The Finnish Spitz breed trails game, and when he finds it, he barks until the hunter arrives. This breed barks. This is something you need to know upfront about this dog! This is in his nature and you shouldn't ask yourself if this dog can perhaps bark a little less if you live in an apartment.
He's a really solid watchdog and if you're looking for a running partner then this breed will be a great fit! He'll also perform great in dogs sports like agility.
Other fun facts about the Finnish Barking Bird Dog:
- The Finnish Spitz was bred to track everything from squirrels and rodents to big game like bears.
- His ancestors were bred from Spitz-type dogs in central Russia over 2000 years ago.
- One Finnish Spitz each year is chosen for his hunting prowess to be King of the Barkers.
Overall breed facts
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They are the national dog of Finland! The country names one Finnish Spitz a "King Barker" each year.
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized breed, standing an average of 15 ½ to 20 inches tall and weighing between 20 and 35 pounds as an adult.
They're an active and energetic breed. Common health issues may include epilepsy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, diabetes, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and elbow dysplasia. Talk to your reputable breeder about what to expect when it comes to health issues.
The average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.
Are Finnish Spitz good family dogs?
The Finnish Spitz is known to be a wonderful family dog. He is good-natured and enjoys children. While he is affectionate with his family, he can be aloof with people he doesn't know. He is a good watchdog and will alert you to anything amiss but is usually never shy or aggressive.
If they're bred for barking, how much do they bark?
This dog breed was bred to bark so you should expect them to bark! If you live in a rural area or in the country then this dog may be a great fit. If you have neighbors that don't enjoy a lot of barking this isn't your breed.
VetStreet explains that you'll need to teach a "quiet" command as that should be part of his training to minimize barking.
"Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don't wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize."
If you're willing to invest in a trainer then you can teach "quiet" but this isn't mean to be an off switch! Your Finnish Spitz will still talk to you and likely bark to communicate their needs.
What about that thick, double coat?
Experts at PetGuide.com confirm that the breed has a thick, double coat of reddish-brown fur.
"The Finnish Spitz resembles a wild fox because it is slim of build with a narrow snout and thick fur. The coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat with longer guard hairs measuring 1 to 2 inches long. The outer coat is no longer than 2 ½ inches and the tail is heavily plumed and carried up over the back."
This breed requires regular grooming.
The Finnish Spitz is a hunting dog and this beautiful purebred canine requires the right family and owner. You'll need to use positive reinforcement to train your Finnish Spitz puppies. The goal is to make sure your adult dog is well socialized and knows basic commands like 'quiet' given they like to bark!
They're in the non-sporting group. These dogs enjoy long walks and need at least 20-30 minutes of daily exercise a day. There is a Finnish Kennel Club you can contact about breeders to ensure you bring home a healthy breed. You should discuss the breed's energy level, health problems, and dog food.
Do you know anyone that lives with a Finnish Spitz? Let us know what characteristics you love about this breed!
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