Finnish Spitz lies in Finland where they were used for hunting animals. This breed was bred by the Finno-Ugrian tribes who bred these dogs according to their specific requirements. However, by the end of the 19th century, with the advent of improved transportation, this breed began to be cross bred with several other breeds, and thus, the original lineage began to become extinct. It was an athlete from Finland named Hugo Roos who found a pure Finnish Spitza and thus started a dedicated breeding program to save his breed. After three decades of careful breeding, the modern variety of this breed became popular in Finland and other European countries. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1991.

The Finnish Spitz is a medium sized dogwith a square body and a fox like appearance. It has a well defined head like that of the fox; a narrow muzzle which tapers towards the end; almond-shaped, dark colored eyes; high set ears which are prick shaped; a black nose with wide nostrils; thin, taut lips which are black in color with teeth which meet in scissors bite. The tail is set just below the level of the back, has a pronounced curl and is carried over the back. The legs are strong, straight and in proportion to the rest of the body. This breed has a double coat with a hard, straight and medium in length outer coat, and a short, soft and dense undercoat. The color of its coat can be various shades of golden-red.

The Finnish Spitz is an active and a brave breed. It is excellent with kids as well as other dogs. However, it can be reserved with strangers. Hence, socializing is required at an early age. This breed tends to bark a lot due to its innate ability to help the hunter find the prey. Their incessant barking may cause a problem to the neighbors, and thus, they are not very well suited to city life. Although aggressive and agile, it does not make for a good guard dog. It makes for a good watchdog. The breed is very easy to train and responds to obedience training. It is comfortable indoor as well as outdoor, so is well suited to an apartment life.

The Finnish Spitz is a seasonal shedder. Its hard and thick coat is easy to maintain. Brushing its coat 2-3 times in a week with a firm bristle brush and almost daily brushing during shedding season is sufficient to maintain a healthy looking coat. It should be bathed only when necessary and must be dried properly after each bath. Its eyes and ears should be cleaned properly to avoid any infection. Its nail and the hair around eyes, ears and paws should be trimmed regularly.

This is an active dog and thus requires lots of daily exercise. Daily long walks are essential to keep the dog healthy both physically and mentally. Walks should be supplemented with jogging or running every now and then in an open but secured area. It tends to gain weight quickly so should not be overfed. This dog is prone to bloat, so small frequent meals are recommended instead of a large meal.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Finnish Spitz is prone to some health issues like Epilepsy, hip and elbow Dysplasia, Patellar luxation, bloat etc.

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