Finnish Spitz Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland and a bright, red-gold bird dog that holds game at bay with its voice. It is lively, loyal and extremely vocal, with a thick coat and a foxlike face.

Origins and appearance

Developed in Finland for hunting game birds, the breed locates prey, then barks to hold its attention until the hunter arrives. Finnish Spitz are medium-sized, light and agile, with a pointed muzzle, small upright ears, a double coat in shades of golden red and a tail curled over the back.

Temperament

They are intelligent, bold and affectionate with family. They can be reserved with strangers. They are very vocal, using a distinctive, ringing bark. They can be independent and stubborn. They are usually fine with older children and other dogs when socialized. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily activity, including brisk walks, play and training. They enjoy hiking and scent games. Mental challenges are important. Secure fencing is vital, since a hunting dog can follow its nose. Use a leash outside.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods and short sessions. Early socialization helps. Teach a quiet cue by rewarding silence, and manage triggers. Recall is unreliable. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat sheds heavily twice a year. Brush a couple of times a week, daily when shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Patellar luxation. See luxating patella in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as cataracts
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Hypothyroidism
• Skin problems and allergies

Living with a Finnish Spitz

They suit rural homes or families with tolerant neighbors. They do not suit people who need a quiet home.

A typical day

A Finnish Spitz wants a morning walk, training, a rest and an afternoon outing, with plenty of time with family. They love to patrol the yard and announce what they see.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are lively and noisy. Begin socialization, handling and quiet-cue training early. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, fencing and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include expecting a quiet dog, underexercising, weak fencing and shaving the coat.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye testing, the parents' temperaments and how noisy the line is. Meet adults before deciding.

A realistic view of the barking

Finnish Spitz barking is not a behavior problem; it is the job the breed was created for. You can reduce it by providing exercise, teaching quiet, limiting triggers such as windows and avoiding leaving the dog outside unsupervised. You cannot remove it completely, and honest breeders will say so.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Finnish Spitz suits active owners in a place where noise is acceptable, who want a lively, handsome bird dog. It may not suit apartments or noise-sensitive neighbors. For a quieter spitz, see the Keeshond.

Hunting heritage at home

In Finland the breed is traditionally judged on its barking ability, a fact that tells you how central the voice is to its identity. A Finnish Spitz that lives in a house will often bark at squirrels, passing cars and the doorbell with equal enthusiasm. Owners who succeed with the breed tend to share a few habits: they exercise the dog hard each morning, they keep it indoors when they are away, and they speak to neighbors early and kindly about the noise. Those habits go a long way toward a peaceful household.

The takeaway

Finnish Spitz are bright, red and loud, and they need exercise, training and tolerant neighbors.