How to Identify a Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a unique spitz-type breed assigned to the non-sporting group. [1] Also called Finns and Finkies, they were once used as bird-hunting dogs known for barking at treed birds until hunters arrived. [2] Though they have many notably distinct features, Finnish Spitz also share characteristics with many other breeds. This wikiHow will help you identify a Finnish Spitz by learning to recognize their key traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking Note of the Structure

  1. Finnish Spitz are fairly small spitz dogs but a medium size overall. Males have a height of 17.5–20 inches (44–51 cm) and weigh 25–33 pounds (11–15 kg), while females stand at 15.5–18 inches (39–46 cm) with a weight of 20–28 pounds (9.1–12.7 kg). [3]
  2. A Finnish Spitz's head is cut clean and of a proportion of 7:4 in length from the nose to occiput and width from the widest part of the head. It appears fox-like in structure and expression, also conveying liveliness. With a moderate stop, it is fairly flat in the area between the dog's ears but slightly arched and rounded elsewhere. Males have more of a ruff, while a female's head is more refined. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a Finn are moderately far apart with an oblique set and corners on the outside that lift upward. They have an impression of keenness and are dark with black rims. In shape, they resemble almonds. [5]
  4. Finnish Spitz have high-set ears that stand erect. They are small in size with pointed tips that hover right above the eyes' outside corners when the dog is alert. They are well-open and notably mobile to convey the dog's mood. [6]
  5. A Finkie's muzzle tapers slightly to the black nose, appearing narrow. It is the same amount wide as it is deep and has tightly drawn black lips to conceal the scissors bite. [7]
  6. The paws of a Finnish Spitz are round like those of a cat and well-compacted. The pads are thickly skinned and cushioned rather deeply under the arched toes, the two middle of which are a small amount longer than the rest. The back dewclaws are generally removed, while the front ones may be removed or present. [8]
  7. Curling to rest on the dog's loin, the tail of a Finn is set below the level of the back a slight amount. It is arched so that the tip seems to point downward at the thigh. It is plumed and lies flat on the side. If it were to be straight, it would reach the hock. [9]
  8. Finnish Spitz are square, symmetrical, balanced, and proportionately boned. They have a muscular neck, shoulders which are laid back about 30 degrees, a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, a level topline, and legs that are both parallel and straight. Their gait is brisk, quick, and light-footed and may be a trot of grace and liveliness or a gallop, the latter more common when the dog is hunting. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Viewing the Coat

  1. Finnish Spitz have double coats comprised of a short undercoat and long outer coat of guard hairs. The hair is straight and measures to about 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) on the body, though it varies in length at certain areas. The head and legs have shorter hair that is closer to the skin, while the coat on the backs of the thighs and on the tail as a plume is of the greatest length. On the shoulders and neck, where the hair is longer, the coat forms a ruff, especially in male dogs. The hair on the back is also long. [11]
  2. A Finn's undercoat feels dense but soft, while the outer coat is harsh to the touch. The hair on the thighs and tail plume is also more dense, and the hair on the back, shoulders, and neck is stiff. [12]
  3. Finkies are golden-red in color, which may vary from a deep auburn color to a pale color resembling honey. Regardless of the shade, the color is clearly defined and bright to view, and the pale undercoat gives the dog a glow. Younger dogs especially may have some black hairs on the tail and back which fade as the dog gets older. A small amount of white may appear on the toes or forechest, usually not exceeding 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. Due to their heritage as a barking hunter, Finnish Spitz are still known for being highly vocal. Their barks tend to be high-pitched, frequent, and very quick, so it is important to train them to only bark when necessary. [14]

    Did you know? Finnish Spitz are so well-known for barking that there is an annual barking competition in Finland in which dogs of the breed can participate by showing their barking skills while hunting and counting the fastest barks. In fact, they can bark as many as 160 times in a minute. [15]

  2. Finnish Spitz typically do well with other dogs and children. If properly socialized from an early age, they are not prone to being aggressive. They are also people-oriented and value companionship. [16]
    • Know, however, that they may have a strong prey drive to chase other animals, such as cats. [17]
  3. Despite being vastly loyal, Finns can be willful and stubborn during training. Their independence needs to be addressed with consistency. [18]
  4. Overall, Finnish Spitz are intelligent dogs and can make good watchdogs if trained to bark only when needed. As long as their strong will is noted and worked on during training, they can learn many things. [19]
  5. Finkies do not do well alone or in stressful environments due to being highly sensitive. They are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long or other problems if overly stressed. [20]
  6. Finnish Spitz do not need an unreasonable amount of exercise, but as hunting dogs, they do require a fair amount of activity. They love playing and need a good combination of mental and physical exercise. They do especially well in the snow. [21]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify the breed of your own dog, think about using a DNA test. This will confirm if your dog is a Finnish Spitz.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/finnish-spitz/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/finnish-spitz/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/finnish-spitz/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/FinnishSpitz.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/finnishspitz.html
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-finnish-spitz/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/finnish-spitz-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/finnishspitz.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/finnishspitz.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/finnish-spitz-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/finnishspitz.html
      12. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/finnishspitz.html

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