Finnish Spitz

Get to Know Finnish Spitzes

• National Dog of Finland: The Finnish Spitz holds a special place in its native country, Finland, where it is celebrated as the national dog. The breed's history stretches back over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest native breeds in the region. Finnish Spitzes were highly valued by ancient Finns for their versatility, companionship, and ability to thrive in harsh Nordic climates. Today, the breed remains a source of national pride, with its red-gold coat and lively demeanor symbolizing the spirit of Finland.
• Unique Barking Style: Known for their 'yodeling' bark, which is used to alert hunters to prey. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Finnish Spitz is its reputation as a masterful barker. Originally bred as a hunting dog in Finland, this breed excels at "barking treed game." It uses its sharp, melodic bark to signal hunters when prey, such as birds or squirrels, is spotted in trees. Remarkably, Finnish Spitzes are known to bark with such precision that hunters can gauge the prey’s location and movements from the tone and rhythm of their bark. This unique skill earned the breed the nickname "The Barking Bird Dog."
• Fox-Like Appearance: Visually striking, the Finnish Spitz is instantly recognizable by its foxlike appearance. Its thick double coat, which ranges from golden-red to deep auburn, not only provides insulation but also adds to its regal charm. The breed’s pointed ears, alert expression, and plume-like tail that curls over its back further enhance its resemblance to a fox. This unique combination of physical traits makes the Finnish Spitz one of the most visually captivating dog breeds.
• Loyal and Devoted: Finnish Spitzes are known for their friendly, playful, and outgoing personalities, making them excellent family dogs. They form strong bonds with their human companions and are particularly good with children due to their gentle nature. While they are independent thinkers, a trait inherited from their hunting background, they thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and interaction. These dogs are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, making them enjoyable to train.
• Surprisingly Clean: Finnish Spitzes are also recognized for their cleanliness. Much like cats, they often groom themselves, making them one of the tidiest dog breeds. This self-cleaning behavior is complemented by their minimal doggy odor and relatively easy grooming requirements. However, their vocal nature means they are better suited to homes where their barking is appreciated, or where it can be channeled productively. Their talkative nature, paired with their cleanliness, makes them a unique and endearing companion.

Breed History

The Finnish Spitz, known as the national dog of Finland, is a lively and vocal breed originally developed to assist hunters in tracking game such as birds and small mammals. With its fox-like appearance, pointed ears, and thick, golden-red coat, this spitz-type breed has been cherished for centuries. Finnish Spitzes are renowned for their distinctive "yodeling" bark, which was traditionally used to alert hunters to game. Today, they are valued both as loyal family companions and skilled sporting dogs.

Personality and Behaviour

• Loyal and Devoted: Finnish Spitzes form strong bonds with their families and are deeply devoted to their owners. They thrive on companionship and love being part of daily family life.
• Energetic and Playful: This breed has a lively, playful nature and enjoys engaging in activities that challenge them physically and mentally. They are well-suited for active households.
• Alert and Vocal: Finnish Spitzes are naturally alert and quick to sound the alarm when they notice something unusual. While this makes them excellent watchdogs, their vocal nature requires consistent training to manage excessive barking.

Care

• Exercise: The Finnish Spitz is an active breed that requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and opportunities to run in secure areas. Their high energy levels and intelligence also make them great candidates for agility and obedience training.
• Grooming: The Finnish Spitz has a dense, double coat that requires regular care. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to manage shedding and keep their coat in good condition, but more frequent brushing is needed during seasonal shedding periods. Occasional baths and routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care help maintain overall hygiene.
• Training and Socialization: Early training and socialization are essential for Finnish Spitzes to ensure they develop into well-behaved and confident adults. While intelligent and eager to please, they can be independent, so consistent and positive reinforcement methods work best. Early exposure to various environments, people, and animals is important to prevent shyness or over-protectiveness.