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This fox-colored four-legged friend from Finland with the typical concise character of the Spitz is a Nordic hunting dog, who has gathered a small but loyal following around the world. It is especially popular in its homeland, Finland. Below you can read interesting facts about the Finnish Spitz, which in Finnish is called «Suomenpystykorva«.
History
Finnish national dog
For centuries, the Finnish Spitz has been used as a hunting companion in northern and eastern Finland. In particular, has helped hunt small predators, moose and waterfowl, and later this dog became more and more specialized in grouse and black grouse: Scare these large birds into the surrounding treetops. Now him Finnish Spitz barks persistently until its two-legged partner is close enough to shoot prey.
Little is known about the exact development of the breed. But, the Finnish Spitz probably descended from dogs Spitz, who have been the everyday helpers of the people in Russia for more than 1.000 years. Towards the end of the 19th century, finnish Hugo Roos observed the original Spitz in northern Finland while hunting and recognized its extraordinary abilities. He advocated selective breeding and thus developed the modern Finnish Spitz – although the standard has been changed several times since then. In Russia, the four-legged friend is also known as the Karelo-Finnische Laika, but in 2006 the Finnish and Russian breeding associations agreed that the two names are the same breed. This means that Finland has been recognized as the country of origin of the breed and is responsible for the standard..
Since 1979 the Finnish Spitz has been the national dog of Finland.
Physical characteristics
Compact body, upright ears and a bushy tail curled over the back: The Finnish Spitz medium-sized it is optically a typical Spitz and stands out especially for its red or golden-brown fur. This consists of two layers: The soft, dense undercoat and the hard top coat. The undercoat is always a little lighter.
Males can reach a height at the withers of about 47 cm., the females some 42 cm.. Depending on its size, the dogs weigh between 10 and 15 kg.
Character and skills
If you want a stuffed dog that always strives for recognition from his two-legged friends, you are wrong with a Finnish Spitz. This independent and sovereign dog knows better than anyone where he is going, and therefore never fully subordinate. He is extremely intelligent and loves to learn, if you can teach him something new. Frequent repetitions quickly bore you, so your willingness to cooperate can decrease rapidly. He is brave and very keen to bark: one of his characteristics is a penetrating voice – More on this later. One Finnish Spitz can be used as a guard dog, but he needs to be connected to his human pack. He is friendly with his caregiver or family and enjoys spending time with children.
Attention: It is a very Barking Dog.
At this point we would like to point out a special feature of this dog, the bark of joy Finnish Spitz. Please, consider it: In finland, with a population density of about 16 Inhabitants per square kilometer, the closest neighbor usually lives far away. Here the dog is not only known for his strong voice, but also positively emphasized and encouraged in the form of barking competitions.
This skill is extremely important for hunting, so that the dog can offer good guidance to the two-legged hunter who cannot move so easily through partially snowy forest. The Finnish Spitz they don't just bark, they also dominate different variations, from short sounds to a kind of song.
Many Finnish Spitz they can do up 160 sounds per minute. So if you are thinking about the arrival of such a dog, you must first inform yourself about their joy of barking. Even if you can control or reduce it, some Finnish Spitz they will continue to bark more than most other dogs – this is simply in their genes. If you live in a rural area, you can use the Finnish Spitz as an excellent guardian of the house and the yard.
Activities with the Finnish Spitz
To the Finnish Spitz he loves the time he spends with his reference person, as well as being outside. So, it's better to combine both as often as possible and take it for long, long walks. It is a wonderful companion on walks, if you keep him on a leash or have his hunting instinct under control. this last, However, is a challenge with this breed, if recoverability is not trained from the beginning. Frequent repetitions are not fun for him Finnish Spitz, but they are looking for a common activity that also trains their smart little head. The trace job, for example, it's a pleasure for him Finnish Spitz. In all sports activities, you must ensure that your partner does not overexert himself., so you stay motivated and injuries don't occur.
Finnish Spitz education
If you are thinking that a Finnish Spitz move in with you, You should already have some canine experience to guide this independent companion to the required basic obedience. Don't expect me to be completely subordinate to you, race is too independent for that. Be consistent with everything that is important to you, but leave the Finnish Spitz his own head (testaruda) elsewhere.
With a loving consistency and positive reinforcement you can train this dog well as a rule. In any case, he is very intelligent and likes to learn new things – then it is also, as a result, cooperative. Use this for your training. With a young man Finnish Spitz it makes sense to visit the puppy school, to establish positive contacts with puppies of other breeds and to strengthen or develop your social streak. Also basic command training at a dog school can be very helpful with him. – it's best if you find a dog school that already has experience with the idiosyncratic character of Spitz.
Robust health
The typical Finnish Spitz is a robust and weather resistant dog: the breed is considered to be hardly affected by specific hereditary diseases. If you are thinking of acquiring a dog of this type, it is important that you buy it from reputable breeders, as they reduce the risk of genetic diseases through responsible breeding. An example would be the predisposition of some dogs to Hip Dysplasia or problems with the knee and elbow joints. Talk to the breeder in question about the health care of parental animals.
You yourself can contribute a great deal to your dog's health by providing him with a healthy diet and exercising appropriately for his age and level of training..
This breed of Spitz it is quite sensitive to heat due to its origin in the far north… The walks in winter, on the other hand, are to the taste of this four-legged friend. The breed reaches an average age of 12 to 13 years.
The Finnish Spitz diet
It also, a balanced diet adapted to the needs of your four-legged friend is an important component for their health. Like all dogs, the Finnish Spitz requires a meat-based diet. So, make sure meat is the first component for the pet food you choose. The grain should not be included. This applies regardless of whether wet or dry food is chosen. With a pure diet of dry food you must pay special attention to the fact that your quadruped ingests enough liquid.
Water must always be freely available. After meals, their Finnish Spitz definitely must have time for a digestive nap, so it is better to feed after joint excursions. Remember that treats must be added to the daily ration, otherwise your dog's slim waist will be in danger. It is also possible to bring dry food as a reward.
Dry chews, like cattle ears, satisfy your partner's chewing needs. Dental care treats or freeze-dried meat snacks especially for dogs are other sensible rewards that you can give your four-legged friend a tasty little treat with..
Care for the Finnish Spitz
Although caring for this dog's coat is quite easy, should not be careless, especially during coat change. In spring and autumn the Finnish Spitz usually has a lot of hair – help him get rid of dead hairs by brushing him regularly – preferably daily. This way you can prevent skin irritation, which can develop rapidly if too many hairs from the dense undercoat remain on the dog. Outside the coat change, just brush your partner once a week. During this grooming ritual, that you should already practice with your puppy, it is better that I also look in the ears, which should be cleaned with a dog ear cleaner if necessary. A brief claw check should also be performed at regular intervals – usually older quadrupeds or those that only walk on soft ground need support from you in the form of a pedicure. Here a dog clip provides valuable services.
Is a Finnish Spitz right for me??
A dream home for a Finnish Spitz It is a large plot of land in the field to watch over her, including family connection. The breed is suitable for dog lovers with a great sense of independence, who like to move in nature with their partner and who can impart basic obedience to the stubbornness of their four-legged friend thanks to the skill, consistency and calm. He is not a city dog and his barks of joy alone could make him unsuitable for keeping indoors., even if you can have a quiet Finnish Spitz as a roommate through lots of activity and patient training.
As a family dog ​​it is very suitable, provided you have the appropriate occupation and education. It also, is patient and trusting with children with whom he usually has a good relationship – but make sure the four-legged friend can back off if he feels like it. The Finnish Spitz not suitable for hot regions and also not a companion for a beach holiday – loves cooler climates, what is much better for him.
Talking about vacation: Before deciding on this dog, Please also consider that you should be well looked after in case of illness and on vacation. Preferably from someone who already knows you and is familiar with the characteristics of a Spitz. Of course, you can also take it on vacation with you, but before registering it in a hotel, you must be sure that you do not want to charm every hotel guest with your loud voice. So, this type of trip is only possible with a very well bred Finnish Spitz.
Also consider in advance the one-time costs and especially the regular costs that you will have to pay when your new pet roommate moves in.: In addition to the basic equipment and purchase price of a dog from a reputable breeder, there may be considerable travel expenses for a puppy bought abroad. Once your Spitz lives with you, there will be high quality food costs, taxes and insurance for the dog and expenses for regular visits to the vet, including vaccinations and deworming.
Where can I find my Finnish Spitz?
Like many other races from the far north, the Finnish Spitz is a rarity in southern Scandinavia. In many countries not a single litter of Finnish Spitz in a year, so if you have fallen in love with this breed, you will usually have to travel long distances to get a puppy as a new member of the family. Contact the Nordic dog breed clubs, that can help you find a dog of this breed, which is especially popular in its home country, and possibly establish contacts with breeders in Scandinavia. If you adopt a puppy from abroad, there are some things you should consider… Find out in time! Remember: It always makes sense to visit the puppy in the kennel to meet the parents and the circumstances in which the four-legged friends live.. If possible, you should also visit the breeder personally before deciding to buy a puppy from abroad. Here too there is the possibility to sniff each other and ask questions without time pressure. After all, buying a puppy is a matter of trust.
If you want a Finnish Spitz adult as companion, there is little chance in most Central European countries to get a matching dog – maybe you are considering a trip to Finland in the near future and find it there. Otherwise, nordic dog breed clubs will help you on your quest. Maybe a Nordic cross or another breed of Spitz can conquer your heart.
advice: Start looking for your new partner with watchful eyes and an open heart, because many hybrids of Spitz have similar characteristics.
Characteristics "Finnish Spitz"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Finnish Spitz" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Training ?3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Suitability of the apartment ?1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Can be alone all day ?1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Suitable as a first dog ?2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Weight gain ?3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Health ?4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Intelligence ?4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Kindness with child ?3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Tendency to bite ?2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Tendency to bark ?5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Tendency to flee ?4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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hair loss strength ?4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Suitable as a guard dog ?4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Joy ?3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Cat friendliness ?2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Power level ?4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Images "Finnish Spitz"
Spitz finlandés by Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA / CC BY |
Spitz finlandés by Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA / CC BY |
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Videos "Finnish Spitz"
Type and recognitions:
- FCI CLASSIFICATION:
- Group :
- Section : . .
Federations:
- – FCI – Group 5 – Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs. ⓘ
- – AKC – Nordic Hunting Dogs ⓘ
- – ANKC – Nordic Hunting Dogs ⓘ
- – CKC – Nordic Hunting Dogs ⓘ
- – KC – Nordic Hunting Dogs ⓘ
- – NZKC – Nordic Hunting Dogs ⓘ
- – UKC – Nordic Hunting Dogs ⓘ
FCI breed standard "Finnish Spitz"
Use:
A hunting dog mainly for forest birds, also small game predator, waterfowl and moose. Eager hunter; rather independent that works marking the prey with its barks.
General appearance:
It is small to medium in size and has an almost square body. Its configuration is slim, firm, and has a good bearing.
important proportions
The length of the body is equal to the height at the withers. The depth of the chest is slightly less than half the height at the withers. The ratio of the muzzle to the skull is about 3:4. The skull is slightly wider than it is long; its width is equal to its depth.
This is a lively dog, vigorous, courageous and determined. Can be somewhat reserved with strangers, but never malicious.
Head:
---- Skull:Seen from above, has an ovoid shape. It gradually widens towards the region of the ears and is wider between the ears. Seen from the front and profile, skull is slightly convex. Upper axes of skull and muzzle are nearly parallel. The frontal furrow is very superficial. Superciliary crest and occiput are not very visible.
- Depression front naso (Stop): It is not very pronounced. The angle between the muzzle and the skull is well visible.
facial region:
- Truffle:It is rather small and jet black.
- Snout:Narrow and thin. Viewed from above and in profile, gradually decreases. The nasal helm is straight. The lower jaw is clearly visible.
- Lips:Together, rather thin and tight. Are well pigmented.
- Jaws/Teeth:The jaws are strong. The teeth are symmetrical and well developed; teething is normal. Joint is narrow scissor-shaped.
- Cheeks:The zygomatic arches are slightly pronounced.
- Eyes:Medium in size and almond shaped. They are somewhat oblique and preferably dark. His expression is lively and alert.
- Ears:They are rather tall, always upright. They are rather small, pointed and very mobile. They are covered with fine hair.
Neck:
He's muscular. It appears rather short in males due to the thick collar of hairs. In females, is of medium length. There is no presence of dewlap.Body:
- Cross: It is clearly outlined, especially in males.
- Back: She is straight and muscular; rather short.
- Pork loin: Short and muscular.
- Rump: Medium length, well developed and slightly sloping.
- Breast : Deep, reaches almost to the elbows and is not very wide. The ribs are slightly arched. The sill is well visible and not very wide.
- bottom line: It is slightly raised.
Tail:
Bends strongly forward from its base, worn tightly across the back. Below and behind it rests against the thigh and its extremity extends to the middle of it. When extended it reaches almost to the hock.Tips
Former members
- As a whole:Seen from the front, they are straight and parallel. The bones are of medium strength. The arm is somewhat shorter than the shoulder blade and forearm.
- Shoulder:His firms, very mobile and relatively straight.
- Arm:A little shorter than the shoulder blade. It is somewhat inclined and very strong.
- Elbows:They appear in front of a vertical line drawn from the highest point of the shoulder blade. They are directed straight back.
- Forearm:Rather strong, vertical.
- Metacarpus:Medium length; slightly inclined.
- Front feet:Rounded climbing shoe. The fingers are close together and well arched. The pads are elastic, always black, and its lateral parts are covered with dense hair.
Later members
- As a whole:Seen from the back, they are straight and parallel. They are strong and of medium angulation. The bones are moderately strong. The thigh is a little longer than the leg.
- Thigh:Medium length. It is rather wide and has well-developed muscles..
- Knee:It is presented pointed forward. Angulation is medium.
- Leg:Muscled.
- Hock:It is moderately low and the angulation is medium.
- Metatarsus:It's rather short, strong and vertical.
- Hind feet:They are a little longer than the forwards, but otherwise they are equal to these. The dewclaws must be removed.
Movement:
It's lightweight and covers the ground effortlessly. Easily switch from trot to canter, which is the most natural movement. The members move in parallel. When it is launched after the prey, the dog bursts into a fast gallop.Mantle
Skin: It is well fitted throughout the body and does not form folds.
Fur: It is rather long on the trunk, upright or semi-erect and more rigid in the neck and back. It is short and tight in the head and limbs, except on the back of the hind limbs. Stiff shoulder hair, especially in males, is visibly longer and rougher. In the back of the thighs (pants) and in the queue, the hair is long and dense. The undercoat of hairs is short, soft, dense and light in color.
Color: The hair on the back is reddish brown, or golden brown, preferably bright. Of a lighter shade, are the hairs inside the ears, cheeks, the chest, the throat, the belly, the inside of the limbs, the back of the thighs and tail. A white stripe on the chest and small white markings on the feet are allowed.
Size and weight:
Height to the cross
- Males:47 cm with a tolerance of +/- 3 cm..
- females:42 cm with a tolerance of +/- 3 cm..
Weight
- Males:Among 12 and 13 kg.
- females:Among 7 and 10 kg.
Fouls:
Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria should be considered as fault, and its severity is considered in proportion to the degree of the standard deviation.
- Heavy head.
- Thick snout.
- Loose lower jaw.
- Ears pointing forward at an acute angle, or whose tip points inward or outward. Ears that droop back, or with long hairs inside.
- Loose or excessively curved tail.
- Pasterns too loose.
- Long coat, soft, too short or tight.
- Visibly delimited different colors.
ELIMINATING fAULTS
- Aggressive or fearful dog.
- Flesh colored nose.
- Upper or lower prognathism.
- Bright yellow eyes or gazy eyes.
- Ears with droopy tips.
- Bent tail.
- Wavy or curly coat.
- Visibly different from the basic color
- Large white patches on the chest or / and a white stocking.
Any dog showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities should be disqualified..
Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
Source: F.C.I - International Cynological FederationAlternative names:
1. Finnish Hunting Dog, Finnish Spets, Finsk Spets, Loulou Finois, suomalainen pystykorva, suomenpystykorva (English).
2. Spitz finlandais (French).
3. Karelo-Finnische Laika, Suomenpystykorva (German).
4. Spitz finlandês (Portuguese).
5. Loulou Finois, Suomalainen pystykorva, Finsk Spets (español).