Finnish Spitz
LivelyAlertFriendly
Finland · 13–15 years
About the Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland, where they have been hunting companions for thousands of years. Known as the 'barking bird dog,' they hunt grouse and other game birds by using a distinctive rapid-fire bark to mesmerize the bird's attention while pointing its location to the hunter. Their fox-like appearance — red-gold coat, pointed ears, and curled tail — makes them one of the most visually striking spitz breeds. Finnish Spitz are lively, alert, and friendly dogs with an independent spirit and a remarkable vocal range that is celebrated in bark competitions in their homeland.
Breed stats
- Height
- 15.5–20 in
- Weight
- 20–33 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Coat
- Dense, double coat with thick undercoat
- Origin
- Finland
Coat colors
- Red Gold
- Red
- Gold
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow dysplasia
Not every Finnish Spitz will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Finnish Spitzs eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, in Finland, Finnish Spitz compete in official barking competitions called 'King of the Barkers' contests. Dogs are judged on the speed, intensity, and persistence of their barking while indicating game birds. Winners can bark up to 160 times per minute. The Finnish Spitz's barking ability is so culturally valued that the title 'King of the Barkers' is prestigious in Finnish dog culture. While this trait is prized in hunting and competitions, it presents challenges for pet owners — the breed's prolific barking requires management in residential settings.
- Finnish Spitz are excellent family dogs, particularly for active families with children. They are gentle, patient, and playful with kids — children are often their favorite family members. They are sociable with other dogs and generally friendly with visitors after an initial alert bark. Their moderate size makes them manageable, and they are hardy enough for active outdoor play. The main challenge is their barking — they are extremely vocal and need training to manage this in residential settings. For families who enjoy outdoor activities and can tolerate (and manage) barking, they are delightful companions.
- Finnish Spitz are among the most vocal dog breeds in the world. They were bred to bark — rapidly, loudly, and persistently — as their primary hunting technique. This instinct is extremely strong and transfers to all aspects of daily life. They bark at visitors, unusual sounds, animals, neighbors, and sometimes seemingly nothing at all. Training can help manage the barking, but expecting a quiet Finnish Spitz is unrealistic. They are not suitable for apartments, townhouses, or neighborhoods with noise restrictions. Prospective owners must genuinely accept and be prepared for a very vocal dog.
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