Finnish Spitz

Other names : Suomenpystikorva («dog with pointed ears»).Loulou Finnois. Finsk Spets.

The Finnish Spitz was probably brought to Finland by nomadic Asian tribes and is related to the Russian Laika. In days of old, the Finnish Spitz was used by the Lapps to track elk and bear. Today, the breed is used to hunt birds like grouse. The first standard was written in 1892, and the breed was recognized by The Kennel Club in 1935. Breeding of the Finnish Spitz began in France in 1968.

This lively, courageous, happy dog is well loved as a pet. His hunting instinct is put to use for finding flocks of birds. The breed is very «barkative» and expresses itself with a wide range of sounds, including «yodeling.» His distrust of strangers makes him an excellent guard dog. This sensitive dog requires firm yet gentle training.

The Finnish Spitz can adapt easily to life as a house dog provided he gets plenty of outdoor exercise and is not left alone for extended periods. This breed is very clean. Daily brushing is required, but professional grooming is not.

Head:Moderate size, dry, foxlike. Slightly arched forehead. Pronounced stop. Tight, thin lips.
Ears:Mobile, carried erect. Pointed tips. Covered with fine hair.
Eyes:Medium size. Dark color.
Body:Almost square. Deep chest. Belly slightly tucked up. Almost square. Deep chest. Belly slightly tucked up.
Tail:Carried curled over the loin and pointing toward the thigh.
Hair:Short on the head and front of the legs. Longer and straight on the body, back of the legs, and tail. Much longer on the shoulders, particularly in dogs. Short, soft, dense, lighter-colored undercoat.
Coat:Reddish-brown or golden-red on the back. Lighter shade on the cheeks, under the muzzle, on the chest, abdomen, inside of the legs, back of the thighs, and under the tail. White markings on the feet and a narrow white stripe on the forechest are permitted, as are black hairs on the lips and along the back.
Size:Dog: 42 to 50 cm (16.5-19.7 in).Bitch: 39 to 45 cm (15.5-17.7 in).
Weight:23 to 27 kg (51-59.5 lb).
Group:Spitz and primitive types