Finnish Spitz
Your Complete Guide to the Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz History: Finland’s National “Barking Bird Dog”
The Finnish Spitz is an ancient breed with a history in Finland that stretches back thousands of years. These Spitz-type dogs were developed by early Finno-Ugrian tribes as versatile hunting companions, perfectly adapted to the dense forests and harsh climate of the region. Their primary role was to locate game birds, such as capercaillie and grouse, in trees. Upon finding the birds, the Finnish Spitz would use its rapid, yodel-like bark (up to 160 barks per minute) to mesmerize the bird and alert the hunter to its location, earning it the nickname “Barking Bird Dog.” They were also used to hunt small mammals like squirrels and martens, and even larger game like elk and bear by distracting them.
For centuries, the Finnish Spitz was essential to the survival of people in rural Finland. However, with the advent of modern transportation and changing lifestyles, the breed’s numbers dwindled, and it faced near extinction by the late 19th century. Dedicated Finnish sportsmen, Hugo Roos and Hugo Sandberg, are credited with reviving the breed by gathering quality specimens and establishing a breeding program. The Finnish Spitz was declared the national dog of Finland in 1979. It was recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in the 1920s and by the American Kennel Club in 1988.
Finnish Spitz Temperament: Lively, Intelligent, and Courageously Friendly
The Finnish Spitz is known for its lively, intelligent, and courageous temperament. They are active and playful dogs that possess a keen curiosity about the world. While they are brave and alert hunters in the field, with their families, they are typically very friendly, affectionate, and devoted. They form strong bonds and enjoy being part of household activities. Finnish Spitz are generally good with children, especially if raised with them, often being playful and patient companions.
They are intelligent but also possess a classic Spitz-like independence and can sometimes be a bit stubborn. Their primary instinct is to bark – it’s how they “point” game – so they can be quite vocal. Early training to manage barking is essential. While friendly with their own people, they can be reserved or wary of strangers, making them good watchdogs. They are generally good with other dogs but may have a prey drive towards smaller pets if not properly socialized.
Grooming Your Finnish Spitz: Maintaining the Fiery Red Coat
The Finnish Spitz has a beautiful, dense double coat that is a hallmark of the breed. The outer coat is moderately long, harsh, and stands off from the body, particularly on the neck and back, while the undercoat is short, soft, and very thick, providing excellent insulation. Their coat color is typically a vibrant golden-red or reddish-brown, often with lighter shadings and sometimes small white markings.
This thick coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and manage shedding. Finnish Spitz are moderate to heavy shedders, especially during their seasonal “coat blows” (typically twice a year). Brushing two to three times a week with a pin brush and an undercoat rake is recommended to remove loose dead hair and prevent tangling. Daily brushing will be necessary during heavy shedding periods. Their coat is naturally quite clean and tends to repel dirt, so baths are needed only occasionally to avoid stripping the natural oils. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important grooming tasks.
Finnish Spitz Exercise: An Active Hunter Needs Daily Engagement
Finnish Spitz are active and agile dogs that require a good amount of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. They were bred for endurance and activity in the forest and retain a good deal of energy. A bored Finnish Spitz can become overly vocal or develop other undesirable behaviors.
Aim for at least an hour of activity per day, which should include more than just leisurely leash walks. Good exercise options include:
- Daily brisk walks, jogging (once fully mature), or hiking in natural environments.
- Playtime in a securely fenced yard. They enjoy games like fetch or exploring.
- Canine sports: Their intelligence and agility make them well-suited for activities like agility, obedience, rally, or even scent work trials.
- Interactive puzzle toys and learning new tricks to keep their sharp minds engaged.
They thrive in cooler climates and enjoy being outdoors with their families. Mental stimulation is just as crucial as physical exercise for this intelligent breed.
Common Finnish Spitz Health Issues
The Finnish Spitz is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with a relatively long lifespan for its size. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock. Potential health concerns, though not widespread, may include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia can also occur, though less commonly.
- Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap.
- Epilepsy: Seizure disorders have been noted in some lines.
- Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), though these are not highly prevalent.
- Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland can occasionally occur.
Choosing a reputable breeder who performs relevant health screenings (hips, patellas, eyes, etc.) on their breeding dogs and provides a good start in life is important. Regular veterinary check-ups, a quality diet, and appropriate exercise contribute significantly to a Finnish Spitz’s long-term health.
Training Your Finnish Spitz: Engaging a Clever and Sometimes Chatty Companion
Training a Finnish Spitz can be a rewarding experience for an owner who understands their intelligence and sometimes independent Spitz nature. They are smart and can learn quickly but also possess a strong will and may not always be instantly obedient if training is not engaging or if they don’t respect their handler’s leadership. Positive reinforcement techniques are essential.
Key aspects of training a Finnish Spitz include:
- Early Socialization: Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and other animals from a young age to build a confident and well-adjusted adult and to manage their natural tendency to bark at strangers.
- Positive Reinforcement: They thrive on praise, treats, play, and enthusiastic encouragement. They are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh corrections.
- Keep it Fun and Varied: Their intelligence means they can get bored easily with repetition. Incorporate games and new challenges into training.
- Consistency: Clear rules and boundaries must be established and consistently enforced by all family members.
- Managing Barking: This is crucial. Finnish Spitz were bred to bark. Teach a “quiet” command from an early age and ensure their stimulation needs are met to prevent boredom barking. However, expect them to be more vocal than many other breeds.
Puppy socialization classes and ongoing obedience or sports training are highly recommended. Their intelligence and agility make them excel in various canine activities.
Finnish Spitz FAQs
Q: Are Finnish Spitz good family dogs?
A: Yes, Finnish Spitz are generally very good family dogs. They are known for their affectionate nature, loyalty, and typically get along well with children, especially if raised with them. Their playful spirit makes them fun companions for active families.
Q: Do Finnish Spitz bark a lot? What is their “yodel”?
A: Yes, Finnish Spitz are famously vocal. They were bred as “barking bird dogs” to indicate game by barking. Their bark is often rapid and can sound like a yodel. While training can manage nuisance barking, prospective owners should be prepared for a talkative dog.
Q: Are Finnish Spitz good for apartment living?
A: They can adapt to apartment living if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met with daily walks and playtime. However, their tendency to bark might be a concern for close neighbors. A home with a securely fenced yard is often preferred.
Q: How much grooming do Finnish Spitz need?
A: Their thick double coat requires regular brushing, two to three times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons, to manage loose hair and prevent matting. They are relatively clean dogs otherwise.