Smaller size than the medium size, slenderness, robustness and elegant bearing. These are the main features of the Finnish Spitz, a hunting dog originally from the Scandinavia (as the name suggests) and which was historically selected for the taking of birds, which signaled by barking.
That said, it might seem that this dog is bossy and unwilling to cuddle and tease. But this is not the case. The Finnish Spitz is a dog enthusiast who, however, has a great affection for the family but which does not show in the classic way.
Origins of the Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a hunting dog, but despite his characteristics and his skill, it is not very well known in Europe and in the world. Precisely for this reason the origin is unknown, we only know that, like other hounds used in hunting, its main purpose was to signal the presence of birds on trees with its voice. In addition to this peculiarity, the breeders wanted a elegant dog and with a refined look.
Although there is no precise evidence of its origins, the first appearance official of the dogs takes place within the Book of Origins in 1890. Hounds originating from the eastern and northern regions of the country were enrolled here.
From that moment on, the presence of dogs on a national level has strengthened more and more because the first standard was drawn up in 1892 and in the same year the first special exhibition of the breed took place.
Only 5 years later, precisely in 1897, the Spitz took part in a game hunting competition for feathered game. The breed born in a pure nature reserve, is an essential element of Finnish culture, especially after that in 1979, he was appointed Finnish national dog.
Physical characteristics of the Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog. An average adult male is about 50 cm large, slightly less for the female.
The distinctive trait of the hound is the straight trunk and a well structured body.
The same strength is also noticeable in the legsthat I am straight and strong, complemented by a massive bone structure and well developed musculature.
Although the neck is rather short, the head is large complemented by a textured muzzle and a black nose. The eyes they are dark in color lively and curious.
Il mantle is formed by a undercoat and from by the upper of medium length, while on the limbs and on the muzzle the hair is short and adherent. The characteristic colors of the coat are yellow-red and brown-red, with lighter shades.
Spitz character
The Finnish Spitz has all the typical characteristics of a Nordic dog, in particular it is a independent and courageous specimen, precisely because the environmental conditions in which it developed, have enhanced this side of its character to the maximum.
Despite this feature, the hound has a excellent character. The dog is open, sunny, led to make new friends and above all tends to get attached all his life to his master. Even though he is extremely faithful, the proprietario of a Finnish Spitz must have a strong character because he will never be a submissive dog. He will always remain an intelligent specimen that must be taken in the right way.
Once aware of this side of its character and ready to respect it, coexistence with the Spitz will be pleasant, because it proves to be a excellent companion dog able to adapt to families where there are children.
Likely to play with the little ones, love run and play outdoors and spend several hours outside the home. Also, if you want to make him happy and please him his favorite place is the water in which he can express his talents from experienced swimmer.
Suitable for living in the house, preferably with a garden, tents ad barking a lot and with a particularly deep tone. For this reason it is important to teach him from a puppy to bark and keep quiet on command.
Supply
Lo Pointed It's a dog full of energy and lively, so it tends to move a lot e it needs a lot of energy. Before deciding on nutrition it is important to consult a veterinarian, but in general it should be treated as a real one sporty dog. Although he appreciates industrial foods, his attitude linked to the place of origin pushes him to prefer it too home cooked meals. In general, even with regard to nutrition, it does not need special care.
Healthcare
Due to his sporting character and athletic physique he is a dog that is usually always in good health. As the years go by, like many dogs and based on blood lineage, it may present some problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and patella luxation.
breeding
In Italy there are no Spitz breeding, as happens in most European countries. Widespread in the Nordic countries such as Finland and Sweden where there are dedicated facilities.
The reason for the low diffusion in Europe is linked to the fact that the Finska Kennelklubben the Finnish equivalent of the Italian Enci, became part of the International Dog Federation only after the Second World War, so it has not had the opportunity to attest in continental nations.
The presence of the Finnish Spitz it is more consistent in England. Here the tradition of hunting and the constant search for rare species belonging to the dog world have pushed them to constantly look for new breeds. The hounds attracted the attention of Lady Kitty Ritson that in the twenties introduced the breed on British soil so much so that in 1936 the Kennel Club recognized the Spitz as a breed. Currently the specimens found in England descend from Lady Kitty Ritson's breeding. Although there are excellent breeders and great attention is paid to preserving the breed, the number of births is very low and there will be no room for improvement in the future.
After all, the scarce diffusion of Finnish Spitz in Europe and Italy, it must not be experienced as an evil. Inhabited at low temperatures and snow, with a climate like ours it would not be at ease.