The Finnish Spitz is an energetic hunting dog that is sure to bring joy and entertainment to its owners. With its distinct flame-colored fur and fox-like face, the Finnish Spitz is an active breed that is eager to please.
Learn more about this unique breed, including its physical characteristics, history and origins, temperament and personality, training and exercise needs, and health considerations.
Discover why the AKC provides expert information and advocacy, and the many reasons to get a dog.
AKC Breed Popularity
The Finnish Spitz ranks 188 of 200 in AKC breed popularity. Yet, this flame-colored foxy-faced breed from the Land of 60,000 Lakes is a lively hunting dog with a unique style of tracking and indicating quarry. Nicknamed the Barking Bird Dog, this breed is an ideal companion for those looking for an active, loyal, and devoted dog.
With its long life expectancy of 13-15 years, the Finnish Spitz is an ideal family pet for those who want to take on the responsibility of owning a pet. As the American Kennel Club is an expert in breed, health, and training information, and advocates for responsible dog ownership, they can be a great resource for anyone considering adding a Finnish Spitz to their family.
Physical Characteristics
Possessing a foxy face, the Finnish Spitz stands between 17.5-20 inches for males and 15.5-18 inches for females, and weighs between 25-33 pounds for males and 20-28 pounds for females.
This lively hunting dog is a flame-colored breed, originating from the Land of 60,000 Lakes. Nicknamed the Barking Bird Dog, the Finnish Spitz is known for its unique style of tracking and indicating quarry.
It’s a beautiful breed that will make a great companion, with its lively spirit and its desire to belong. With lots of love and care, this breed will make a fantastic addition to any home.
History & Origin
Originating from the Land of 60,000 Lakes, the Finnish Spitz is an ancient breed with a long history. Nicknamed the Barking Bird Dog, this lively hunting dog was developed in Finland centuries ago. They were bred to hunt, bark, and indicate the location of game to their owners.
This flame-colored foxy-faced breed has a unique style of tracking and indicating quarry. They stand at 17.5-20 inches tall for males and 15.5-18 inches for females, weighing 25-33 pounds for males and 20-28 pounds for females.
With a life expectancy of 13-15 years, the Finnish Spitz is a joy to own and a loyal companion that adds to any family.
Temperament & Personality
Known for its lively nature, this foxy-faced canine is a loyal companion that loves to be part of a family. The Finnish Spitz has a friendly, outgoing personality and loves the attention of its family.
It is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This breed is smart and eager to please, making it easy to train. It is also an excellent watchdog, alerting its owners to potential dangers.
With its unique style of tracking and indicating quarry, the Finnish Spitz is a great companion for hunters. It loves being outdoors and enjoys playing with children.
The Finnish Spitz is an affectionate, playful, and gentle breed that loves to be part of the family. Its friendly temperament makes it an ideal companion for families looking for a little extra love.
Training & Exercise Needs
The lively nature of this foxy-faced canine requires proper training and exercise to stay healthy and happy. The Finnish Spitz is known for its intelligence, which makes it a great candidate for obedience classes and activities.
To keep it mentally stimulated, physical activities such as agility and tracking can be fun and challenging for the breed. Daily walks are important for keeping the Finnish Spitz healthy and in shape.
This breed loves to be around its family and should not be left alone for extended periods of time. Training and exercise will help the Finnish Spitz be the best version of itself and will give owners a great sense of belonging.
Grooming Requirements
This fox-faced canine requires regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. The Finnish Spitz has a thick double coat that is composed of both an inner soft layer and a stiff, straight outer coat. Brushing it twice a week is necessary to remove dirt and debris and distribute natural oils.
Bathing should take place every 4-6 weeks using a mild shampoo. Trimming around the ears, face, and feet will help maintain the breed’s signature look. Nails should be trimmed every two weeks and teeth should be brushed regularly.
All of these tasks should be completed by an experienced groomer or veterinarian to ensure the best possible outcome for your furry friend. With proper grooming, the Finnish Spitz will remain an active, loyal companion for many years to come.
Health Considerations
Owners of this active, loyal canine must be aware of certain health considerations. The Finnish Spitz is a healthy breed with few inherited diseases, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. To reduce the risk of developing these issues, it’s essential to purchase puppies from a reputable breeder who provides a health guarantee.
Regular vet checkups will help to identify and diagnose any potential health issues early. It is also important to provide a balanced diet and exercise to ensure your Finnish Spitz is happy and healthy.
With some extra care and attention, you can ensure your loyal canine companion enjoys a long life with you.
AKC Information & Advocacy
The Finnish Spitz breed is fortunate to have the American Kennel Club (AKC) as its advocate. Founded in 1884, the AKC is a not-for-profit organization that is an expert in breed, health, and training information. It also advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports.
The AKC provides useful resources, including AKC.TV, which showcases which sport is best for your dog. It also offers the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy programs to educate pet owners on proper dog care.
Reasons to Get a Dog
Owning a dog can provide numerous benefits, such as companionship, exercise, and unconditional love. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is an excellent resource for those seeking to become responsible pet owners.
Through education and advocacy, the AKC helps people make informed decisions about which breed of dog best suits their lifestyle. They also provide resources for those looking to engage in activities with their dog, such as AKC.TV, CGC & AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, and many other programs.
With these resources, dog owners can ensure their pet is adequately trained, healthy, and happy for years to come! Dog ownership can be incredibly rewarding for those willing to invest the time and energy into creating a lasting bond with their canine companion.
Miscellaneous Dog Topics
From tick removal to potty training, there are many miscellaneous topics related to owning a dog that require attention.
Whether it’s understanding why dogs eat poop or why they’re limping, it’s important for dog owners to stay informed about these topics.
CBD oil is also a popular option for dogs, as it can help with anxiety and pain relief.
When it comes to potty training, consistency is key. You’ll need to be patient and reward your pup when they do something correctly.
It’s also important to remember to remove any ticks from your dog as soon as you find them.
Knowing the answers to these questions will help keep your pup safe and healthy.
Owning a dog is a rewarding experience and being informed on all the relevant topics will help ensure your pup has a long, happy life.
