Non-Sporting group
Finnish Spitz
Finland’s fox-like national dog — lively, independent and famously vocal.
Finnish Spitz are fox-like, golden-red spitz dogs bred to find birds and bark to mark their location. They are friendly, lively and good with children, but independent and extraordinarily vocal.
- Height
- 15.5–20 in39–51 cm
- Weight
- 20–33 lb9–15 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Finland
Coat: Dense, stand-off double coat. Colours: Golden red, Red-gold, Red-brown.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Finkies are cheerful, alert and affectionate with their families. They are usually good with children and friendly once they know people.
They were bred to bark, and many do so a lot. They are independent and can be stubborn, with strong prey drive toward birds and small animals.
Living with a Finnish Spitz
Exercise
About an hour of daily activity with walks, running and games.
Grooming
Brush weekly and daily during heavy seasonal sheds. Little odour.
Training
Independent and easily bored; short, varied, reward-based sessions work best. Teach a quiet cue.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and usually with other dogs. Unsafe with pet birds and small animals.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark a great deal if bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Finnish Spitz right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Finnish Spitz matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Finnish Spitz typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Epilepsy
Inherited seizures occur in the breed.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occasionally occur.
Diabetes mellitus
Reported in the breed; watch for increased thirst.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- Patella evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Finnish Spitz; Finnish Spitz Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Finnish Spitz have hunted in Finland for centuries as “bark pointers”: they locate game birds in trees and bark rhythmically until the hunter arrives. Finnish hunters still hold barking competitions.
By the late 1800s the breed was close to disappearing through crossbreeding; Finnish sportsmen rescued it from remote villages. It became Finland’s national dog, and the AKC recognised it in 1988.
Did you know?
- Finnish Spitz can bark up to 160 times a minute in hunting competitions.
- The breed is Finland’s national dog.
- Finkies are often mistaken for foxes.
Library guides for Finnish Spitz owners
Grooming
Brushing
A brushing routine keeps Finnish Spitz shedding under control.
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Finnish Spitz.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Finnish Spitz breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Do Finnish Spitz bark a lot?
- Yes — they were bred to bark and are among the most vocal breeds.
- Are Finnish Spitz good family dogs?
- Yes, for families who can tolerate barking and provide exercise.
- Do Finnish Spitz shed?
- Yes, heavily during seasonal sheds.