Height: 15-20 inches
Weight: 25-35 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Northern
Overview
Finnish spitzes are friendly, active, and lively companions. Eager to please,
they do well in obedience classes.
These dogs love children and usually get along with other dogs. They will
bark when someone is at the door (their bark is part of their hunting persona)
but warm up to most people quickly.
If this dog is separated from family life--left alone in the backyard for
long periods, for example--it will begin to bark or yap excessively.
Appearance
The undercoat is short, soft, and dense, and sheds in warm weather; the
straight, harsh guard hairs measure one to two inches. Coat color ranges
from pale honey to deep auburn.
The head is almost twice as long as the widest part of the skull. The bushy
tail curves up in a tight, vigorous curve.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The Finnish spitz needs to be brushed a few times a week and requires several
brisk walks and some playtime daily.
Origins
The Finnish spitz, which originated in the 19th century, is the national
dog of Finland, where it is still used as a hunting dog.
Special Alerts
Finnish spitzes are not suitable for city or apartment life because of their
extremely vocal nature.
Breed-related health concerns: epilepsy, pemphigus foliaceous (an
autoimmune skin disease causing ulcers and scabs to develop on the skin
all over the body).
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
