An energetic, cheerful and courageous dog that keeps a lot of its sparkle in its eyes. At home it tends to be friendly, playful and patient, bonding closely with its family and usually getting on with children and other pets. It can be politely reserved with strangers without being aggressive, and it thinks for itself, so it learns best with gentle, reward-based training. It is a talkative breed that uses a wide range of barks and yodel-like sounds to communicate.3417
how to spot oneFinnish Spitz coat and colours
Double coat: harsh, straight stand-off outer coat over a short, soft, dense undercoat
A fox-like hunting dog that is nearly square in outline, lean and firm, with small, pointed and very mobile ears that are always carried upright. The outer coat stands away from the body, is longer on the neck and back, and males tend to wear a fuller ruff. The plumed tail curls forward over the back and hangs down along the thigh.345
Coloursbright redgolden redhoney (pale) to deep auburnlighter shading on cheeks, throat, underside and inner legssmall white marks on chest and toes allowed34
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Finnish Spitz. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksFinnish Spitz exercise needs
Needs daily exercise and mental work, roughly 20-40 minutes of vigorous activity for most guides and up to an hour per day according to the Royal Kennel Club. It enjoys space to run, hunting-style games, scent work and other dog sports.1758
where they are happiestFinnish Spitz at home
Adapts to town or country life but does best with a small to medium secure garden and a household that does not mind a vocal dog. Apartment living works only with a solid daily exercise routine.51
who they like aroundFinnish Spitz with people and other pets
A people-oriented family dog that likes to be involved in household life. It usually mixes well with children and other dogs, and early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with strangers.17
the hands-on bitsFinnish Spitz grooming and care
Brush the double coat at least weekly, and daily during the spring and autumn moults when the undercoat comes out. The coat is naturally clean and needs little trimming. Because the breed is vocal by nature, early training around barking helps in shared housing.715
what goes in the bowlFinnish Spitz food and feeding
A complete, balanced commercial dog food suited to its size, age and activity level; portions should be adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Finnish Spitz, and at what times?
Feed your Finnish Spitz at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. The exact times can be set to fit your daily routine, but consistent meal times help with digestion and house training. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.19
What should a Finnish Spitz eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced commercial dog food suited to its size, age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs.110
How often should I bathe a Finnish Spitz?
Bathe your Finnish Spitz about every 10 weeks, or at least once every three months, unless it gets especially dirty. The double coat is naturally clean, so over-bathing can strip oils.11Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Finnish Spitz need brushing?
Brush the double coat at least weekly, and daily during the spring and autumn moults when the undercoat sheds heavily. Extra brushing during these times helps manage loose fur.715Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Finnish Spitz's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer.11Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Finnish Spitz need?
Your Finnish Spitz needs daily vigorous activity, roughly 20 to 40 minutes for most guides, and up to an hour per day according to the Royal Kennel Club. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests about 90 minutes a day, including space to run and mental games like scent work.1758Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Finnish Spitz's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks, and never push anything into the ear canal. For any concerns, ask your vet.11Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Finnish Spitz live?
A Finnish Spitz typically lives between 12 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.15
Is a Finnish Spitz good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is usually friendly, playful and patient with children and other pets, bonding closely with its family. Early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with strangers and other animals.3417
Can a Finnish Spitz be left alone?
This people-oriented dog prefers to be involved in household life and may struggle with long periods alone. If left alone, provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise beforehand, and consider gradual training to build comfort.17
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchFinnish Spitz health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Finnish Spitz. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of its groove, giving a skipping gait; most cases are mild. Finnish breed club data: 92% of examined dogs normal, 5% grade 1, 2% grade 2 (dogs registered 2010-2019) ↗
Cataracts
The lens goes cloudy and sight dims; yearly eye checks catch it early. About 5% of Finnish dogs examined in the 2010s had cataracts ↗
PHTVL/PHPV (eye development fault)
Blood vessels from before birth fail to clear from the eye, which can dim sight in worse grades. About 2.5% of examined Finnish dogs had grades 2-6 ↗
Epilepsy
Recurring seizures, usually starting around three years old and often mild. Finnish frequency was 5-6% in the early 2000s and has fallen since; Swedish insurance data show lower risk than average ↗
Missing teeth
Some adult teeth, usually premolars, never come through; it rarely bothers the dog. 14.8% of dogs in a 2019 Finnish Kennel Club health survey ↗
Diabetes
The body stops controlling blood sugar, mostly in older dogs; it is managed with insulin. About 3% of reported deaths in a 2010 Finnish survey ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Patella examination Finnish breed club PEVISA programme (mandatory for breeding in Finland) ↗
Eye examination (ECVO/FKC scheme) Finnish breed club PEVISA programme (mandatory for breeding in Finland) ↗
From veterinary references; the breed club publishes no health page we could find. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Finnish Spitz costs
Running costs for a Finnish Spitz, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Finnish Spitz legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Finnish Spitz in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Finnish Spitz tip
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories to help your Finkie stay lean. Because this breed can be prone to food allergies and a sensitive stomach, choose single-protein, limited-ingredient treats and avoid common allergens like beef and chicken.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The Finnish Spitz has been Finland's official national dog since 1979.3
2
It hunts by 'bark pointing': it follows a bird to a tree and then barks steadily to hold the bird's attention and lead the hunter to the spot.2
3
A keen Finnish Spitz can bark up to around 160 times a minute.2
4
Scandinavian barking competitions crown the best barker as the 'King of Barkers'.2
5
In Finland a Finnish Spitz must prove its hunting ability in a barking trial before it can become a show champion.2
6
The AKC calls it the 'Barking Bird Dog' because of its distinctive way of locating and marking game.12
7
Its friendly nickname 'Finkie' comes from the Swedish-style name Finsk Spets.7
8
The breed standard describes its small, pointed, upright ears as very mobile.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Finnish Spitz' was adopted in 1897, replacing the earlier name 'Finnish barking bird dog'. In Finnish, it is called 'suomenpystykorva', which translates to 'Finnish prick-ear' or 'Finnish upright ear'.13
This morning, I woke everyone with my best yodel-song. The sun was just peeking over the trees. After a quick breakfast, we went to the forest. I sniffed every trail and chased a few leaves. My human laughed when I barked at a squirrel, it was a good chat. We played a game where I found a hidden toy under a log. At home, I curled up on the sofa with my family, my tail wagging softly. Later, a visitor came, and I gave a polite woof to say hello. Then we all watched the sunset together. Perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganFinnish Spitz history
Spitz-type hunting dogs of this kind lived in Finland for centuries and were used across the country for all sorts of game, from squirrels and birds to elk and even bears. Their ancestors probably came with people migrating from central Russia roughly 3,000 years ago. By around 1880 the local dogs had been heavily mixed with imported breeds and the pure type was close to vanishing. Hunters from Helsinki, with sportsman Hugo Roos prominent among them, went looking for pure dogs in the remote northern forests and spent decades breeding from them. The Finnish Kennel Club accepted the breed and its first standard was written in 1892, and bird-hunting trials began in 1897. In 1979, the year of the Finnish Kennel Club's 90th anniversary, the Finnish Spitz was named Finland's national dog. The breed reached the United States in 1959, the Finnish Spitz Club of America was founded in 1975 and the AKC recognised the breed in 1988, followed by the UKC in 1992. The FCI accepted the breed definitively in 1954.32764
Standard no. 49 (Suomenpystykorva), Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs; definitive acceptance 3 Aug 1954; current standard published 11 Feb 2026; working trial required only in Finland, Norway and Sweden.6
Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto)
First breed standard written in 1892; named Finland's national dog breed in 1979.3
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