The FINNISH SPITZ: Barking Bird Dog

Finnish Spitz (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland. Other names for this breed are the Barking Bird Dog and the Finnish Hunting dog. The name of "Barking Bird Dog" is quite appropriate. When attending dog shows where Finnish Spitz is entered, one can always find the grooming area of this little dog by following the sound of the barking! The breed has been used as a hunting dog in Finland since ancient times and was recognized by the Finnish Kennel club in 1892. In the American Kennel Club, they have recently been recognized as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. They are gaining in popularity but are still considered "rare" in this country.

The Finnish Spitz dogs have the typical "Spitz" appearance of a brushy coat with emphasis on the ruff at the neck and the bushy curled tail. They are always bright red to apricot in color. Finnish Spitz is easy to care for, the coat is dense and needs regular brushing but the hairs are straight and stiff and relatively short so is not difficult to keep free of mats. This type of coat is what is called "harsh" or "brush" and is always easier to deal with than a long coat that is "soft" in texture. It is a good looking dog, small upright ears and rather pointed face give this dog a fox-like appearance. By nature, the Finnish Spitz does not seem to have a "doggy" odor so it is a clean dog to keep in the household.

The breed is relatively free of genetic conditions and the incidence of hip dysplasia is rare although this should be checked before breeding. Their hunting repertoire includes everything from birds to bear and the dog is fearless as a hunter despite its small size of 15 to 17 inches. The Finnish Spitz "points" and usually barks to hold its prey at bay until shot by the hunter.

This is a dog that is considered aloof with strangers, not especially "cuddly" but actually very reserved in nature. Most Finnish Spitz dogs are extremely busy creatures and will give chase at the sight of any other creature, so a fenced yard or supervised walking is necessary at all times. Obedience lessons must be given from the beginning so that this dog will come when called. It is loyal but strong-willed and can be stubborn. As a house pet, it goes without saying that it will give voice too loud barking to strangers so it is an excellent watchdog. It also does love children and is very playful. Because this breed is highly curious about its surroundings and has an investigative nature, people who keep them in the house need to "puppy-proof" the environment.

By Michael Russell - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: FINNISH SPITZ

Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz - Photo   by      Llima

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 25 lbs

Height: 18 inches

Overview

The Finnish Spitz was originally brought from the area of the Volga River Area to Central Russia about 2000 years ago. This breed is the national dog of Finland, and the Finnish Spitz is referred to in quite a few Finnish patriotic songs. These dogs are now extensively acknowledged throughout the Scandinavian countries. The Finnish Spitz is fine at hunting birds, and they also make good family pets.

Temperament

You will find this breed to be lively and sociable, energetic and enthusiastic, devoted and courageous - but at the same time careful. The Finnish Spitz is tolerant of children and other animals in the household. They have a good hunting instinct so they may chase after smaller animals. This breed is very intelligent and likes to be a part of the family. On the other hand, this breed is not ideal for all families - especially in households with lots of tension or loud bickering.

Care

The Finnish Spitz has a coat that cleans itself seeing that these dogs are viewed as arctic dogs. This breed does not need a lot of overall maintenance, but if dead hair can be removed with a brush or a comb. The coats of the Finnish Spitz don't have a typical doggy odor. The Finnish Spitz sheds heavily on a seasonal basis. The coats of these dogs are very rich, and they can remain shiny and thick all year round if these dogs are maintained throughout the year.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a very smart, self-assured and intelligent breed. They will learn new skills very quickly and are easy to train when the right training methods are used. This breed can, however, be stubborn when overly anxious or full of fear. It is imperative to work with the Finnish Spitz in a calm manner whenever possible. These dogs are willful and brave and will perform at a high level once they are comfy and have admiration for their owners. The Finnish Spitz has time and again been used in competitions as show dogs seeing that they have so many good qualities and virtues. This is an impressive hunting breed, and they can also be trained to be racers and rescuers from an early age onwards.

Health problems

The Finnish Spitz is a relatively healthy and has one of the lowest occurrences for health issues. There are however a few conditions that potential owners should be aware of and these include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and deafness.

By John M Williams - Article Source: EzineArticles

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FINNISH SPITZ - Dogs of the World

Finnish Spitz - Dogs of the world - Photo: Wikimedia

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FINNISH SPITZ: Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Finnish Spitz

Breed Description

The Finnish Spitz is a northern breed that resembles a red fox. This medium-sized breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but now they are a bird dog that is used to flush wood grouse. This breed weighs an average between 31-34 pounds, and has a height of 15-20 inches.

Coat

The Finnish Spitz has a double coat. Their undercoat is dense and soft, while their topcoat is harsh and long that is one or two inches long. Males have slightly longer and coarser fur than the slightly refined furs of the females. Red gold on their backs, or reddish-brown colors are accepted, preferably bright, with accepted lighter shades on their underside.

Finnish Spitz (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Activity

The Finnish Spitz loves outdoors, but can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise. A securely fenced area should be provided for this breed as they love to run free. Requiring a great deal of exercise, this breed should be taken on a long walk, or a jog, as running around a fenced space cannot satisfy their primal instinct to walk.

Temperament

The Finnish Spitz is known to intermingle admirably with people, children included. This breed is a delightful member of the family, with the ability to play placidly with children, yet rough with other dogs. Some of these dogs love other dogs, and some may be passive or aggressive, and shy. This breed is highly loyal, and so it should be expected to be moody or shy around other dogs. This dog is known to bark on anything they perceive as unusual. This can be prevented through training, although this can make them excellent watchdogs.

Overview

The Finnish Spitz is known to be generally great companion animals. They are protective and loyal, but this tends to make them noisy as they bark at anything that is atypical for them.

Care

With a self-cleaning coat that sheds dirt by itself, the Finnish Spitz does not have a doggie odor on their coats. Regular grooming with a comb or a brush is required to remove dead fur as they are known to be a seasonally heavy shedder.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a highly intelligent breed that is strong-willed and independent. A highly trainable breed requiring a firm but gentle tone and touch, this dog responds best to appreciation than correction. They easily get bored, so training should be kept short, and appealing. Patience is highly essential in training the Finnish Spitz. Owners may feel as if they are not making progress, and suddenly, they will surprise you. This breed is known to be competent in obedience competition, if trained with reward and a lot of praise.

Character

Bred as barking hunting dog, this breed is known to bark at anything they perceive as a threat. It should be noted, though, that although this breed may be barkers, they are well-suited to be a watchdog rather than a guard dog as they rarely bite. This breed makes a delightful family dog and a hunting dog as well, with a big heart for children.

By Ricardo Lumbardo To learn more about American Bulldog and to find other high quality breeds, please visit http://www.11-peaks.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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