The lively Finnish Spitz — the flame-colored, foxy-faced breed from the "Land of 60,000 Lakes" — is a small but fearless hunting dog whose unique style of tracking and indicating quarry has earned him the nickname the "Barking Bird Dog." The national dog of Finland since 1979, the Finnish Spitz is a unique part of Finland's living cultural heritage.
Developed directly out of the native landrace dog population without crossbreeding, the Finnish Spitz is a real rarity as a hunting dog on the international level — a cheerful, affectionate family companion that still burns with the hunter's spirit.
From Ancient Russian Roots
It is assumed that the Finnish Spitz developed from Spitz-type dogs that came from central Russia with migrants around 3,000 years ago. These small clans of woodsmen relied on their dogs to help them obtain food, and the excellent hunting ability of the Finnish Spitz made it a favorite choice. Historically used as all-purpose hunters, they eventually began to specialize in hunting game birds.
19th-century literature contains references to the Finnish Spitz: in 1875, French explorer de la Martiniere wrote of his encounters with dark red dogs in the far north, up to as far as the Murmansk coast, and in 1834 Wilhelm von Wright wrote about the similar appearance of the barking bird dog and the fox. In addition to hunting for food, this dog was used to catch animals for their fur.
By 1880, as advanced means of transportation brought diverse peoples and their dogs together, Finnish Spitzes mated with other breeds and were becoming extinct as a distinct breed. At about that time, a Finnish sportsman from Helsinki named Hugo Roos observed the pure native Finnish Spitz while hunting in the northern forests, realized its many virtues, and decided to select untainted examples to try to revive the breed. Thirty years of careful breeding resulted in the modern Finnish Spitz.
A National Treasure
Suomen Kennelklubi, a precursor of the Finnish Kennel Club established in 1889, decided that its first task was to hold a dog show to review the status of the Finnish barking bird dog and hound breeds. In 1892, a "Finnish barking bird dog" was added to the organization's pedigree book, with breed characteristics drafted by master forester Hugo Richard Sandberg. A new breed standard was confirmed in 1897, when the name of the breed was also changed to the Finnish Spitz.
It is fair to say the Finnish Spitz has been an established breed since the 1930s. In 1979, when the Finnish Kennel Club celebrated its 90th anniversary, the Finnish Spitz was declared Finland's national dog breed. The club is also working toward including the hunting experience with the Finnish Spitz on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Under a 2006 agreement between the Finnish Kennel Club and the Russian Cynological Federation, the Karelian-Finnish Laika and the Finnish Spitz were combined as one breed. The Finnish Spitz arrived in the U.S. in the 1960s and was placed in the AKC's Non-Sporting group in 1988.
The Barking Bird Dog at Work
The Finnish Spitz is a versatile hunting dog that uses its voice to indicate the location of game. It is mostly used to hunt forest game birds, but also to some extent as an elk-hunting dog, as well as to hunt small game and retrieve birds shot into water. The breed finds birds on the ground or in trees with the help of its extremely sensitive nose and is capable of tracking an escaping bird for several hundred meters in even the most difficult terrain. It indicates the location of the bird with its bark and behavior, and will try to keep the bird in the tree by barking until the hunter gets there.
Finnish Spitz barking isn't like normal barking — these hunting dogs were bred to bark rapidly, up to 160 times a minute, in a sound that ranges from short, sharp barks to barks that resemble a yodel. In Scandinavia, a competition is held to find the "King of the Barkers," and in Finland, barking ability in the field must be proven before a conformation championship can be earned.
The Flame-Colored Foxy Face
The Finnish Spitz is smaller than average with a square, solid structure and good posture, its entire appearance and expression one of vibrant attentiveness. It has erect and mobile ears, mid-sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanted dark eyes, and an always-black nose. Its starting speed is explosive when necessary, and it moves with effortless lightness.
A male's ideal height at the withers is 47 cm (44–50 cm range); for bitches 42 cm (39–45 cm). Males weigh 26–31 pounds; females 16–22 pounds. The Finnish Spitz is yellowish or reddish brown in color — the flame color that gives it its foxy look — adorned with lighter hair on the back thighs, and the tail coils tightly forward along the back, reaching as low as the back hairs of the thigh.
Lively, Vigorous, and Brave
The Finnish Spitz is lively, vigorous, brave, and determined, and might be a little reserved towards strangers, but never vicious. By nature, it is cooperative, energetic, lively, and unyielding. As a fast-learning and social breed, the Finnish Spitz is a family dog like any other, suitable for different activities with all members of the family, and longs for attention and enjoys getting it.
Finns are affectionate, playful, and good-natured dogs that make excellent family dogs. The Finnish Spitz loves children and is typically not aggressive — if kids play too rough, a Finn will likely walk away. It is an independent breed, attached to its family while remaining aloof with strangers, and tends to be protective. Most Finnish Spitzes get along well with other dogs in the house.
Exercise and Activity
Finns are bred to spend long days hunting over rough terrain, so they're high-energy, high-stamina dogs that require daily exercise — one or two long walks each day. They will be fairly inactive indoors, but will not adapt well to a strictly kenneled living situation; they need a balance of outdoor exercise and indoor play time with the family.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Their hunting history means they maintain a strong prey drive to chase rabbits, squirrels, cats, and other animals, so a securely fenced yard and leashed walks are essential. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for a high-energy hunting breed.
Training a Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitzes are independent, strong-willed, intelligent dogs best trained with a soft voice and touch. They will not respond well to harsh training methods, so a light touch and positive reinforcement are essential. With patience and calm yet firm handling, the Finnish Spitz can be a wonderful companion.
Because they're bred as barking hunting dogs, be prepared for a talkative dog — consistent training can help reduce excessive barking. Early socialization, starting from early puppyhood, ensures your dog gets used to different people, animals, places, and situations. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz has a double coat with a stiff outer coat and a soft undercoat. It's a naturally clean breed that needs only moderate grooming — regular brushing keeps the coat in good condition, with more frequent brushing during seasonal shedding.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a double-coated spitz breed.
Feeding a Finnish Spitz
A Finnish Spitz should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As an active hunting breed, it needs sound nutrition to support daily exercise.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Finnish Spitz has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years and is an exceptionally healthy breed — one of Finland's healthiest breeds. There are no consistent health problems faced by the breed in the U.S. As with any breed, responsible breeders screen their stock, and some general health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Finnish Spitz is a social, family-loving dog that forms deep bonds with its human families, best suited to a family who wants to include their dog in as many activities as possible. They get along well with other pets and children when socialized from puppyhood, and their lively, affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions.
The image of the breed as a countryside guard dog is outdated — the Finnish Spitz is well suited even for urban areas, if it gets enough exercise and attention. If you're weighing whether a Finnish Spitz fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Finnish Spitz means committing to a highly vocal breed — Finkies bark up to 160 times a minute and often alert to anything new or approaching, which can be a problem in apartments or with close neighbors. They have strong prey drive, high exercise needs, and an independent, strong-willed nature that requires patient training. They can be reserved with strangers.
Yet for the right owner, the Finnish Spitz is incomparable — a lively, affectionate national treasure with the spirit of a fearless hunter.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Lively, playful, and affectionate
- Excellent with children
- Exceptionally healthy breed
- Devoted family companion
- Beautiful flame-colored coat
- Good watchdog instincts
Disadvantages
- Exceptionally vocal (up to 160 barks/minute)
- Strong prey drive
- High exercise needs
- Independent and strong-willed
- Reserved with strangers
- Sensitive to harsh training
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Finnish Spitzes get? Males stand 17.5–20 inches; females 15.5–18 inches; weight 20–33 pounds.
How long do Finnish Spitzes live? Typically 13 to 15 years.
Are Finnish Spitzes good family dogs? Yes — affectionate, playful, and great with children.
Are Finnish Spitzes easy to train? They're intelligent but independent — patient, gentle training needed.
Are Finnish Spitzes good for first-time owners? Their vocal nature and energy suit committed, active owners.
Are Finnish Spitzes good apartment dogs? Not ideal — they bark frequently and need space.
Do Finnish Spitzes bark a lot? Yes — they're the "Barking Bird Dog," barking up to 160 times a minute.
Are Finnish Spitzes rare? They're Finland's national dog and most popular breed there.
Are Finnish Spitzes good with other pets? Good with dogs; strong prey drive toward small animals.
Why are they called "Barking Bird Dogs"? They indicate game by rapid barking to hold birds in trees.
Are Finnish Spitzes good watchdogs? Yes — they're alert and protective.
What health problems do Finnish Spitzes have? Very few — hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions.