Finnish Spitz – The Barking Bird Dog of the North

The Finnish Spitz, often nicknamed “Finkie,” is a medium-sized dog. Like other related Nordic spitz breeds, it has a dense, protective coat that stands out with its golden-red color, erect ears, a fox-like expression, and a tail that curls cheerfully over its back.

Like most related Nordic breeds, the Finnish Spitz barks a lot. This is the first thing you need to know if you are considering adopting one. In fact, excessive barking is an essential part of its nature because this breed was developed to bark. We can freely say that barking is its “job.” Since it barks a lot, this dog has developed different sounds and tones for communication. “Conversations” with you will be an important part of its life. You should only get this breed if you are willing to teach it when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. On the other hand, it is an excellent watchdog and will always alert you if someone is approaching your home or if something unusual is happening.

This is an active dog that requires daily physical and mental exercise to prevent destructive behavior or excessive barking as a way to entertain itself. Plan to exercise it for at least 20 to 30 minutes once a day. It excels in dog sports such as agility, flyball, obedience, and rally, and it is also a durable and tireless play companion for children. This dog is very attached to people and loves them, making it crucial for it to always be around humans. This means it is ideal for living in a house or an apartment. It should never be left alone in the yard without human companionship, as it would be a very unhappy dog in such a situation.

If you dislike having dog hair around the house, you may want to reconsider getting a Finnish Spitz. Although it is not difficult to maintain, it sheds quite a bit. Brush it at least once a week to keep its coat clean and to remove dead hair. During seasonal shedding in the spring and fall, daily brushing will help reduce the amount of loose hair. Additionally, regularly trim its nails, brush its teeth, and keep its ears clean to prevent infections.

Breed Overview of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized breed with a bright red-golden coat, pointed ears, and a curled tail. Its build is well-proportioned, giving it both agility and endurance. Males typically stand 17.5 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 25-33 pounds, while females are slightly smaller.

History of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz, like other similar Nordic breeds, has existed for several thousand years and has evolved differently depending on the environment and the needs of the people around it. The Finnish Spitz is the national breed of Finland, where it was originally bred for hunting birds, squirrels, and even large game such as moose and bears.

In the 19th century, with the development of mass transportation, Finns began crossbreeding the Finnish Spitz with other breeds, to the point that by 1880, very few original, unaltered specimens remained. Two hunters from Helsinki realized that the breed might disappear and launched a successful campaign for its preservation, leading to the breed’s recognition by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1892.

The Finnish Spitz was first imported to the United States in 1959. The Finnish Spitz Club of America was founded in 1975, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1988, classifying it in the Non-Sporting Group. Today, the Finnish Spitz ranks 158th in AKC’s list of registered dog breeds.

Temperament and Personality of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a wonderful family dog. It is lively, good-natured, and loves children. If play becomes too rough or someone pulls its fur, it will most likely just walk away rather than react aggressively. Although affectionate with its family, it can be reserved with strangers. It is a good watchdog and will always alert you to anything suspicious, but it is never overly shy or aggressive—striking a perfect balance.

An interesting trait of this breed is that it dislikes conflict in its surroundings. Therefore, family arguments and discord should be kept to a minimum. The Finnish Spitz will be very unhappy in an environment with a lot of yelling or harsh words.

As mentioned earlier, the Finnish Spitz was bred to bark, and it will do so frequently. While barking is useful for hunting or guarding property, it can become an issue in an urban setting. The “quiet” command should be part of its training to keep barking at an acceptable level.

Training should begin from the very first day the puppy arrives home. Even at eight weeks old, a puppy is capable of learning and absorbing information. Do not wait until it is six months old, as by then, it may become more stubborn and harder to train.

The Finnish Spitz is a breed native to Finland, known for its liveliness, independence, and hunting abilities. Proper training and socialization are essential for raising a well-balanced and happy dog.

Training the Finnish Spitz

Given everything mentioned so far, training a Finnish Spitz requires patience and consistency. Here are some tips to ensure successful training:

• Positive reinforcement: Use rewards and praise to motivate your dog.
• Short sessions: Due to their intelligence and tendency to get bored easily, training sessions should be short and engaging.
• Consistency: Be consistent with commands and rules so the dog understands what is expected.
• Obedience training: Basic obedience training is essential to ensure the dog responds to commands like “come,” “sit,” and “stay.”
• Controlling barking: Teach your dog to stop barking on command to prevent excessive noise problems.

Socialization of the Finnish Spitz

Socialization is extremely important for a Finnish Spitz to ensure it gets along well with people and other animals. Here are some activities to help with successful socialization:

• Early exposure: Introduce your puppy to different sights, sounds, people, and other animals from an early age.
• Controlled interactions: Arrange supervised and positive encounters with other dogs to prevent aggression.
• Positive experiences: Ensure all socialization experiences are positive to create good associations.
• Caution with strangers: Since the Finnish Spitz can be wary of strangers, socialization should include meeting a variety of people.

What You Need to Know About the Health of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a relatively healthy breed. However, some potential health issues that may occur include:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism(reduced thyroid function)
• Cataracts
• Autoimmune skin disease – pemphigus foliaceus
• Epilepsy

Do not buy a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide written documentation that the parents have been tested and cleared of genetic health problems common to the breed. Note: A standard veterinary check-up is not a substitute for genetic testing!

Basic Care for the Finnish Spitz

This beautiful red-coated dog has a double coat: a soft and dense undercoat covered by longer, straight, and coarser protective hairs. The Finnish Spitz is naturally a clean dog, but it still requires some grooming.

• Brush it at least once a week using a slicker brushto reduce shedding and control loose hair around the house.
• Bathe it every three to four months, unless it gets dirtier than usual.

Other essential grooming practices include:

• Nail trimming– Once a month or more often if nails do not wear down naturally.
• Teeth brushing– Regularly, to maintain overall health and fresh breath.
• Ear checks– Once a week, look for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that may indicate an infection.
• Cleaning ears– If the ears are dirty, wipe them with a damp cotton pad soaked in a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner.

Start grooming your Finnish Spitz while it is still a puppy so that it gets used to brushing, nail trimming, and other routine care. This will make maintenance easier in the future.

Is the Finnish Spitz the Right Dog for You?

In conclusion, if you love active and intelligent dogs with a strong personality, the Finnish Spitz could be an excellent choice. This breed thrives best in homes with enough space to explore and with owners who appreciate their playful yet independent spirit. However, their tendency to bark frequently may not be suitable for every household, especially if you live in an urban environment.

If you decide that the Finnish Spitz is the right dog for you, the best way to find a reputable breeder is to visit the Finnish Spitz Club of America (FSCA) website and look for a responsible and ethical breeder.