Finnish Spitz
This talkative little companion will surely melt your heart and enlighten your soul. This national dog of Finland is still used today as an avid hunter for a variety of game. An energetic breed ideally suited to busy households who love to move and play.
Finnish Spitz At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Temperament | Loving and devoted, they are renowned for building strong connections with their family. |
| Suitable | The Finnish Spitz is well-suited for active families, thriving in environments where they can exercise and engage with their loved ones. |
| Health | This breed can suffer from various health conditions but is generally a robust dog breed. |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2024
Trainability
Being a natural hunter and barker, the Finnish Spitz can be challenging to train. In saying this, they require a robust and confident leader with a bit of dog experience. They are incredibly intelligent, so they crave variety in training. Your Spitz will bore quickly doing the same thing repeatedly, so keeping your training sessions fun and fresh is essential for success. Like all breeds, they need a gentle yet confident training method. The Spitz does not take well to harsh punishment-based training. Early socialisation is also important, so consider many sights, sounds and experiences. Researching these breeds’ history is crucial to understanding their natural traits. Spitz were used as ‘Bark Pointers’, meaning they have been bred for hundreds of years to bark. If you have neighbours it can be sure that they won’t particularly like this trait. Because of this reason it is important to take the time to train this out of your dog and have a special command to stop – and start can sometimes help. However, expect a fair amount of this natural trait to ‘talk’ to stay with your dog, if you do not like ‘talking’ dogs, the Spitz is undoubtedly not the breed for you. Being intelligent, they excel in all dog sports and obedience levels.
Grooming
Your beautiful Spitz will require a good weekly groom and will shed seasonally. During the shedding months, it’s a good idea to increase your weekly groom to a daily exercise to help with the hair loss. They are not smelly dogs and will only require bathing occasionally. The breed is very easily maintained and will not require hair clipping unless on the pads of the feet. Like with all breeds, getting your pup used to nail clipping and general desensitisation to being touched on the ears, face, and paws is essential. This makes future vet check-ups easy and can help eliminate stress during grooming, brushing, and nail clipping.
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Common Health Complaints – Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a relatively healthy and robust breed, but like all dog breeds, they may be predisposed to specific health conditions. Owners and breeders need to be aware of these potential health issues to ensure the well-being of their Finnish Spitz. Here are some common health conditions that may affect this breed:
- Patellar Luxation - Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. This can cause lameness or difficulty in walking. Like many smaller dog breeds it is a relatively common condition in Finnish Spitz and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
- Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly into the hip socket, leading to degenerative changes and potential arthritis. While it may not always cause clinical signs, it can result in pain and mobility issues, especially as the dog ages. Treatment can involve weight and exercise management through surgery to correct the joint.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - PRA is a group of genetic eye diseases that lead to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Finnish Spitz may be prone to certain forms of PRA, so regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended to monitor for early signs of the disease.
- Epilepsy - Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. While the exact cause is often unknown, it is sometimes believed to have a genetic component. Finnish Spitz may be predisposed to epilepsy and affected dogs may require lifelong management with anticonvulsant medications.
- Elbow Dysplasia – Similar to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia is a condition affecting the elbow joint, leading to abnormal growth and formation. It can cause lameness, pain, and joint dysfunction. Treatment may involve medical management or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) - Also known as GDV, Bloat is a life-threatening emergency when the stomach becomes distended with gas or fluid and twists on itself. This condition can rapidly progress and lead to shock and death if not promptly treated with veterinary intervention. Surgery is typically involved with this emergency condition.
- Allergies - Finnish Spitz may be prone to various allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen), and contact allergies. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin irritation, itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset.
While these health conditions are known to occur in Finnish Spitz, it’s essential to remember that not all individuals will be affected, and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the prevalence of genetic diseases within the breed. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, exercise, and preventive care can also contribute to maintaining the health and well-being of Finnish Spitz dogs.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Finnish Spitz here.
Exercise Requirements
The Finnish Spitz is a very active dog and will require a good dose of vigorous activity to keep him happy. A bored, unexercised dog will spell trouble. A good morning walk and an afternoon off-leash run will keep him happy and entertained. However, It is essential to have a strong ‘recall’ command and choose a fenced off-leash area if possible. Once in hunt ‘chase’ mode, your Spitz may become impossible to recall. Training is paramount to preventing this and allowing your dog to run free. On-leash training will make those morning walks or jogs a breeze. This breed loves people and will adore joining you in any vigorous activity you indulge in.
Intelligence
The Finnish Spitz is a super intelligent breed and, because of this, will make their own entertainment if left to their own devices. Ensuring your dog is well exercised and has a ‘job’ when you are not at home, is important to beat the boredom blues. The breed LOVES to bark, so if bored, they will undoubtedly become the talk of the neighbourhood…literally. Consider boredom-busting techniques and get creative with ‘jobs’ to leave your Spitz to do when you are not at home. Rotating dog toys daily can also help. It’s also important to remember how much training can play to alleviate boredom. A well-trained, well-exercised dog is much less likely to become bored and exhibit destructive behaviours.
Family Friendly
The Spitz makes an excellent family companion and will delight in having children to share the home with. Like all dogs, socialisation from an early age is crucial, as is teaching your dog how to behave correctly around children, alongside teaching your children how to behave around a dog. The breed is well known for getting along with other dogs and even cats. Socialisation from a young age is vital to teach your pup how to tolerate and love other houseguests.
Indoor/outdoor?
The Finnish Spitz does better in the cold and needs extra attention during the blistering summer days. Ensure you have ample shade and provide a cool area to lie during the day’s heat. Do not exercise your dog during the heat of the day. Good sturdy fences are needed to keep your energetic and curious pup safe. Check fences weekly for damage or possible escape routes. Like all breeds, these dogs do not take well to spending endless hours locked outside or in a kennel area; they will pine to be beside their human pack (AKA you) and enjoy nothing more than curling up at your feet or going for a vigorous run.
Responsible Breeding
Acquiring a new Finnish Spitz requires careful consideration and thorough research to ensure the health and well-being of your future furry companion. Selecting a reputable breeding establishment with a strong focus on breeding healthy puppies is crucial. Prioritise asking essential questions regarding hereditary health issues and request to meet both puppy parents to assess their temperament and overall health.
Contact your local breed club and conduct thorough research on your chosen breeder to gather insights into their breeding practices and reputation within the community. A responsible breeder should provide evidence of regular genetic testing on their dogs to screen for potential hereditary diseases and ensure the breeding stock has sound temperaments. While the process of finding a reputable breeder may require more time and effort than a spontaneous purchase, it is a crucial step in safeguarding yourself and your family from the emotional and financial burden of caring for a sick puppy. Investing time in finding a reputable breeder can spare you from the heartache and pain associated with dealing with health issues in your beloved pet.
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