Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz are quite agile, lively and affectionate dogs. They are generally independent and sometimes stubborn by nature; usually wary of strangers and often other dogs, making them good watch dogs. Stubbornness may be reduced by using motivational tools such as treats and favorite toys. They love to bark, and will practice lots and loudly.

Finnish Spitz History:

The Finnish Spitz is regarded as the national dog of Finland, however some believe the Finnish Spitz may have originated from older Spitz breeds that were brought to Finland from the continent. Others insist the Finnish Spitz was developed in Central Russia, where large scale interbreeding nearly destroyed the breed. In the late 1800s two sportsmen from Finland, Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos, found some of the dogs that had not been interbred and are credited with saving the breed. In 1891 the breed’s name officially became Finnish Spitz. The Finnish Spitz is used to hunt and alert hunters with their loud barking. Should the prey move, the dog will continue to follow it and re-alert the hunters by barking again. In Finland, the barking talents are so valued that each year a competition “king barker” of the breed is named. The Finnish Spitz is still quite rare outside of its native country.