The Finnish Spitz Community

The Finnish Spitz is Finland's national dog, a lively, fox-like hunting breed developed over many centuries by the Finnish people for the specific purpose of hunting birds - particularly capercaillie, black grouse and other forest birds - using a distinctive hunting technique in which the dog locates quarry by scent or sight, marks it by barking persistently at the base of a tree or on the ground, and directs the hunter to the bird's location. This barking hunt, known as the "bark pointing" method, is characteristic and central to the breed's working function, and the Finnish Spitz is specifically selected for the quality and persistence of its bark. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group, it is exceptionally rare in the United Kingdom but is well established in Finland and Scandinavia. The appearance is immediately striking: a medium-sized, well-proportioned spitz type with a brilliant golden-red to honey-coloured double coat, a foxy, pointed muzzle, erect triangular ears and the characteristic curled tail of the spitz breeds. The overall impression is of a bright, alert, fox-like dog with considerable elegance and animation. Adults typically stand 39 to 50 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 7 to 13 kilograms. The character reflects the breed's hunting function. The Finnish Spitz is lively, animated, alert and independent. It is devoted to its own family and can be excellent with children in an active household. It is, however, a vocal breed, and this is the single most important characteristic for prospective owners to understand before pursuing the breed. The Finnish Spitz uses its voice readily and extensively - this is not a fault but a core breed characteristic that was specifically selected for over many generations of hunting use. A Finnish Spitz that barks at birds, squirrels, interesting sounds and the arrival of visitors is behaving entirely correctly for its breed type. This makes the breed unsuitable for noise-sensitive environments, apartments or situations where excessive barking would cause problems. The independent hunting nature means recall can be unreliable when the dog's instincts are engaged, and a securely fenced garden is important. Training with positive methods can achieve good manners and a reliable recall in most contexts, but the breed will never have the compliance of a dedicated working dog. Health is generally good, reflecting the Nordic working origins of the breed. Lifespan of 12 to 14 years is typical of the spitz-type breeds. Monthly running costs average £80 to £140. The Finnish Spitz Club of Great Britain and the Finnish Kennel Club are the primary resources for breed information, responsible breeders and contact.