The Finnish Spitz is a traditional hunting dog of Finland, which goes by the Finnish Cock-Eeared Dog and the Finnish Barking Birddog. This breed nearly went extinct by the late 19th century, which led to reconstruction efforts via the remaining population of native stock.
In 1892, the Finnish Kennel Club recognized the breed, and the dogs later found their way to America in 1959. Breeders continue to use these dogs as hunters in Finland; however, they are primarily companion dogs in the United States.
Finnish Spitz Breed Standard
This breed highlights Nordic breeds’ trademark traits, which are square proportions that are symmetrical and exaggerated; a stable, level back; a heavily plumed, curled tail; and a harsh, stand-off double coat. The Finnish Spitz’s muscular body consists of a deep chest, straight legs of good bone, and rounded compact feet. The dog’s flat skull; narrow, tapered muzzle; black nose; small, high-set, erect ears; and almond-shaped eyes give the breed a lively, foxlike expression.
Finnish Spitz Temperament
The Finnish Spitz’s sharp eyesight and keen hearing make it an excellent alarm dog. However, breeders produced the dogs to bark while hunting. Therefore, if you’re planning on owning one, be prepared to dampen undesirable barking before it becomes a behavioral issue. These dogs are exceedingly intelligent and are proficient at solving problems. This is also a dog that bores easily, which can develop into bad habits if continuously left alone. Finnish Spitz’s are strong-willed and independent, responding best to praise and motivational training approaches.
Just like other Spitz breeds, the Finkie is stubborn and independent. However, they are more hunting oriented than other spitz breeds. Also, Finkies tend to be devoted to one person in the family. This breed is aware of its standings in the dominance hierarchy, and it is not rare to see some males trying to assert dominance. This dog is good with children and other pets but does not do well with strange dogs. It is not friendly around strangers, so make sure you supervise them when company comes over.
Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability |  |
| Exercise requirements | | Protection ability | |
| Playfulness | | Grooming requirements | |
| Affection level | | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs | | Heat tolerance |  |
| Friendliness toward other pets | | Friendliness toward strangers |  |
| Ease of training | |
- POPULARITY: Very rare
- FAMILY: Spitz
- AREA OF ORIGIN: Finland
- DATE OF ORIGIN: Ancient times
- ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Hunting birds and small mammals
- TODAY’S FUNCTION: Hunting
- OTHER NAME: Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets
Activity level: These dogs are hunters and will take off to pursue smaller animals and pets, so they need to be exercised on a lead or in a fenced-in yard. The Finnish is very tolerant of weather extremes. Exercise daily is essential to maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming: This breed is naturally meticulous and clean. Occasional bathing is needed, and we recommend a weekly brushing. However, more brushing is required during seasonal shedding in the spring and fall.
- Coat: This breed possesses a short, soft, dense undercoat and a harsh, straight outer layer that is 1-2 inches in length on the body and somewhat longer and harder textured on the neck and back. The hair is much shorter on the head and legs and longer and thicker on the back of the thighs and plume of the tail. Males carry more hair than females.
- Color: The Finnish Spitz’s coat is bright, clear, golden-red in shades ranging from pale honey to deep auburn. Also, a minimal amount of black hair or white markings are OK in competition.
Health
- MAJOR CONCERNS: none
- MINOR CONCERNS: CHD, diabetes
- OCCASIONALLY SEEN: patellar luxation, epilepsy
- SUGGESTED TESTS: hip
- LIFE SPAN: 12-14 years
- WEIGHT: male: 31-36 pounds; female: 23-29 pounds
- HEIGHT: male: 17.5-20 inches; female: 15.5-18 inches
Finnish Spitz Breeders and Buyers Advice
Deal with a reputable breeder and prepare for a long wait to get a top-quality puppy.
- Parent club: Finnish Spitz Club of America (www.finnishspitzclub.org); founded in 1975
Finnish Spitz Price
The price you pay for a Finnish Spitz will depend on the quality, age, gender, parents, and the breeder. This breed is going to cost you, on average, anywhere from $500 to $2000. However, puppies of top-quality champion lineage will cost you well over the $2000 mark. Adopting a rescue Finnish Spitz is a lot cheaper than buying puppies. Therefore, if you are open-minded, then adopting or rescuing an older dog is an excellent choice.
