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At a glance...

Class... Non Sporting
Height... 40~ 50cm
Weight... 12~ 17kgs
Life span... 10~ 12yrs

Activity level
indoors  
outdoors  
Obedience
ease of training  
ease of housebreaking  
Dominance
towards owner or family  
towards other dogs  
Territoriality
towards people  
towards dogs  
Sociability
with family  
with strangers  
with other dogs  
Aloofness
towards family  
towards strangers  
towards other dogs  
Aggressiveness
towards family  
towards strangers  
towards other dogs  
towards cats/small animals  
Response to owner and family
eagerness to please  
demand for affection  
excitability  
playfulness  
tolerates children under 4  
tolerates children over 4  
excessive barking  
destructiveness  
Watchdog/guard-dog abilities
watchdog  
guard-dog  

Finnish Spitz


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Description...

Finnish Spitz Dog BreedThe Finnish Spitz is a Nordic dog with a fox-like appearance. They have pricked ears and a cream coloured tail that curves over and rests on the back. The Finnish Spitz are cat-like in their grooming habits and need little maintenance from their human companions.

History...

Originally used to track large game such as polar bear and elk. It has also been used as a bark pointer to track small game animals and birds. Ancestors were the hunting companions of ancient Finns. Finns hold an annual contest to crown Finland's top barking dog.

Today the Finnish Spitz is in the Non-Sporting Group and more of a companion dog than a hunter.

Traits...

Count how fast your Finnish Spitz can bark! They can bark up to 160 times per minute!

Good aspects...

Finnish Spitz Head - Dog BreedThis breed does very well with children and don't pursue aggressive situations. The Finnish Spitz is very intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement. They have few health problems with low incidence of hip dysplasia or allergies. Very little trimming of their coat is required.

Be aware...

Socialization can be difficult, especially as puppies because the dog is more interested in other things. Their personality is initially aloof. Barks a lot in a high-pitched bark.

Summary...

This breed is good for first time owners and good with children. They may not be very sociable with strangers but bond well with the immediate family. This is a very active dog, and they need to be exercised at least a half hour 3-4 times per day. They also need adequate space to play. Brave but cautious, the Finnish Spitz makes an excellent watchdog.

Sometimes called the Finnish Barking Birddog. The national dog of Finland.

 

source: petcare information centre- petcare.umn.edu

Further resources...

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and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified veterinarian.
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the accuracy or appropriate application of any information on this site.