Finnish Spitz

Dogs >> Learn & Connect >> Dog Breeds >> Finnish Spitz

View Another Breed:
Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Finnish Spitz Breed Information

Breed Group: Non-Sporting

Weight: 25 lbs

Height: 18 inches

Color(s): Shades of red-gold from pale honey to dark auburn; may have a white patch on chest.

Overview

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, squarely built, lively dog. The beautiful red-gold color and fox-like expression are the most important features of the breed. Small erect ears and a curled tail complete the picture. In appearance the male is decidedly masculine, usually larger and carries more coat than the female who is noticeably feminine. Finnish Spitz are a good natured and fun-loving breed. They have an excellent reputation with children, but as with all dogs, small children should always be supervised during play. They are active and alert, indoors and out.

Character

The Finnish Spitz has been bred for centuries as a "barking hunting dog", bringing the hunter to him with his voice. It should be noted by prospective Finnish Spitz owners that while an asset in hunting, barking could cause an unpleasant situation if one has neighbors in close proximity unless the dog is taught that unprovoked barking is not acceptable. He is more a warning dog than a guard dog and rarely bites. He has acute hearing and makes an excellent watchdog, as he is protective of his family and will advise you of any unusual happenings. The Finnish Spitz is a wonderful family dog, as well as a hunting dog. He has a special love for children and will spend countless hours romping and playing. If the kids get too rough, he will simply walk away.

Temperament

Active and friendly, lively and eager, faithful, brave but cautious. This breed is patient with children and tolerant of other household animals. They have a strong hunting instinct so they may chase smaller animals. This is an extremely intelligent breed which becomes very much a part of the family and is a dog which should be allowed to share with the family. However, this is not the breed for every family. Households where there is tension, harshness or loud bickering should not have a Finnish Spitz.

Care

The Finnish Spitz is a meticulously clean dog, sometimes giving the impression that they groom themselves. They should be brushed weekly, especially during coat change and should only be bathed when needed. The Finnish Spitz is a natural (wash and wear) dog on whom no trimming should be done, except under the pads of the feet. Trimming the whiskers or sculpturing for the show ring is to be heavily penalized. Nails should be kept trimmed, ears and teeth cleaned. With an annual trip to the Veterinarian and proper shots, the Finnish Spitz can live a lively long life. A Finnish Spitz 13 - 15 years is not unusual. This dog loves to eat and will do his best to get extra goodies. He is a dog that can easily get overweight, which will cause health problems in the long run.

Coat

The Finnish Spitz double coat consists of a short, soft, dense undercoat covered by long, straight, harshly textured guard hairs.

Training

Because of his intelligence, he is an independent and strong-willed dog and cannot be bullied. He can be trained with a firm but gentle voice and touch, and responds better to praise than correction. He is easily bored, so training sessions should be kept short and interesting. Patience is a key word when training a Finnish Spitz. You may feel as if you are making no headway and all of a sudden he will surprise you. Many Finnish Spitz do well in obedience classes if trained with a praise and reward method, as opposed to a heavy hand.

Activity

Once matured they are great athletes and running companions. They are a slow maturing breed, however, and do not reach full emotional and physical maturity until they are four years old. We do not recommend hard exercise with your puppy until he is a year old when most of his structural growth has been completed. Three walks a day plus playing in the yard is enough to keep a Finnish Spitz happy. Playing with other dogs and catching balls are among its favorite activities.

Ask a Question Finnish Spitz Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Would the Finnish Spitz do well alone in daytime for about 4-6 hours? Thanks

Anonymous - 10/15/2011 7:54:07 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: Do Finnish Spitz shed, would like a dog who sheds very little.

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 4:23:15 PM

Respond to Question

Yes, Finnish Spitz shed. They need to be brushed, they have a under coat.

Anonymous - 10/2/2011 8:07:20 PM

QUESTION: Are Finnish Spitz good with kids?

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 4:21:00 PM

Respond to Question

Yes, Finnish Spitz are good with kids

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:08:02 PM

QUESTION: i'm thinking about getting a finnish spitz but not sure yet? are they good for australian countries and cats?

Anonymous - 7/10/2011 12:02:47 AM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: i am thinking of getting a spitz and i was wondering what climate is best for them?

Anonymous - 6/25/2011 11:18:55 AM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: is the spitz a good out side dog?

Anonymous - 6/22/2011 2:41:46 PM

Respond to Question

The Finnish Spitz like to be outside, yes, but unless you have a fenced in yard they may wonder away because of a squirrel or something.

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:13:46 PM

Yes, i used to have a spitz, but she got attacked. She was an outside dog. Wonderful dog.

Anonymous - 7/3/2011 8:41:40 PM

QUESTION: do the spitz shed??

Anonymous - 5/16/2011 10:44:42 AM

Respond to Question

Spitz do shed, very much so. mainly during the spring and fall for winter and summer coats.

Anonymous - 5/17/2011 5:07:19 AM

QUESTION: I am a 10 year old girl and am trying to convince my parents that ,since we have two dogs and one of them is 63 in dog years and already has gray fur, a Finnish Spitz would be a good dog to get next. Would a Finnish Spitz get along well with a very friendly and very hiper lab?? The lab doesn't jump and thinks that every one is his friend, so I think that the Finnish Spitz would be a good choice. Am I correct?? If so let me know, and if not, let me know of another breed like the Spitz, but make sure it is large and very friendly with other dogs

Anonymous - 5/8/2011 6:59:23 PM

Respond to Question

The Finnish Spitz will get along farely well with other dogs but make sure to get a puppy so he can get used to the lab.

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:15:40 PM

QUESTION: Is the Finnish Spitz good with a cockapoo and a lizard in the house? How much does a finnish spitz shed? Is it good with a kid that is 10 and 4 grown ups but one at collage that comes home every once in a while??

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 5:11:32 PM

Respond to Question

Finnish Spitz are pretty good with other dogs and the lizard is no problem.They are great with kids, grown ups are no problem. Just dont force him to get used to the college person, let him take his time and warm up.

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:18:44 PM

QUESTION: Can a Finnish Spitz live with a Shiba Inu ?

Anonymous - 3/31/2011 7:12:58 PM

Respond to Question

My Finnish Spitz and Shiba Inu have since the 1980s.

Anonymous - 5/15/2011 9:26:43 AM

Only if the dogs are introduced young, both must be young though. If your shiba inu is over a year old then I would not recommend it, because both breeds of dogs are very protective of their owner.

Anonymous - 4/25/2011 10:57:58 AM

QUESTION: I am trying to find a Finnish Spitz. I have a 10 year old Australian Shepard and 1 and half year American Eskimo. I am wanting a friend for my Eskie and I cant find one anywhere except across the USA. I am in Tennessee.

Anonymous - 1/7/2011 9:57:24 AM

Respond to Question

If the dog doesnt need to come from a breeder you may want to try www.nextdaypets.com This website will show you available dogs. Some may even come from a breeder that just isnt registered.

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:37:15 PM

I am delighted you have chosen a Finnish Spitz. They are great family dogs. You may be able to find one that you could ship across from the U.K. From Kunnikas Breeders. We have recently purchased one from them and they are brilliant. Their puppies are home raised and kept with a loving, well cared for mother. They charge £600 or $1200 aprox.

Anonymous - 2/27/2011 7:25:51 AM

QUESTION: How much does a trained finnish spitz dog cost and does its price ranges up to 10,000 PHP or Not??

Anonymous - 1/4/2011 1:41:30 AM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: My family and i already have a bloodhound. Would our bloodhound and a Finnish Spitz get along? and is shedding a problem? also We arent always home would that be a problem with this dog?

Anonymous - 1/2/2011 11:09:29 AM

Respond to Question

Question 1. Yes Finnish Spitz do not judge by breed, they judge by character. They should be fine. Question 2. Shedding is no problem at all, Our 6 month old Finnish Spitz only sheds if you scratch him after he had a shower. Question 3. I would suggest you crate traing first... If you have any difficulties with this just let me know! He/She should be fine for 4-5 hours max when they are just a puppy and 7-9 hours when they are in adolesence and 10 hrs max when they are in adulthood...

Anonymous - 2/28/2011 2:22:31 PM

I have a 11 month Finnish Spitz, and she seems to get along with just about any other breed she has encountered. They are an active breed that really like to play, especially with other dogs, but can be antagonistic (lots of barking) towards them if they don't want to play. If your Bloodhound likes to play, they'll get along fine. As for shedding, they shed a lot.... And finally about the being left home alone, my Finnsih Spitz has no problems being home, in her cage, for a typical work day. Haven't tried leaving her out with run of the house when we are gone yet though. Overall, she has been a joy and a pleasure to own and I wouldn't trade her for any other breed.

Anonymous - 1/7/2011 12:49:33 PM

QUESTION: How much do Finnish Spitz shed?

Anonymous - 12/11/2010 4:48:45 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: How much shedding should be expected from the Finnish Spitz? What are some of the health problem known to this breed?

Anonymous - 12/8/2010 2:12:34 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: Are Finnish Spitz's good with parrots?

Anonymous - 11/26/2010 3:52:52 PM

Respond to Question

It may not be the best choice to keep a Finnish Spitz and a parrot in the same place because of the spitz bird hunting instinct, but with supervision it should be fine.

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:11:20 PM

QUESTION: Are Finnish Spitz breeds good with cats along with other dogs?

Anonymous - 11/16/2010 10:06:26 AM

Respond to Question

Finnish Spitz's are very good with kids, with parent help and cats. They are very weary of new dogs and people but if they see them enough then they are very good

Anonymous - 4/2/2011 3:42:13 PM

QUESTION: Do finnish spitz hair on their tails get ratted up and knotted and easy?

Anonymous - 11/5/2010 11:07:37 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: Do Finnish Spitz dogs bark a lot?

Anonymous - 10/5/2010 2:54:14 PM

Respond to Question

Yes Finnish Spitz do bark a lot, but only if bored or hunting

Anonymous - 9/11/2011 5:38:52 PM

Yes, but only if the Finnish Spitz is left ouside too long

Anonymous - 4/2/2011 3:40:02 PM

yes, Finnish Spitz dogs are very alert and bark at almost anything. HOWEVER, due to their incredible intelligence it is easy to train them not to bark for anything or just other people (if you want them to bark for intruders) but be patient they can be quite stubborn!

Anonymous - 10/9/2010 1:13:00 AM

If you are looking for Finnish Spitz puppies for sale from reputable Finnish Spitz breeders or to adopt a Finnish Spitz from a Finnish Spitz rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Finnish Spitz puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Finnish Spitz puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Sign up for exclusive offers, tips and more.

Community QuickLinks
Company Info