Finnish Spitz — size comparison

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog with a red-gold coat, erect ears and a bushy tail curled over its back. It has a light, almost square outline and a narrow, somewhat fox-like muzzle. Paler hair underneath contrasts with the stronger colour on its back. Its movement is quick and free, and its ear position reveals constant attention to the surroundings.

Finnish hunters used dogs of this type to locate game, especially birds perched in trees. Barking indicated their position and allowed the hunter to approach. Planned registration began in the late nineteenth century, with the first standard established in 1892. The breed became an important part of Finnish hunting tradition and received the title of Finland's national dog in 1979.

The Finnish Spitz is lively, bold and persistent in what interests it. Its voice is important for expressing excitement, noticed changes and anything unusual. It can be affectionate with its people while initially observing strangers from a distance. It can choose its own search direction and concentrate for a long time on sounds or scents nearby.

Measurement sources

• Aktualny wzorzec i wysokość — FCI
• Masa i dodatkowe odniesienie wymiarów — Dimensions
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia