Finnish Spitz

Although the Finnish Spitz is really passionate about hunting, and fairly independent, this dog adores its people and likes to spend time in their company. If you choose this breed, you’re guaranteed a loyal, chirpy and trustworthy canine friend for life.

This is a super playful breed with a brilliant sense of humour. This cheerful little pup is always up for fun and games, especially with the kids!

The Finnish Spitz is alert, lively and energetic. While it’s certainly not the calmest breed in the books, it’s capable of chilling out inside the home, providing its needs are met.

This breed is very intelligent, cunning, and a determined hunting dog, but doesn’t fully mature until 3-4 years old.

The Finnish Spitz is a hunter through and through and will instinctually chase and even seize small animals.

This dog tends to be suspicious and wary of strangers.

Like most hunting breeds, the Finnish Spitz has a definite independent streak, although it is very attached and loyal to its social group.

The Finnish Spitz loves its family and is prone to separation anxiety. In fact, it’s likely to become destructive if left alone for too long. However, if accustomed to alone time gradually, certain dogs may be able to tolerate short periods of solitude.

Despite this breed’s independent temperament, it is a very cooperative dog when it is communicated with respectfully, and its needs have been met. The Finnish Spitz can be highly sensitive to harsh criticism, so the best approach is a fair yet firm voice, a gentle touch and plenty of positive reinforcement. Training sessions should be short as this breed gets bored easily. Be aware that training may take some time and patience, but it’s best to avoid scolding your dog - that’s likely to take you ten steps back.

Considering the Finnish Spitz was bred to bark when it found game, it comes as no surprise that this is a very vocal breed. Expect to be alerted of just about anything, even if it’s insignificant to you. Sometimes, it may just seem like this dog is barking for fun.

The Finnish Spitz is a hunter by nature, meaning it could run off on a whim to follow prey. You’ll need to keep this breed on a lead in areas with small animals and wildlife unless you’re certain that your pup is obedient enough to come back if called. A securely fenced garden is also essential.

Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, this breed has the potential to become very destructive.

The Finnish Spitz loves its food and treats can be useful in training! Carrots make great low-fat, low-calorie dog treats.

This breed is super alert and also very protective of its family, which is the perfect combination for a watchdog! While the Finnish Spitz is sure to alert you of strangers, it will rarely show aggression and won’t act as a guard dog.

This breed may adapt to flat living, but it would need multiple walks per day, which might be hard to sustain. It’s better suited to living in a house with a garden, or even better, a countryside setting.

The Finnish Spitz has fairly high exercise requirements, needing at least an hour of activity per day to feel fulfilled. However, the Finnish Spitz would happily walk for several hours per day and will thrive as part of an active household. Plenty of playtime and ball games can help to keep this smart breed mentally stimulated.

This dog’s average size allows it to follow its masters everywhere, especially if well socialized from a young age.

This breed’s hunting instinct might prove too strong to live well with cats.

A well-socialized Finnish Spitz is capable of getting along well with dogs. However, in certain circumstances, this breed has been known to lash out at dogs it doesn’t know - especially those of the same sex.

The Finnish Spitz is a great match for children. It is robust enough for pokes and prods, and intelligent enough to be able to gently disengage from play when it has had enough. This dog is a gentle and understanding playmate!

The Finish Spitz can be strong-willed and has a high exercise requirement, meaning it most circumstances, it’s not the best choice for an elderly owner.

The Finnish Spitz is a good choice for first adoption, but don’t be influenced purely by its good looks. This dog’s other qualities, and needs, should also be taken into account.