Finnish SpitzCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that for hundreds of years dogs of this type were used throughout Finland to hunt all kinds of game. The aim was a dog that barks well at game that has gone up a tree and is also handsome. When the breed register began, in the 1890s, suitable dogs were found mainly in the east and north of the country.

The first standard and the first breed show took place in 1892, and the first bird-hunting trial in 1897. The breed was formed from pure natural stock and is an essential part of Finnish culture. In 1979 the Finnish Spitz was named the national dog of Finland.

How the breed developed

• Hundreds of years – The dogs hunt throughout Finland.
• 1890s – The breed register begins.
• 1892 – The first standard and the first breed show.
• 1897 – The first bird-hunting trial.
• 3 August 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1979 – It becomes the national dog of Finland.
• 11 February 2026 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a balanced, symmetrical and square dog, easily recognised by its fox-like face, erect ears and bushy curled tail. The dense, golden-red coat, never a single shade, gives it its distinctive “glow”.

General appearance

Seen from above, the skull is egg-shaped and widest between the ears. On the shoulders, especially in males, the hair is longer and harsher. The coat on the head and legs is short and close-lying.

The coat is golden-red, in shades that vary over the body, never completely uniform. The AKC calls this colour the Finnish Spitz's “glow”.

The standard describes it as lively, energetic, brave and determined, perhaps slightly reserved with strangers, but never vicious.

The AKC says it is a very intelligent breed, and that is exactly why it can be a challenge to train. Sessions should be short and fun, with plenty of praise and rewards. Food is the universal motivator, and the dog will let you know when it has had enough.

Tips for effective training

• Keep sessions short. The AKC says it will show you when it has had enough.
• Use food as a reward. It is the best motivation for it.
• Work on the barking. It is a “bark pointer” and barks a great deal.
• Do not isolate it. The AKC says it becomes deeply attached to its family.

The AKC says it was bred to hunt all day in the forest, so it has a lot of stamina and a tendency to roam. It needs a fair amount of exercise, and a securely fenced yard is a must.

Tips for a balanced life

• The yard must be securely fenced.
• Think of the neighbours: it barks a lot.
• It copes very well with cold.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it is enough to mist the coat lightly with water and brush it with a pin brush every two to three days. It sheds twice a year; at that time daily brushing, or a bath followed by drying with cool air, speeds up the process.

Common health problems

The AKC says that, thanks to careful breeding, the Finnish Spitz is generally healthy, with very few cases of disease. Breeders test for:

Other care

• Check the ears and teeth weekly.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
• Check for ticks after outings in the woods.

The AKC says its metabolism is very efficient for a primitive breed, so it quickly gains weight if it gets too much food. Good-quality dry food keeps it in shape.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give treats in moderation.
• Give table scraps rarely or not at all.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It points game by barking. It barks at game in trees so that the hunter can get close.
• National dog. Since 1979 it has been the national dog of Finland.
• It hunts bears, too. Wikipedia says some dogs have even hunted bears.
• “Finkie”. In the United States it is nicknamed “Finkie” or “Finn”.
• A distant relative of the Taymyr wolf. Wikipedia says northern breeds have inherited some of the genes of an extinct wolf from northern Asia.

The national dog of Finland

The FCI standard says the Finnish Spitz was formed from pure natural stock and is an essential part of Finnish culture. In 1979 it was named the national dog of Finland.

Why does the Finnish Spitz bark so much?

Because it was bred to point game in trees by barking.

How big does it get?

Males measure 44–50 cm, females 39–45 cm; they weigh about 9–15 kg.

Is it good with children?

Yes, the AKC gives it the top score for being good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 13–15 years.