The Finnish Spitz is an active live dog of medium size and somewhat square shape. Distinctive features by which you can immediately recognize this breed are beautiful reddish-gold color and a fox expression of a charming muzzle. To complete the picture, add small, upright ears and a bushy tail wrapped in a ring. Males have a resolute and masculine appearance, they are usually larger in size and dressed in a more luxurious fur coat than bitches, whose appearance is noticeably more delicate and feminine. The Finnish Spitz is a good-natured and cheerful breed that perfectly communicates with children with children. But, like all dogs, must be under constant supervision when it comes to small children. The Finnish Spitz is an active and alert breed, both indoors and outdoors.
Characteristic
The Finnish Spitz has been bred for centuries as a “barking hunting dog“, attracting the hunter with its very voice. Therefore, potential owners of dogs of this breed should understand that an endlessly barking dog, if it does not happen on the hunt, can cause certain problems with the nearest and not only neighbors. Therefore, Finnish Spitz should be taught almost from birth that unjustified barking is simply unacceptable under normal conditions. Dogs of this breed can be called warning rather than watchdogs; they almost never bite. But they have excellent acute hearing, which means they always have time to warn you about some unusual sounds or strange situations. The Finnish Spitz is not only an excellent hunting dog, but also a wonderful companion and pet. He especially loves children and is ready to spend countless amounts of time playing with them. And if the children become too rude towards him, he will not begin to bite in revenge, but will simply leave.
Character
Active and friendly, lively and restless, loyal, brave but careful, the Finnish Spitz is extremely patient with children and tolerant towards other pets. He has a highly developed hunting instinct, which means that he can begin to implement it in relation to small pets. This is an extremely intelligent dog that literally becomes part of the family, so it needs to be allowed to share its entire life with the family. However, this breed is not suitable for every family. You should not get a Finnish Spitz if you have a tense situation in your house, you constantly quarrel or are used to sorting out your relationship too loudly.
Wool and care
The double coat of the Finnish Spitz consists of a short, soft, dense undercoat and a long, straight, stiff guard coat. The Finnish Spitz is an exceptionally clean and tidy dog, sometimes it seems that he takes care of himself on his own. Dogs of this breed need weekly brushing, especially during seasonal molts, and if necessary, the dog needs to be bathed. The Finnish Spitz is a dog that does not require any additional grooming, except for paw pads, where it is necessary to periodically cut off excess hair. Any trimming or “sculptural” decoration of a dog for a show will be penalized without fail. It is necessary to trim the claws of the dog, to monitor the cleanliness of its ears and mouth. With annual checkups by a veterinarian and timely vaccinations, the Finnish Spitz can live an active and long life. For example – at the age of 13-15, which is very common for a dog of this breed. This dog is a great gourmand and is willing to go out of her way to get an extra tasty bite. This must be monitored as the Finnish Spitz easily becomes overweight and this can lead to certain health problems.
Training
Since this is an extremely intelligent dog, it displays an independent and decisive character. Do not intimidate the Finnish Spitz, training should be carried out on the basis of affection and tenderness. Praise works much better in this case than strictness. The Finnish Spitz can get bored easily, and therefore the lessons should be not only short, but also interesting enough for the dog. Patience is the key word in training this breed. It may seem to you that you are failing, and that there is no progress in your studies, and suddenly your pet will surprise you very much. But the Finnish Spitz will be ready to learn only if he receives a reward and affection, and a steady hand with this dog is completely useless.
Activity
When a dog reaches puberty, it becomes a true athlete and an excellent companion. However, maturation in this breed is rather slow, and the dog reaches full emotional and physical maturity only by the age of four. Therefore, you should not engage in vigorous physical training with your puppy until he is at least a year old. By this time, the formation of the main organs and systems of the dog ends. In order for the Finnish Spitz to be completely happy, three walks a day, plus games in the yard, are enough for him. He especially loves to play with other dogs and chase the ball.
