Quick Facts about the Finnish Spitz
- Origin: Finland
- Weight: Males: 12–14 kg, Females: 7–10 kg
- Life expectancy: 12–15 years
- Coat Colour: Golden-red to red-gold
- Breed Group: Non-Sporting
With its fox-like expression and proud stance, the Finnish Spitz is a vocal, agile, and deeply loyal companion. This national dog of Finland is known for its distinct bark, vibrant personality, and tireless hunting instinct.
Finnish Spitz History
The Finnish Spitz descends from ancient spitz-type dogs brought to Finland by migrating tribes over 2,000 years ago. Bred primarily for hunting birds and small game, it became renowned for its unique “bark-pointing” technique—alerting hunters to game by standing still and barking rhythmically.
The breed faced near extinction in the late 19th century due to crossbreeding but was revived by Finnish enthusiasts who standardized and preserved its original traits. Today, it remains a symbol of Finnish heritage and an active participant in field trials.
Finnish Spitz Temperament
Alert, cheerful, and independent, the Finnish Spitz is a vocal communicator and loyal family companion. It bonds closely with its humans but tends to be reserved with strangers. Known for its intelligence and quick reactions, the breed thrives in environments where it can express itself both physically and vocally.
While affectionate, it is not clingy—preferring respectful companionship over constant closeness.
Note: The Finnish Spitz is highly vocal and uses barking not just for hunting but also to express emotion, excitement, or alertness—making early training on cue barking important.
Health and wellness
The Finnish Spitz is a hardy, long-lived breed with relatively few genetic health concerns. Its double coat requires regular brushing to manage seasonal shedding, and moderate exercise keeps both body and mind balanced.
Ear health should be monitored due to their upright structure and active lifestyle.
Significant problems:
Patellar luxation
Hip dysplasia (rare)
Epilepsy
Allergies
Obesity from lack of exercise
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
🔍 Looking to go deeper into dog training?
Use these categories to explore targeted guides and articles on canine behavior, nutrition, obedience, entertainment, and more.
