The Finnish Spitz is a small to medium hunting dog known for its vivid red-gold coat and fox-like appearance. Revered in its homeland as the national dog of Finland, this rare breed has been both a loyal companion and skilled hunter for centuries. Active and alert, Finnish Spitz dogs are ideal for energetic owners and families. While they resemble the Shiba Inu at a glance, they are a distinct breed with different characteristics.
This breed is easily recognizable by its dense red double coat, upright ears, and a bushy tail that arches over the back. Originally bred for hunting, they are agile and adaptable, capable of tracking a wide range of game—from small rodents to large predators. Their distinctive, high-pitched bark, often described as a yodel, makes them excellent watchdogs. Finnish Spitz dogs are affectionate and loyal, bonding closely with their families and usually doing well with children. Early socialization helps them grow into confident, well-rounded pets.
Adopting or Purchasing a Finnish Spitz
Adoption from shelters or rescue groups is highly recommended to provide a home for a dog in need. However, if purchasing a puppy, selecting a responsible breeder is essential. Ethical breeders focus on the health and temperament of their dogs, perform necessary health checks, and ensure puppies are raised in a nurturing environment. This reduces the risk of inherited health issues and supports responsible breeding practices.
Quick Facts
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Origin: Finland
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Height: 15–20 inches
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Group: Spitz
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Lifespan: 12–15 years
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Coat: Dense double coat; red, white, or black
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Temperament: Energetic, loyal, intelligent, alert
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Exercise Needs: High
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Training: Fairly trainable but needs patience
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Grooming: Regular brushing required
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Health Concerns: Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions
Breed Overview
Known in Finland as the Suomenpystykorva, or “Finnish Pricked Ear Dog,” the Finnish Spitz has a hunting style that earned it the nickname “Barking Bird Dog.” With a fox-like head, square build, and energetic movement, this breed was prized for flushing out birds and alerting hunters through barking.
In Finland, they are still widely used for hunting birds like grouse and capercaillie. In the U.S., they are more commonly seen as companion animals. Their hunting method involves locating birds, luring them into comfort by wagging their tail and moving below them, and then barking to alert the hunter.
As pets, Finnish Spitz are friendly, protective, and affectionate. They’re excellent with children and make vigilant watchdogs, though not aggressive. These dogs are vocal by nature and have even been known to bark up to 160 times a minute in competitions.
Training can be tricky due to their independent mindset. Gentle, consistent methods are most effective. They mature slowly—often not reaching full mental maturity until about four years old—but develop into loyal, happy family members when treated with patience and kindness.
Key Traits & Considerations
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High Energy: Needs plenty of daily activity
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Vocal: Known for frequent barking; early training can help manage this
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Not suited for off-leash play: Hunting instinct may trigger chasing behavior
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Slow to mature: Puppy-like behavior can last for years
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Independent but smart: Requires consistent training and mental stimulation
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Cautious with strangers: Good alert dogs, not aggressive
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Food-motivated: May overeat without portion control
History
The breed traces back nearly 2,000 years when Finno-Ugrian tribes brought spitz-type dogs to Finland. Due to geographic isolation, the Finnish Spitz remained pure for generations. However, modernization led to crossbreeding, nearly causing the breed to disappear by the late 1800s.
The breed was preserved thanks to Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos, who promoted and bred Finnish Spitz. Officially recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1892, the breed gained attention in England and later the U.S. It became Finland’s national dog in 1979 and remains a cultural symbol.
Size
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Males: 17.5–20 inches, 27–35 pounds
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Females: 15.5–18 inches, 22–30 pounds
Temperament
Finnish Spitz are alert, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. They’re excellent with kids and usually do well with other pets if socialized early. While they are reserved with strangers, they shouldn’t be shy or aggressive. Their independent nature means they need early and ongoing training, and they mature emotionally around three to four years of age.
Health
Though generally healthy, Finnish Spitz can be prone to:
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Hip dysplasia
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Patellar luxation
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Epilepsy
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Thrombopathia (a blood clotting disorder)
Health screenings by breeders are essential for preventing these conditions.
Care and Exercise
This breed thrives on activity and isn’t suited for sedentary households or small apartments. Without sufficient stimulation, they may bark excessively or dig. They prefer cooler climates and need daily walks or playtime to manage their energy. Always use a leash in public spaces due to their prey drive.
Training should focus on positive reinforcement with gentle methods. Keep sessions short and engaging to prevent boredom. Finnish Spitz are capable of excelling in sports like agility and rally if properly motivated.
Nutrition
Daily food intake: 1.75–2.5 cups of high-quality dog food, split into two meals. Portion size varies depending on the dog’s age, size, activity level, and metabolism. Avoid overfeeding, and choose nutritious, balanced food to maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming
Their golden-red coat consists of a soft undercoat and harsh outer layer, requiring weekly brushing. Seasonal shedding in spring and fall may need more frequent grooming. Their coat doesn’t trap odors and rarely needs bathing. Routine dental care and nail trimming are also important.
Introduce grooming early and use treats and praise to create a positive experience.
Children and Other Pets
Finnish Spitz are excellent with children and sturdy enough for toddler play. However, all interactions should be supervised. Teach kids proper dog etiquette—no ear pulling, no food bothering. While they get along with other household pets, they may act aggressively toward unfamiliar dogs and view pet birds as prey.
Rescue and Adoption
Though rare in the U.S., Finnish Spitz can occasionally be found in shelters or breed-specific rescue organizations. Adopting an adult dog can be a great way to skip the puppy phase and find a well-mannered companion.
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Rescue Me – Finnish Spitz Rescue
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Breed Organizations: Help locate reputable breeders and provide breed education.
