What to Know Before Getting a Finnish Spitz

Characteristics of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a small to medium-sized dog known for its foxy appearance, pointed ears, and curved, plumed tail. These dogs have a rich golden-red coat that gives off a glowing hue—never one solid color, but a beautiful range of tones.

The History Behind the Breed

Originating from Finland—often called the "Land of 60,000 Lakes"—the Finnish Spitz is a tenacious and agile hunting dog³. Its signature tracking and pointing behavior while hunting birds earned it the nickname “Barking Bird Dog³.” Interestingly, the breed shares genetic ties with the now-extinct Taimyr Wolf, an ancient species distinct from the gray wolf³.

Understanding Their Temperament

Finnish Spitz dogs are alert and attentive, making them great watchdogs without being aggressive. They’re known for their vocal personality—so much so that Finland hosts competitions to crown the top "King Barker²." These dogs are intelligent and quick learners, yet their independent streak means training requires patience and creativity. With the right attention, they make loyal and engaging companions.

Caring for a Finnish Spitz

Grooming Needs

Finnish Spitz are often called a "natural" breed due to their minimal grooming requirements. Every two to three days, lightly mist their coat with water and brush using a pin brush. During heavy shedding seasons—typically twice a year—daily grooming with a slicker brush or comb, followed by a cool blow-dry, helps manage the undercoat². Female dogs may require more grooming, especially if spayed.

Exercise Requirements

Originally bred to cover long distances in dense forests, the Finnish Spitz has high energy levels and needs regular physical activity². A fenced yard is essential since they tend to roam, and daily walks, whether short or long, are recommended. Most importantly, they thrive when they’re near their family and can develop behavioral issues if isolated.

Training Tips

Though bright and motivated—especially by food—Finnish Spitz dogs can be a challenge to train due to their independent nature². Training should be fun, short, and full of praise. Early socialization and enrolling in puppy training classes can go a long way in ensuring they grow into well-behaved adult dogs.

Health Considerations for the Finish Spitz

Overall, Finnish Spitz are a healthy breed, but there are a few conditions to be aware of¹:

It's wise to discuss care routines with your breeder, including limiting intense exercise while the dog is still growing. Avoid early spaying or neutering if possible—waiting until your dog reaches maturity (3 to 5 years old) may support better long-term health.

How Much Does a Finnish Spitz Cost?

The average cost for a Finnish Spitz puppy ranges between $800 and $1,200, depending on the breeder and location¹. This doesn’t include long-term costs like food, grooming, training, and medical care.

Expert Insights from Spot

At Spot, we analyzed claims for some of the health issues more common in Finnish Spitz. Here’s what we found:

These numbers highlight the importance of preparing for unexpected medical expenses, especially with active breeds like the Finnish Spitz.

FAQs

Why are Finnish Spitz rare?

The Finnish Spitz is a relatively uncommon breed outside of Finland. Their rarity is partly due to limited breeding programs and their specific care and activity needs, which may not be ideal for every household.

Do Finnish Spitz bark a lot?

Yes, barking is a big part of their communication style. These dogs were bred to alert hunters by barking, and they still love to vocalize today—sometimes with a surprising range of tones.

Do Finnish Spitz make good pets?

They can be fantastic pets for active families who are home often. Finnish Spitz are loyal, intelligent, and entertaining, but they do best with early training and plenty of social interaction.

Key Takeaways

The Finnish Spitz is a vibrant, vocal, and intelligent breed that thrives in active households. With their rich hunting history and captivating personality, they’re best suited for pet parents who can commit to regular exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation. While generally healthy, being aware of potential conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia—and having pet insurance—can help you stay prepared for the unexpected.

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:

To learn more about Spot plans or to get a free quote, click here.