Finnish Spitz
The Good
- Well-developed hunting instincts
- Coat doesn't require frequent grooming
- Gets along reasonably well with other pets
- Attractive appearance
The Real
- Considered a noisy breed
- Moderate guard dog abilities
- Requires physical exercise
- Needs long and active walks
Gallery
Breed Overview
Meet the Finnish Spitz - a flame-coloured beauty that's basically a fox in dog's clothing! These medium-sized charmers are Finland's national dog, and once you meet one, you'll understand why they're so beloved in their homeland.
Finnish Spitz dogs are the ultimate "barking bird dogs" - they were bred to hunt game birds by literally talking to them (well, barking at them). This means you're getting a dog with serious vocal talents and opinions about everything. They're incredibly alert and will let you know about every delivery truck, possum, or suspicious leaf that dares to enter your territory.
What makes these dogs special is their perfect balance of independence and devotion. They're intelligent enough to think for themselves (which can be both a blessing and a challenge during training), but loyal enough to stick by your side through thick and thin. Their fox-like appearance, complete with pricked ears and a curled tail, makes them absolute head-turners at the local dog park.
In Australian homes, Finnish Spitz adapt well to families who appreciate their spirited nature and can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They're not couch potatoes - these dogs need adventure and purpose in their lives. Whether you're in sunny Queensland or chilly Tasmania, they'll adapt to your climate while keeping you entertained with their playful antics and expressive personality.
History
History
The Finnish Spitz has quite the tale to tell! The first written mention of these gorgeous red dogs dates back to 1675, when French traveller Pierre la Martinière was so smitten with these flame-coloured beauties during his Finnish adventures that he dedicated most of his travel journal to describing them. Talk about making an impression!
These dogs have been Finland's hunting companions for roughly 3,000 years, originally brought by migrants from central Russia. They specialised in hunting game birds, particularly grouse, using their unique "bark and point" hunting style. The locals were so impressed with their skills that they developed competitions to crown the best "King Barker" - imagine that at your local dog show!
By the late 1800s, the breed nearly vanished due to crossbreeding with other dogs. Thankfully, two passionate breed enthusiasts, Hugo Roos and Hugo Sandberg, launched a rescue mission that saved these remarkable dogs from extinction. Their efforts paid off, and by the early 1900s, the Finnish Kennel Club officially recognised the breed.
The journey to international recognition took a bit longer. Finnish Spitz arrived in England in the 1920s and made their way to America in the 1950s. The American Kennel Club welcomed them into their non-sporting group in 1988, though anyone who's met one knows they're far from non-sporting!
Today, while they're still treasured hunting companions in Finland, they've also won hearts worldwide as devoted family pets who bring a touch of Nordic charm to homes everywhere.
Traits & Characteristics
Finnish Spitz characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Finnish Spitz are generally robust dogs with fewer health concerns than many breeds, thanks to thoughtful breeding practices. With proper care, you can expect your Finnish mate to live a healthy 13-15 years, bringing joy to your family for well over a decade.
However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions. Hip dysplasia is one concern to watch for - you'll notice symptoms like limping, difficulty with stairs, or that characteristic "bunny hop" gait. If you spot any of these signs during those beach walks in Noosa or bushland hikes in the Blue Mountains, have a chat with your vet.
Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) can also occur, causing intermittent lameness or that telltale clicking sound from the knee joint. Most cases can be managed with medication and weight control, though severe cases might need surgery.
Epilepsy affects a small percentage of Finnish Spitz, presenting as recurring seizures. While there's no cure, it's very manageable with daily medication and regular vet monitoring - many affected dogs live completely normal, happy lives.
Australian owners should maintain regular vet checkups - annually for young dogs, twice yearly for seniors over seven. This breed's efficient metabolism means they can gain weight quickly, so keeping them trim is crucial for joint health. Whether you're in Darwin's humidity or Melbourne's cooler climate, ensure your Finnish Spitz gets appropriate exercise while avoiding overheating during those scorching Australian summers.
Prevention through quality breeding, regular health screening, and maintaining an active lifestyle will keep your Finnish Spitz thriving in the Australian environment.
Here's something important about Finnish Spitz - they have incredibly efficient metabolisms for a primitive breed, which means they can pack on weight faster than you can say "barbecue leftovers." This makes portion control absolutely crucial for keeping your Finnish mate in tip-top shape.
Adult Finnish Spitz should be fed twice daily - morning and evening works perfectly with most Australian family routines. Puppies need more frequent meals (3-4 times daily) to prevent low blood sugar, but once they hit their first birthday, you can transition to the adult schedule.
Choose a high-quality dog food that meets nutritional standards, with the protein content appropriate for their life stage. Whether you go with premium commercial food or a balanced raw diet, the key is consistency and portion control. Your vet can provide the best guidance based on your dog's individual needs, age, and activity level.
Finnish Spitz don't typically need supplements if they're on a balanced diet, but your vet might recommend specific ones based on your dog's health. Always check with your vet before adding anything new to their bowl.
Watch those treats during training sessions! While Finnish Spitz respond well to food rewards, their efficient metabolism means treats should be small and infrequent. This is especially important in Australia's social barbecue culture - resist those pleading eyes when the snags are sizzling.
Fresh water should always be available, particularly during Australia's hot summers. Whether you're in Perth's dry heat or Brisbane's humidity, proper hydration is essential for these active dogs.
Good news for busy Australian families - Finnish Spitz are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming! These clever dogs are known to groom themselves somewhat like cats, which certainly helps with the upkeep.
Their gorgeous double coat comes in stunning shades of red-gold, from pale honey to deep auburn, and it's designed to be naturally beautiful without much fuss. A weekly brush with a pin brush is usually sufficient, though you'll want to increase this during their twice-yearly shedding seasons (spring and autumn). During these times, daily brushing will help manage the extra fur floating around your home - trust me, you'll want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner!
The breed standard is quite specific about trimming - basically, don't! Except for tidying up around the foot pads and possibly around the eyes, their coat should remain natural. No fancy scissoring or styling required, which makes life easier for everyone.
Bathing should be minimal - only when they're genuinely dirty or a few times per year with a gentle dog shampoo. Their coat naturally repels dirt, so over-bathing can actually damage their skin and coat condition.
Don't forget the basics: regular nail trims (especially important if they're not wearing them down naturally on concrete), weekly ear checks and cleaning as needed, and daily tooth brushing to prevent dental disease. In Australia's varied climate, from Darwin's humidity to Melbourne's cooler weather, their coat adapts beautifully without requiring special seasonal care.
Finnish Spitz are intelligent dogs with strong opinions - think of them as the clever friend who always has a better idea! This intelligence is fantastic, but it also means they can be a bit strong-willed during training. They're definitely not the "yes sir, no sir" type of dog.
Keep training sessions short, positive, and engaging. These dogs respond brilliantly to food rewards (remember that efficient metabolism though - keep treats small!), praise, and play. Patience is absolutely key - they'll let you know when they've had enough, and pushing too hard will only make them more stubborn.
Early socialisation is crucial, especially since they can be naturally reserved with strangers. Puppy school, regular visits to busy places like weekend markets in Adelaide or dog beaches on the Gold Coast, will help them develop into well-rounded adults.
Exercise-wise, these dogs were bred to hunt all day in dense forests, so they have serious stamina. A daily walk is the bare minimum - they really thrive with longer adventures like bushwalking in the Grampians or beach runs along the Sunshine Coast. A securely fenced yard is essential because their hunting instincts mean they'll chase anything that moves.
Their strong prey drive makes recall training particularly important. They might decide that pursuing a rabbit is more interesting than coming when called! Consistent leash walking and secure fencing are non-negotiable.
Finnish Spitz excel at dog sports like agility, rally, and obedience - perfect for channelling their intelligence and energy. Many Australian dog clubs offer these activities, providing great mental stimulation and bonding opportunities.
Who is an ideal owner?
Finnish Spitz aren't for everyone, and that's perfectly fine! These spirited dogs thrive with active, experienced owners who appreciate their unique personality and can meet their substantial exercise needs.
If you're a homebody who prefers quiet evenings on the couch, this probably isn't your breed. Finnish Spitz need owners who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities - whether that's weekend camping trips to national parks, regular beach walks, or exploring hiking trails. They're perfect companions for active families who want a dog that can keep up with their adventurous lifestyle.
Experience with dogs is definitely beneficial. These aren't beginner-friendly dogs due to their independent streak and vocal nature. If you're new to dog ownership but absolutely smitten with the breed, consider enrolling in training classes with a professional - it'll benefit both of you enormously.
Suburban living works well if you can manage their vocal nature. Your neighbours in those close-knit Australian suburbs will appreciate early training to control excessive barking. They can adapt to apartment living, but only if you're committed to providing substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Finnish Spitz suit families with older children who understand dog behaviour, active singles or couples, and even retirees who maintain an active lifestyle. They're not ideal for FIFO workers or families where everyone's out all day - these dogs crave companionship and can become destructive when bored.
Rural properties are fantastic for this breed, giving them space to patrol and explore safely. Whether you're on acreage in regional Queensland or have a decent backyard in suburban Perth, they'll make the most of their territory.
Interesting facts about the Finnish Spitz
Interesting Fact
The Finnish Spitz is Finland's national dog and is considered a national treasure in their homeland
Interesting Fact
In Finland, they still hold "King Barker" competitions where the loudest, most enthusiastic barker wins the crown
Interesting Fact
Their Finnish name "Suomenpystykorva" translates to "Finnish Cock-Eared Dog" due to their distinctive pointed ears
Interesting Fact
Finnish Spitz puppies are born with black markings that gradually disappear as they mature into their gorgeous red-gold adult coat
FAQ
Absolutely! Finnish Spitz make wonderful family dogs, especially with children. They're naturally playful and will happily spend hours entertaining their smaller human companions. Just ensure early socialisation and remember they can be quite vocal.
Short periods are fine, but these dogs aren't suited to being alone for most of the day. They're incredibly loyal and bond closely with their families, so long absences often lead to excessive barking or destructive behaviour. If you work long hours regularly, this might not be the right breed for you.
While both breeds share that gorgeous fox-like appearance and curled tail, Finnish Spitz are larger with longer coats that come specifically in red shades. Both are vocal breeds, but Finnish Spitz tend to be more openly affectionate with their families, while Shibas are typically more aloof.
These active dogs need substantial daily exercise - at least an hour of vigorous activity. In Australia's hot climate, plan walks for early morning or evening during summer months. They love swimming, making them perfect for Australia's beach culture, and their double coat helps them handle cooler weather in places like Melbourne or Tasmania.
They can adapt to apartment living if you're committed to providing extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, their vocal nature might be challenging in close quarters with neighbours. A house with a securely fenced yard is definitely preferable.
Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, increasing to daily during their spring and autumn shedding seasons. They're relatively low-maintenance - no professional grooming required, just regular home care and the occasional bath when needed.