History and General Information of Finnish Spitz dog breed

 

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog breed known for its fox-like appearance, lively personality, and excellent hunting skills. Here is some general information and history about the Finnish Spitz:

The Finnish Spitz, also known as the “Suomenpystykorva” in Finnish, is the national dog of Finland. It has a long history in the country and was originally bred for hunting small game, particularly birds.

Finnish Spitz dogs are medium-sized, standing about 15 to 20 inches (38 to 51 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weighing between 20 to 35 pounds (9 to 16 kilograms). They have a well-balanced and muscular build, with a dense double coat that comes in various shades of red.

In terms of temperament, Finnish Spitz dogs are known for their lively and energetic nature. They are intelligent, alert, and make excellent watchdogs. They are also known for their distinctive “bark-pointing” behavior, where they use their barking to indicate the presence of game while hunting.

Finnish Spitz dogs are typically friendly and affectionate with their families. They enjoy being part of family activities and are good with children. However, they can be reserved or aloof with strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs.

Their coat is dense and requires regular brushing to maintain its health and appearance. They shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding occurring during seasonal coat changes.

Finnish Spitz dogs have a high activity level and need regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to use their hunting instincts are important for their well-being.

The average lifespan of a Finnish Spitz is around 12 to 15 years. They are generally a healthy breed with no major breed-specific health concerns. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are important for their overall well-being.

Training a Finnish Spitz can be moderately challenging, as they are intelligent but also independent thinkers. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and benefit from early socialization and obedience training.

Finnish Spitz dogs have a long history as hunting companions. Their keen senses, agility, and vocal abilities made them well-suited for hunting in the Finnish forests.

Overall, the Finnish Spitz is an active and lively breed. They make devoted family companions and are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need.