BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Jenny
Photo by Peter Karlan |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Finland
Height:
17 ½ to 19 ½ inches (44-50 cm)
Breed Profile:
The Finnish Spitz, known as the Suomenpystykorva in Finland, and considered the national dog in his native country, the breed has existed in northern parts of Finland and Lapland for thousands of years. This is a hunting breed of small game and birds who barks in order to bring the hunter to him with his voice. He is courageous, faithful, and has the manners of a true gentleman. He makes an ideal family companion and he is especially good with children and a superior watchdog.
The Finnish Spitz was accepted into the Finnish Kennel Club in the 1920s and, in 1935 the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (England). The Finnish Spitz began arriving in Canada in the early 1970s and was accepted by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1974.
The Finnish Spitz has a fox-like appearance with a pointed muzzle, erect ears, dense coat and curled tail. He has a well-balanced body without any exagerated features and a beautiful red-gold coat.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Finnish Spitz puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- The Finnish Spitz Health Network — "Dedicated to collecting, maintaining and disseminating genetic information on the Finnish Spitz breed and the inherited diseases from which it sometimes suffers, as well as supporting research that will benefit the future health of the breed."
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Breed Standard No. 49
- AKC FINNISH SPITZ DVD
17 Min. DVD Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
Available from Dogwise.com
Grooming Information
The Finnish Spitz is a very clean dog and can sometimes give the impression that he grooms himself. He should be brushed weekly, especially during shedding seasons and bathed when needed.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
The Finnish Spitz is very intelligent, independent and strong-willed. Training should be done with a firm but gentle voice and he responds well to praise. He can be easily bored, so training should be kept short and interesting.
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Finnish Spitz Pedigree Database
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
