Finnish Spitz Dog

Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz Characteristics: The steadfast and fun-loving Finnish Spitz is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1988). The Finnish Spitz, is characterized by its charming appearance with a distinctive spitz-type puffy tail that curls up and over its back and an alert, eager expression. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, almond shaped eyes; erect, pointed ears; and a springy, light gait. The temperament of the Finnish Spitz can be described as Loyal, Vocal, Playful.

The coat type of the Finnish Spitz is described as long, straight, harsh coat in red, gold colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Finnish Spitz demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Barking Bird Dog". The origin of the Finnish Spitz dog breed was in Finland where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the Finnish Spitz: The following facts provide fast information about the Finnish Spitz breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1988) *** Nick name: "Barking Bird Dog" *** Origin: Finland *** Male Height: 15 - 20 inches (38 - 51 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 31 - 35 pounds (14 - 16 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: long, straight, harsh coat *** Coat Colors: red, gold colors *** Litter Size: 3-6 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Finnish Spitz Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1988): The Finnish Spitz is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1988).

Other names for the Finnish Spitz: The Finnish Spitz is known by the nickname of the Finnish "Barking Bird Dog". Its nickname the "barking bird dog" is due to its habit of "yodeling", or barking continuously, to alert the hunter to the location of game birds. Other names for this breed of dog include the Finnish Cock-Eared Dog and the National dog of Finland. Its "Cock-Eared" nickname derives from the jaunty movement of its ears at the sound of birds.

Origin of the name 'Finnish Spitz': The origin of the name "Finnish Spitz" derives from its country of origin in Finland and the term Spitz that refers to wolf-like types of dogs that share a similar heritage and ancestry.

Finnish Spitz History and Origin: The country of origin of the Finnish Spitz breed was in Finland during the Ancient Times. The Finnish Spitz was bred to use air scent to assist men as a Hunting Dog to hunt birds and small game. The Finnish Spitz was trained to direct (or point)  the hunter to the quarry allowing the hunter to use weapons to catch small animals or nets to catch birds. The Finnish Spitz descends from wolves and the ancient Nordic and northern breeds of dogs of early antiquity that date back thousands of years. In 3000 BC the Finno-Ugrian people living in Finland and Eastern and Central Europe are known to have had Spitz-type dogs.

The different Finno-Ugrian tribes bred dogs, including the Finnish Spitz, according to the specific needs of their villages or nomadic lifestyles, and were used a watch dogs, for herding and for hunting. The French historian Antoine-Augustin Bruzen de La Martiniere (1662 - 1746) is credited with the first documentation of the Finnish Spitz breed in his book, the Great Geographical Dictionary and Critique.

Finnish Spitz History - The breed nearly becomes extinct: During the 1880's other breeds began to be mixed with the Finnish Spitz which was on the verge of becoming an extinct breed in its own right. Hugo Richard Sandberg (1849–1930) and his friend Hugo Roos, both keen hunters, realizing the abilities of the Finnish Spitz decide to select genuine Finnish Spitz dogs in order to revive the breed. The Finnish Spitz retained the characteristics of the ancient breed including a pointed muzzle, pointed ears, a thick, dense coat and a high carried tail that curled up and over the back of the dog. In 1892, the Finnish Kennel Club (FKC) accepted registrations for the Finnish Spitz, making it a purebred that was unique as a breed. The Finnish Spitz was imported to the United States following WW2 and has grown in popularity ever since

Finnish Spitz Modern History: The modern history of the Finnish Spitz moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion. The Finnish Spitz was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1991.

Finnish Spitz Height: This breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 15 - 20 inches (38 - 51 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Finnish Spitz Weight: The weight of the Finnish Spitz male in this medium sized dog is 31 - 35 pounds (14 - 16 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Finnish Spitz Coat Type: The coat type is described as a long, straight, harsh coat.

Finnish Spitz Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include red and gold colors, with white markings on the tips of the toes. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors.

Finnish Spitz Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Finnish Spitz are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Finnish Spitz are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Finnish Spitz Litter Size: The litter size of the Finnish Spitz dog breed ranges from 3-6 puppies. Finnish Spitz puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Finnish Spitz puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Finnish Spitz Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of thes popular Finnish Spitz dog breed is described as Steadfast, Loyal, Vocal, Playful and Fun-loving.

Finnish Spitz Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Finnish Spitz requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a springy, light gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game.

Finnish Spitz Diet: A fully grown Finnish Spitz dog should be fed 2 times per day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Finnish Spitz Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Finnish Spitz breed include Hip Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Finnish Spitz dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Finnish Spitz Lifespan: The life expectancy of Finnish Spitz dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Finnish Spitz breed is 12-15 years.

Finnish Spitz Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Finnish Spitz breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Finnish Spitz names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Jesse *** Dylan *** Mikko *** Rufus *** Smoky *** Sampo *** Teemu *** Spike *** Gus *** Miro *** Joel.

Finnish Spitz Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Finnish Spitz names are  Kia *** Sanna *** Petra *** Suvi *** Krista *** Wilma *** Zara *** Lola *** Penny *** Maddy *** Henna *** Mira.

Fast Facts about the Finnish Spitz: The following facts provide fast information about the Finnish Spitz breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1988) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Finland *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Finnish Spitz Height: 15 - 20 inches (38 - 51 cm) *** Male Finnish Spitz Weight: 31 - 35 pounds (14 - 16 kg) *** Coat Type: long, straight, harsh coat *** Litter Size: 3-6 puppies *** Finnish Spitz Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Finnish Spitz Lifespan: 12-15 years ***

Site Search

 

 
Finnish Spitz Facts and Info - Breed Standard - Size - Colors - Coat Type - Characteristics - Diet - Exercise Requirements - Breed Standard - Grooming - History - Origin - Tips - History - Health Problems - Height - Information about Finnish Spitzs - Lifespan - Litter size - Finnish Spitz Names - Male - Female - Boy Dog - Girl Dog - Origin - Personality - Qualities - Size - Temperament - Guide - Weight - Male Dog Names - Female Dog Names - Breed Description - Art - Pictures - Images - Finnish Spitz Facts and Information