Introduction:

The Finnish Spitz has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, believed to have descended from ancient hunting dogs. Genetic studies show DNA shared with the extinct tamer wolf from Siberia. Concerns for breed purity led to preservation efforts by enthusiasts like Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Ross.

Historical Background:

The Finnish Spitz also referred to as the Suomenpystykorva in its native Finland, The Finnish Spitz breed has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years. Believed to have descended from ancient hunting dogs, for their hunting prowess, Finnish Spitzes have since become cherished members of households worldwide, valued for their intelligence and loyalty.

Genetic studies have shown that the Finnish Spitz shares DNA with the tamer wolf that once lived in Siberia and was extinct in the late 1900s due to a combination of hunting, habitat loss, and diseases.

By 1880, advancing transportation facilitated interbreeding, risking the extinction of the Finnish Spitz as a distinct breed. Their purity was compromised and the very essence of the Finnish Spitz, from its temperament to its hunting abilities, was at risk of being lost, prompting concern among enthusiasts striving to preserve their heritage

As forest officer Hugo Sandberg and his hunting partner Hugo Ross roamed the wilderness, they stumbled upon a genuine Finnish Spitz. Mesmerized by its agility and keen instincts, Sandberg’s heart swelled with determination to safeguard the breed from potential extinction. This encounter ignited a passionate pursuit to preserve the Finnish Spitz’s heritage, leading Sandberg on a noble mission to ensure its survival for future generations.

Sandberg’s influence possibly dates back to early breed standards in 1812, marking him as the first to publish a standard for the Finnish Spitz formally. His expertise shone through in Sporten Magazine’s December 12, 1980 issue, where he outlined the breed’s characteristics.

However, Sandberg’s passion was shared by his friend Ross, who dedicated 30 years to actively breeding Finnish Spitz dogs, contributing significantly to the breed’s development

After concluding his breeding endeavors, Hugo Ross transitioned to showing dogs and judging competitions. In Oulu in 1892, the first Finnish Spitz show took place, with 93 dogs presented for judging.

The red-coated male, Keki, emerged victorious, earning 30 Finnish Markas and securing his place as the inaugural winner forever etched into the Finnish Kennel Club’s pedigree book with the distinguished.

The Finnish Kennel Club has updated the Finnish Spitz breed standard six times, with the latest revision confirmed in 1996. Their commitment to breed excellence was made abundantly clear at the club’s 90th-anniversary celebration in 1979, where the Finnish Spitz was officially recognized as Finland’s national dog breed, honoring their cherished status in the hearts of the Finnish people.

Continuing their dedication the club endeavors to secure the Finnish Spitzes’ hunting experience on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This initiative aims to preserve their rich history of companionship with humans and celebrate their distinctive nature, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come

Finnish Spitz Temperament:

Finnish Spitzes are known for their friendly nature and love for interaction, particularly with children. Always eager, For playtime, males of this breed often exhibit protective tendencies with a more dominant demeanor compared to females, but despite their loyalty to their family, they may adopt a reserved stance around unfamiliar individuals, reflecting their cautious yet affectionate temperament

Physical Characteristics

Renowned for its distinctive coat, the Finnish Spitz boasts a double layer, a soft, dense undercoat, and long, straight guard hairs measuring around 1 to 2 inches in length.
This unique combination provides insulation and protection. protection, reflecting the breed’s adaptability to harsh weather conditions and its natural affinity for the outdoors.

Further detailing the finished Spitz’s coat, the hair on its head and legs is short and closely packed, offering a sleek appearance. Meanwhile, the longest and most dense fur is concentrated on the plume of the tail and the back of the thighs, enhancing its majestic and striking profile.

In Scandinavia, official barking competitions are held for Finnish Spitzes to determine the esteemed title of King of the Barkers. These competitions showcase not only the volume but also the speed of their barks. Finnish Spitzes have been documented barking at an impressive rate of 160 barks per minute, showcasing their remarkable vocal prowess and agility.

This unique tradition celebrates the breed’s innate ability and serves as a testament to their distinctive qualities.

Finnish Spitzes, known as bark hunters, use their distinctive barking to aid in bird hunting. While they primarily serve as companion dogs, they have also been retaining their hunting instincts, particularly in Finland. During hunts, they run ahead of the hunter, locating prey birds and alerting the hunter with their characteristic bark. This unique hunting method showcases their natural abilities and keen senses

as the national dog of Finland the the Finnish Spitz holds a special place in the hearts of its people. This esteemed status is reflected in numerous Finnish patriotic songs, where the breed is often referenced with pride. Songs such as Mame and Sotilaspoika pay homage to the Finnish Spitz’s role as a beloved symbol of Finnish heritage and identity.

This breed, renowned for its slow maturation, typically exhibits puppy-like behavior until reaching three to four years of age. Their playful antics and boundless energy endure well into adulthood, captivating owners with their youthful charm.

This breed, renowned for its slow maturation, typically exhibits puppy-like behavior until reaching three to four years of age. Their playful antics and boundless energy endure well into adulthood, captivating owners with their youthful charm.

Finnish Bits puppies bear a striking resemblance to red fox cubs, sporting fawn coats with hints of black, dark gray, and brown at birth. The Finnish Bits’ coat is famous for its fox-like red color, but these dogs have quite a lot of black in their coats when they are born. However, the black usually fades away after two years.

The magnificent male finish stands tall, usually measuring from 17.5 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing 31 to 35 pounds. Their robust physique is perfectly proportioned, allowing them to carry their weight with graceful agility, which is a hallmark trait of the breed. With their harmonious build, they move with a purposeful stride that reflects their innate agility and grace.

While slightly smaller in stature, Female Finnish Spitzes radiate an equal amount of grace and charm. Typically standing between 15.5 and 18 inches in height and weighing 23 to 28 pounds, they possess a delicate, yet strong presence.

Exercise and Training:

As a breed bred for hunting, the Finnish Spitz requires ample exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive games are essential to keep this active breed happy and healthy. Additionally, engaging in activities such as agility training or canine sports can help channel its energy and intelligence constructively.

Training the Finnish Spitz can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and consistency. While intelligent, this breed can also be stubborn and independent-minded, so positive reinforcement techniques and firm but gentle guidance are recommended. Early socialization is crucial to prevent any potential behavioral issues, as the Finnish Spitz can be wary of strangers and other animals.

Health Considerations:

Overall, the Finnish Spitz is a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, it is prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these conditions to minimize the risk of passing them on to future generations.

Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise is essential for preventing obesity, which can exacerbate joint problems in this breed. Routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are also crucial for ensuring the Finnish Spitz leads a long and healthy life.

Owners of finished bits should be aware that twice a year, the breed undergoes a shedding process known as the blown coat. During this time, it’s crucial to remove the old undercoat to facilitate healthy new coat growth. While the undercoat may appear thick and fluffy, excessive buildup can result in skin issues like itching or redness, signaling potential allergies or sensitivities that require attention.

Ensuring the happiness of a finished bit requires at least an hour of daily activity given their intelligence and independence.
To keep them engaged, walks should be stimulating, incorporating training sessions and games rather than monotonous routes. Their thick coat makes them unfazed by cold weather, so rain or wind won’t deter their outdoor adventures.

The finished pits, being small and tidy, won’t demand much space in your home, but given their vocal tendencies and prey-driven instincts, a country home with a secure garden is ideal. The Finnish Spitz, being a working breed, responds well to training methods involving motivation, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Identifying their motivations and catering to them is key to successful training sessions.

Engaging their keen sense of smell through scent work is not only enjoyable but also mentally stimulating for them. It’s important to start early with recall training and tease them to be quiet on command to manage their tendency to bark.

The Tamar wolf’s bloodline adds a touch of resilience and strength to the Finnish Spitz, making them the lively and spirited companions we adore and will often set you back anything from $700 to $2,000

The Finnish Spitz is particularly effective and notorious when it comes to chasing squirrels. It adds a whimsical touch by characterizing the dog as a bane, implying that squirrels might find the Finnish Spitz a playful or persistent adversary.

The majority of Finnish Spitzes get along nicely with other household dogs due to their hunting dog heritage they are unpredictable around small animals and pet birds although they can get along with cats if allowed to grow up with their number 26 the finished bits is typically a very healthy breed with very few general health concerns however breeders should be consulted to understand the prevalence of some of the common disorders in this breed

Elbow dysplasia in Finnish Spitz refers to improper development of the elbow joint resulting in malformation or misalignment. This condition can induce lameness, pain, and discomfort in the affected dogs. Regular veterinary checkups along with the maintenance of a healthy weight are essential measures to effectively manage and prevent complications associated with elbow dysplasia in Finnish Spitz.

28. Epilepsy A neurological disorder marked by recurring seizures can be influenced by various factors in Finnish Spitzes. Age, Feeding habits, exposure to stressors like hunting, and gender can contribute to the prevalence of epilepsy in this breed. Alright guys, now which of these Finnish Spitz facts surprised you the most? Please let us know in the comments below.

Over view

Section	Content
Historical Background	The Finnish Spitz has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, believed to have descended from ancient hunting dogs. Genetic studies show DNA shared with the extinct tamer wolf from Siberia. Concerns for breed purity led to preservation efforts by enthusiasts like Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Ross.
Temperament	Friendly and interactive, Finnish Spitzes are loyal but cautious with strangers. Males may show protective tendencies. Known for playful behavior, slow maturation, and puppy-like antics until 3-4 years old.
Physical Characteristics	Relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Requires proper weight management, routine vet check-ups, and preventive care. The shedding process known as “blown coat” twice a year requires attention.
Exercise and Training	Requires ample exercise and mental stimulation due to hunting background. Positive reinforcement and early socialization are recommended for training. Engaging in agility or canine sports is beneficial.
Health Considerations	Relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Requires proper weight management, routine vet check-ups, and preventive care. The shedding process known as “blown coat” twice a year requires attention.
Additional Facts	Known for barking competitions showcasing vocal prowess. Notorious for chasing squirrels. Generally gets along with other household dogs but may be unpredictable around small animals. Elbow dysplasia and epilepsy are health concerns to monitor. Price ranges from $700 to $2,000.