Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a handsome medium-sized dog breed, popular for its dense double coat of reddish-brown/gold fur. It has a foxy expression and a plumed bushy tail that is curved upwards. http://www.5stardog.com/dog-breeds-finnish-spitz.asp

The Finnish Spitz is a member of the Spitz group and originated from Finland. It is Finland’s national dog and for many years the Finnish used it as a hunting companion to hunt down birds and little game, like rabbits and squirrels. The breed has been known to point out squirrels and other tree animals by barking continuously towards the direction of the animal. This attitude of the dog brought about the nickname ‘’ Finnish barking bird dog’’.http://www.finnishspitzclub.org/breed_gen.htm

The Finnish Spitz was originally called Suomenpystykorva, which means the Finnish Cock-Eared Dog.

Finnish Spitzes are loving, smart and good natured. They love children and enjoy the company of their owners. They can be stubborn and temperamental if you are too strict on them. It takes a lot of patience to train a Finnish Spitz.http://www.5stardog.com/dog-breeds-finnish-spitz.asp

The male Finnish Spitz is usually bigger and taller than the female. The male weighs between 31 - 36 pounds and is 17.5 - 20 inches tall, while the female weighs about 23 - 29 pounds and is 15.5 – 18 inches tall, at shoulder level. They both possess the typical spitz-like nuzzle, pointed ears and Almond-shaped eyes with black rims.http://www.5stardog.com/dog-breeds-finnish-spitz.asp

The Finnish Spitz is generally a healthy and active breed. Though they are rarely ill, Finnish Spitzes are prone to some illnesses, such as; canine hip dysplasia (CHD), patellar luxation, epilepsy, Pemphigus foliaceus. http://www.5stardog.com/dog-breeds-finnish-spitz.asp http://pethealthlibrary.purinacare.com/breed/finnish-spitz/ If you discover that your Finnish Spitz is ill or behaving abnormally, especially after a fight with another dog, it is advisable to take it to a veterinarian for proper examination.

For many years the Finnish Spitz was bred solely as a hunting dog due to its habit of barking excessively. They are good companion dogs and are always alert to strange noises and faces. Finnish Spitzes are agile dogs, and don’t like to be pampered. They love any activity that keeps them on their feet.