Finnish Spitz

Dog Breed Profile

Home Dog Breeds Non-Sporting Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz History

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized spitz-type Nordic sleddog. The origins and ancestry of the Lapponian Herder or Finn-Spitze is often disputed, even by the Finnish kennel clubs who claim her as their national native breed of dog. The Swedish-speaking Sámi people have their own version of the story, which claims that the Sami were the first keepers of this unique animal. This legend states that King Erik of Sweden granted the Sami the right to own and hunt the Finlander, which is the Swedish name for the Lapponian Herder or Finn-Spitze. However, the earliest history of the Finnish Spitz begins in the 16th century, when, according to the records of the Archbishop of Turku, a shepherd named Olof Svärd delivered two pups to Archbishop Mikael Agricola, which would become the first ever Finnish Spitz.

Time of Origin

Ancient

Country of Origin

Finland

Ancestry

Spitz

Finnish Spitz Physical Characteristics

The Finn-Spitz is a small, medium – sized Sporting Dog breed of dog. (The American Kennel Club has a classification of “Siberian Husky” instead.) They stand between 16 and 22 inches at the shoulders and normally weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. They have a thick, long double-coated coat, which is either pure white, or multi-colored. They have a noble, wolf-like face, with deep-set eyes, pointed ears, and a thick, bushy tail. They are strong, intelligent, and well-mannered.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Unknown

Coat Colors

Unknown

Height Range

Male Height Range: 17 – 20 inches

Female Height Range: 15 – 18 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 25 – 33 lbs

Female Weight Range: 20 – 28 lbs

Finnish Spitz Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Finnish Spitz Health Concerns

Finnish Spitz Temperament and Behaviour

The Finnish Spitz is a playful and brave breed of dog that is naturally happy, gentle, and sociable. They get along well with children, but can sometimes be aggressive towards other small animals. They tend to form a strong bond with their owners, and are known to be protective of them.

Finnish Spitz Activity Requirements

Finnish Spitz are intelligent, playful, and alert. They have strong legs and love to run around. A daily walk or jog is a wonderful way to keep your Finnish Spitz healthy and happy. They are a great choice for families who enjoy the outdoors and like to stay active. If you are an active person, a Finnish Spitz may be the perfect companion for you. However, if you are not quite as athletic, a Finnish Spitz may not be the best choice for you. This is an extremely energetic, outgoing, and spirited dog. The more time you spend with them, the happier they will be. If you do not get enough physical exercise, they may develop behavioral problems. If you’re considering a Finnish Spitz, be sure to meet their exercise needs. This is not a breed that will be content to sit at home all day. They need plenty of activity, both physical and mental, to be happy and well-adjusted.

Miles Per Day

Unknown

Activity Per Day

Unknown

Daily Food

2.5 cups

Kennel Club Recognition

American Kennel Club

Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Finnish Spitz is part of the Non-Sporting group.

Visit the American Kennel Club website.

The Kennel Club

Recognized by The Kennel Club

Finnish Spitz is part of the Hound group.

Visit the Kennel Club website.

Australian National Kennel Council

Recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council

Finnish Spitz is part of the Hound group.

Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.

Canadian Kennel Club

Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club

Finnish Spitz is part of the Hound group.

Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.