The Finnish Spitz is a medium-size, all-purpose hunting dog whose origins can be traced back to natural dogs that can be still found in the northern parts of Finland and Russian Karelia. In Finland, this dog is often referred to as the Finnish Barking Bird Dog. The Finnish Spitz makes an important part of the Finnish culture and is very popular with hunters in the rural areas for his keen nose, excellent tracking ability and intelligence. The breed was salvaged from extinction in the late 1890's through dedicated efforts of a few Finnish enthusiasts.
In his native country, the Finnish Spitz is known for a great devotion and loyalty to his family and courage.
It is still considered a working dog and has been used for centuries to bark-point game in dense forests. Finnish Spitz dogs make good guard and watchdogs. The breed is very popular in other Scandinavian countries.
In the field, when it pinpoints a bird in a tree, it yodels at it until the hunters arrive. The yodelling is very fast barking abd there are claims that the Finnish spitz can reach speed of 160 barks per minute, hence its nickname of the Barking Bird Dog.
The Finnish spitz has become a popular companion dog and was once called "the ideal dog for people who like cats". Its rich, fluffy coat of chestnut red or red-gold color has a soft cream colored undercoat. The tail has abundant feathering and curls upward or sideways. The Finnish Spitz is quite vocal and likes to wander which comes from their hunting manner.
Photo courtesy of Sukunimi Kennel