Male Height (typical): 40.5-48 cm. (16-19 inches)
Female Height (typical): 37-43 cm. (14.5-17 inches)
Size: Small
Male Weight (typical): 12-15 kg. (27-33 pounds)
Female Weight (typical): 9-12 kg. (20-27 pounds)
Country of Origin: Finland
Exercise Required: Daily long walks.
Expected Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Best suited as: Working Dog, Family Pet
Other names: Loulou Finnoi, Finsk Spets, Suomenpystykorva
Are you looking for a loyal and intelligent companion? If so, the Finnish Spitz may be the perfect breed for you! This lively and friendly breed originated in Finland and has been a popular choice for families in Australia for many years. If you read on, you’ll discover why the Finnish Spitz is an ideal pet for those looking for a loving and devoted companion. From their unique appearance to their intelligence and loyalty, the Finnish Spitz is an excellent choice for any family.
History and Origin of the Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a breed of dog that has been around for centuries and is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world. Originating from Finland, the breed was developed by hunters to help them locate game in the dense forests of the region. The breed was used to hunt a variety of game, including elk, fox, and even bears. The Finnish Spitz was bred to bark loudly and alert the hunter to the presence of game.
The breed was officially recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1892 and was brought to the United States in the late 19th century. The breed was popular in the United States for a time, but declined in popularity until it was revived in the 1970s. Today, the Finnish Spitz is a popular breed in the United States, Australia, and other countries around the world. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and friendly personality, making it an excellent companion for active families.
Physical Characteristics and Appearance of the Breed
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized breed with a fox-like appearance. They have a thick, double coat of fur that is reddish-brown in colour and features a white blaze on the chest and muzzle. The breed has a long, pointed muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and erect, triangular ears. The tail is long and bushy, and curves over the back. The breed has a strong, muscular body and a deep chest.
The Finnish Spitz is an active breed that loves to be outdoors. They are alert and energetic, and have a strong hunting instinct. The breed is loyal and affectionate with their family, and can be wary of strangers. They are intelligent and independent, and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The breed is a good fit for active households, and can make a great companion for those looking for a loyal and loving pet.
Temperament and Personality Traits of the Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a breed of dog that is known for its friendly and loyal temperament. This breed is a great family pet and is known for its intelligence and alertness. They are also known for their strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their owners. They are also very active and energetic, and enjoy being part of the family.
The Finnish Spitz is known for its independent and strong-willed personality. They are also quite vocal and can be quite demanding of attention. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are also known for their strong hunting instincts and can be quite protective of their owners and family. They are not the best choice for first-time owners, as they require a lot of patience and training to be well-behaved. However, with the right training and socialisation, they can be a great companion.
Training and Exercise Requirements for a Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a lively and energetic breed of dog that requires a great deal of exercise and training to keep them healthy and happy. As such, it is important for potential owners to understand the exercise and training requirements for a Finnish Spitz before taking on such a responsibility.
Daily exercise is an important part of a Finnish Spitz’ life. They should be taken for a walk or run at least once a day, and should also have access to a secure, fenced-off area where they can run and play. This breed is also known for its intelligence and can benefit from regular mental stimulation. Training is essential for a Finnish Spitz, and they should be taught basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Finnish Spitz, and owners should be patient and consistent when teaching them new commands. Socialisation is also important for a Finnish Spitz, and they should be exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age.
Grooming and Maintenance Tips for Finnish Spitz Owners
Grooming and maintenance tips for Finnish Spitz owners is an important part of owning a Finnish Spitz. These lively and energetic dogs require regular grooming and maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. Here are some tips to help you keep your Finnish Spitz in tip-top condition.
Firstly, brushing your Finnish Spitz regularly is essential for keeping their coat in good condition. They have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. It is also important to brush their teeth regularly to prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque. Additionally, trimming their nails is important to maintain their feet and prevent them from becoming too long and uncomfortable.
Secondly, regular bathing is important to keep your Finnish Spitz clean and healthy. Bathing should be done every two to three months depending on the environment in which your Spitz lives. It is also important to make sure that you use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs and that you rinse them thoroughly to prevent any skin irritations. Additionally, you should check their ears regularly for any signs of infection and keep them clean and dry.
Health Concerns and Common Medical Issues in Finnish Spitzes
The Finnish Spitz is a robust and healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Common medical issues in the Finnish Spitz include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye diseases. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, resulting in pain and lameness. Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, resulting in pain and lameness. Eye diseases can range from mild to severe, and can include cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.
It is important to have your Finnish Spitz checked regularly by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and to catch any medical issues early. Regular check ups will also help to ensure that any potential health concerns are properly managed. It is also important to feed your Finnish Spitz a well balanced diet to ensure they get the proper nutrients and to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise is also important for the overall health of your Finnish Spitz, and should be done on a regular basis.
Choosing the Right Diet and Nutrition for Your Finnish Spitz
As owners of the Finnish Spitz, it is important to ensure that our beloved pet is receiving the correct diet and nutrition to keep them healthy and happy. When choosing the right diet and nutrition for your Finnish Spitz, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that your Finnish Spitz is receiving a balanced diet. This means providing them with the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. A diet high in protein is especially important for this breed, as the Finnish Spitz is an active and energetic dog. When selecting a food for your Finnish Spitz, it is important to check the label to ensure that it is specifically formulated for this breed and contains the right balance of nutrients.
Secondly, it is important to provide your Finnish Spitz with the right amount of exercise. This breed is known for its high energy levels, and it is important to ensure they are getting enough physical activity to keep them healthy and happy. Regular exercise will help to keep your Finnish Spitz’s weight in check and will also help to maintain their overall wellbeing.
Finally, it is important to ensure that your Finnish Spitz is receiving the right amount of water. This breed is very active and needs plenty of water to stay hydrated. Providing your Finnish Spitz with access to fresh, clean water at all times is essential for their health and wellbeing.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that your Finnish Spitz receives the correct diet and nutrition to keep them healthy and happy.
Socialization and Interaction with Other Pets and People.
The Finnish Spitz is a highly social breed, and they love to interact with other pets and people. They are known to be very friendly and outgoing, and they enjoy playing with other dogs and cats. They also love to be around humans, and they will often greet people with enthusiasm and joy. They are very playful and love to be around people, so they make great family pets.
Finnish Spitz are known to be quite vocal, so they may bark or whine when they want attention or when they are excited. They also have a strong prey drive, so they may chase after smaller animals. To prevent this, it is important to socialize them from a young age and teach them proper etiquette around other animals. It is also important to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, as this will help keep them content and well-behaved.
Final Thoughts
The Finnish Spitz is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a loyal and intelligent companion. This breed is known for its unique appearance, intelligence, and loyalty. They are an active breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and require regular training and socialization. They are also relatively easy to groom and maintain, and have few genetic health issues. With the right care and attention, the Finnish Spitz can make a wonderful addition to any family who is looking for a loyal and loving companion.
Finnish Spitz FAQs
Finnish Spitz are generally healthy, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
The Finnish Spitz has an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
A Finnish Spitz needs moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime in a secure area.
A Finnish Spitz has a double coat that sheds seasonally, they need to be groomed regularly and brushed weekly to remove loose hairs.
The Finnish Spitz can be a good choice for first-time dog owners who are willing to give them the time and attention they need.
Yes, the Finnish Spitz is a great family dog due to its friendly and loyal nature.
Finnish Spitz can be stubborn and independent, but with positive reinforcement training, they can be trained effectively.
The average size of a Finnish Spitz is between 38-51 centimetres in height and 11-16 kilograms in weight.
The Finnish Spitz breed originated in Finland.
Finnish Spitz are known for their lively, friendly and intelligent temperament.
