Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland — a fox-red spitz bred to hunt game birds by barking to mark them for the hunter.

History

It was developed in Finland as a "bark-pointer", trailing birds into the trees and then barking steadily to hold their attention and signal their position. That distinctive job is why the breed is so vocal, and organised barking contests are still held in its homeland.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, alert and friendly, devoted to its family and good with children, while independent and reserved with strangers. It is famously talkative — a trait bred in on purpose.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and enjoys the outdoors, and training works best when it channels the natural barking rather than fighting it. The thick double coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing.

Health

The breed is generally hardy and healthy; its main known tendencies are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, with epilepsy rare. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.