Alternate Names
Cock-Eared Dog
Finkie
Finsk Spets
Suomenpystykorva
Also once called the “Finnish Barking Bird Dog”
Appearance:
Body: His Medium size fox-like body is square and well-balanced with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs and a strong back.
Coat: Double-coated with a thick, straight outer coat, and dense, soft undercoat.
Color: Pale honey to dark chestnut.
Ears: Small, pricked, pointed, very mobile, and high-set with a fine texture.
Eyes: Dark, spirited, obliquely set (outer corners are higher than the inner corners) and almond-shaped with black rims.
Feet: Compact and rounded with well-arched toes and well-cushioned pads.
Head: Medium size and fox-like with a moderate stop, slightly arched forehead, somewhat domed skull, a pointed muzzle and a black nose.
Neck: Muscular and well-set.
Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong, and well-muscled. Hind legs are powerful with medium size hocks.
Size:
Height is 15 – 20 inches (38 – 50cm)
Weight is 23 – 36 pounds (10.4 – 16.3kg)
Tail: Thickly coated and strongly curved.
Behavior
Recommended for novice dog handlers.
Can be incessant barkers and are known for their ability to yodel.
Good with children.
Can be aggressive with other dogs.
Require a great deal of exercise and companionship.
The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland. He is a faithful, intelligent family dog who loves to play with children but can be aggressive with other dogs, particularly if they are of the same sex. With his keen sense of eye sight and smell, he will alert his owner of any unusual noise or activity around the home.
The Finsk Spets is reserved and sensitive. As with most intelligent breeds, he becomes easily bored if not provided with a vast range of training exercises and activities. When outside be sure he is kept in a securely fenced in area or on a leash. He is an independently minded hunting dog who sees no reason why he should need the permission of his owner to go on his own hunting trip.
His build is fox-like, his energy is abundant, his hearing and eye sight are keenly sharp and his intelligent mind is creative, independent and mischievous. He is a quick learner with a predatory instinct and a need for a wide range of varied activities – too much repetition will bore him.
AKC standards say the Finnish Spitz is “Active and friendly, lively and eager, faithful; brave, but cautious.”
Breed Type
AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group
While primarily used to hunt wood grouse and other game birds, the Finnish Spitz is capable of hunting anything from squirrels to bear. He’s a tireless hunting dog with a sharp, penetrating bark used to guide the hunter to the location of the prey. He uses the movement of his tail to distract the prey while waiting for the hunters arrival.
Once he has found his prey he will alert the hunter by barking or yodeling.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Lots of exercise and a well-varied training regimen is needed to work off this breeds abundant energy.
Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly, daily during shedding season.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 Years
Possible problems:
Addison’s disease – not adequately producing adrenal hormones – can be fatal.
Elbow Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella – dislocated knee
Seizures
Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)
The Finnish Spitz doesn’t take well to being examined. An early introduction to veterinary visits is important.
Country of Origin
Finland
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