Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz
Int'l, Dutch, Belgium, Luxembourg, & Am Ch Fjiordlund's Finkkila Yuri
"Yuri"

Known as the "Suomenpystykorva" in Finland, the Finnish Spitz's name translates into English as "Finnish Erect Ear". This national dog of Finland is affectionately called the "The Red Spitz" in its homeland.

The Finnish Spitz is an old breed. His ancestors were brought from Central Russia into Finland with hunting tribesman some 2000 years ago. Since the tribesmen were dependant upon their dogs' hunting expertise, and since they couldn't keep many dogs, the dogs evolved into all-purpose all-game hunters. Today, the Finnish Spitz is used mainly for treeing grouse, however, he is also used for baying elk/moose, hunting squirrel and other small animals, and sometimes for tolling and retrieving waterfowl. He has even been used to hunt bear.

The Finnish Spitz stands up to 20 inches at the shoulder and has a dense, red-gold double coat and a bushy tail. A joy to the neat-freak, the Finnish Spitz is spotlessly clean and has no doggy odor.

To understand the character of the Finnish Spitz, you must understand the mutual dependence between the Finnish hunter and his dog. The dog provided food by locating game in the dense forest; the hunter provided shelter and food during the long, frigid winter when both man and dog had to stay inside. Because of this century-old inbred desire for closeness with his master, the Finnish Spitz is his master's dog! He is very possessive and jealous of his master and of anything that belongs to his master. He is cautiously friendly towards strangers and makes an alert and attentive watch dog.

The Finnish Spitz is especially good with children. He is a people dog and will not be happy being a kennel dog, or being kept away from his master for long periods of time. He is exceptionally intelligent and extremely sensitive. Training with positive reinforcement only is required.

Originally known as the Finnish Barking Birddog, the Finnish Spitz is a "talking" dog! He has a lot to say, and says it with an unbelievable number of different sounds and tones!

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