Finnish Spitz

Temperament: Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively

Group: Non-Sporting Group

Height: 39.4–50.8 in

Weight: 9.1–15.0 lb

Life Expectancy: 13.0–15.0 yrs

Energy Level: Needs Lots of Activity

Trainability: Agreeable

Shedding: Seasonal

Grooming Frequency: Weekly Brushing

The balanced, squarely symmetrical Finnish Spitz will stand not more than 20 inches at the shoulder and are easily recognized by their foxy face and prick ears projecting a lively expression, and a curving plumed tail. Their dense coat of glorious golden-red which is never monochromatic gives them the Finnish Spitz “Glow.” Finkies or Finns, as they are nicknamed, move with a bold and brisk gait.Finkies make excellent alertdogs, wary but not shy with strangers. This is a vocal breed – in Finland, owners hold contests to crown a “King Barker” – and true Finn lovers are more delighted than annoyed by their breed’s yodeling and range of vocalization. Finkies are eager canine athletes and eye-catching show dogs known to be smart, sensitive, and captivating companions. The lively Finnish Spitz, the flame-colored, foxy-faced breed from the “Land of 60,000 Lakes,” is a small but fearless hunting dog whose unique style of tracking and indicating quarry has earned him the nickname the “Barking Bird Dog.”