Finnish Spitz
Known in French as Spitz Finlandais
- Height at the withers
- 39 to 50 cm
- Weight
- 7 to 13 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Finland
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A medium-sized, fox-like spitz-type hunting dog with a dense, golden-red double coat, pricked ears and a plumed, curled tail. The national dog of Finland, it signals game perched in trees by barking, hence its nickname, the “barking dog.”
History and origins
An ancient Finnish breed developed over the centuries through selection for hunting all kinds of game, from squirrels to bears. It was nearly extinct by the late 19th century, before restoration efforts began, and went on to become the national dog of Finland.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Diabetes mellitus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Finnish Spitz FAQ
How big does the Finnish Spitz get?
The Finnish Spitz stands 39 to 50 cm at the withers and weighs 7 to 13 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Finnish Spitz shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Finnish Spitz live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Finnish Spitz need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Finnish Spitz good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Finnish Spitz live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are epilepsy and hip dysplasia.
