Finnish Spitz: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Finnish Spitz is a very ancient breed originating from Finland. The first registrations in the studbook date back to the end of the 19th century and a first standard was written in 1892. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognized the breed in 1954 and the standard currently in force was published in 2016. Today, the Finnish Spitz remains mainly present in Finland and Sweden. In 2006, the Finnish-Karelian Laika and the Finnish Spitz were brought together within one and the same breed.

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog, almost inscribable in a square, with a dry, solid and elegant build. Its body is well proportioned, with a muscular neck, a short and straight back, a chest let down to the elbows and a tail curved forward along the back. Its ovoid head bears small erect and very mobile ears, almond-shaped eyes with a lively look and a rather narrow muzzle. Its bright red to golden coat is highlighted by a medium-length coat, erect and doubled with a soft and light undercoat.

The Finnish Spitz is a lively, intrepid and rather independent dog. It shows itself attached to its owner, naturally wary of strangers without being aggressive, and on the hunting ground reveals a lot of determination and enthusiasm. Its alert temperament, its taste for action and its strong vocal expressiveness are part of its identity.

On a daily basis, the Finnish Spitz needs space, freedom of movement and long, frequent outings, ideally in natural environments. Playful, energetic and always attentive to what surrounds him, he does not cope well with a life that is too sedentary. At home, he can be very vocal and retains a certain streak of independence typical of Nordic spitz.

Like many Spitz-type dogs, the Finnish Spitz can be stubborn at times. Its training must be firm, consistent and respectful, without brutality. Its intelligence, its enthusiasm for the task and its attachment to its owner are real assets, provided that varied learning and early socialization are offered.

The purchase price of the Finnish Spitz varies depending on the puppy’s origin, the breeder’s reputation, the lineage, compliance with the standard and the availability of the breed, still relatively uncommon in many countries.

The Finnish Spitz is a rustic, robust and resilient dog. Its double, dense coat protects it effectively from the cold and bad weather, and the breed generally enjoys solid health.

The Finnish Spitz is not particularly difficult to feed, but its diet must remain of good quality and well suited to its age, its size and its level of exercise.

The Finnish Spitz is also known under the names Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets, Finkie, Finnish Loulou and Finnish Spitz. The breed is particularly renowned for its abilities as a hunting dog for feathered and water game, but also for small pests and even the moose in its country of origin.