Finnish Spitz
Group: Hound Group
Origin: Finland
Height: 17 ½ to 19 ½ inches (44-50cm)
Other Name: Suomenpystykorva
Jenny
Photo by Peter Karlan
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Breed Profile
The Finnish Spitz is the national dog in his native country of Finland. The breed has existed in northern parts of Finland and Lapland for thousands of years. This is a hunting breed of small game and birds who barks in order to bring the hunter to him with his voice. He is courageous, faithful, and has the manners of a true gentleman. He makes an ideal family companion and he is especially good with children and a superior watchdog.
The Finnish Spitz was accepted into the Finnish Kennel Club in the 1920s and, in 1935 the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (England). The Finnish Spitz began arriving in Canada in the early 1970s and was accepted by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1974.
The Finnish Spitz has a fox-like appearance with a pointed muzzle, erect ears, dense coat and curled tail. He has a well-balanced body without any exaggerated features and a beautiful red-gold coat.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Finnish Spitz puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
The Finnish Spitz is a very clean dog and can sometimes give the impression that he grooms himself. He should be brushed weekly, especially during shedding seasons and bathed when needed.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
The Finnish Spitz is very intelligent, independent and strong-willed. Training should be done with a firm but gentle voice and he responds well to praise. He can be easily bored, so training should be kept short and interesting.
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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