Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz

This is a lively and friendly dog most popular in Finland, and now an English favorite.

History:

A hunting dog known to have been in the Lapland area for thousands of years, this breed is thought to have traveled south to Finland, where it became concentrated and multiplied. It was used as a hunting dog for many types of game including bear and squirrel, but is now a bird dog used for flushing wood grouse.

Physical characteristics:

A medium sized dog. Height: Under Canadian standards: 17.5 - 19.5 in (44.5 - 49.5 cm) for the dog and 15.5 - 17.5 in (39.5 - 44.5 cm) for the bitch. Elsewhere: 17 - 20 in (43 - 51 cm) for the dog and 15 - 18 in (39 - 45 cm) for the bitch. Weight: Under FCI standards: 50.75 - 59.5 lb (23 - 27 kg). Elsewhere: 31 - 35 lb (14 - 16 kg) for the dog and 23 - 29 lb (10.5 - 13 kg) for the bitch.

The head is "fox"-like with a slightly arched forehead, a domed skull and narrow muzzle, with a moderate stop. The muzzle is tapered to thin black lips and a scissor bite. The nose is black and the eyes are dark, sloping, and almond-shaped. The ears are small, pricked forward and mobile. The body is short and square, with a level back and a deep chest. The tail is long and plumed in a curl over the back, hanging to one side. The forequarters are strong and straight, as are the hindquarters.

The coat of the Finnish Spitz is a double one, with a short, soft and lighter shade of undercoat and a longer, denser topcoat. The colors are red-brown or red-gold on the back, and lighter on the ears, cheeks, under the muzzle, chest, stomach, inside of the legs, back of the thighs, and underside of the tail.

Behavior:

The Finnish Spitz most certainly deserves its position as the national dog of Finland. This noble-spirited dog has become the loyal companion of countless families. Its alert manner makes it an excellent watch-dog, and it soon recognizes its owner's property. The Finnish Spitz seems to thrive on the attention it receives from its owners, and in return repays them with its dedication to the family. This is a good all-round dog.