Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Finnish Spitz: Breed Origin, Purpose and Size
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Finland
- Height
- 42 cm
The Finnish Spitz is a dog breed from Finland. It was developed to hunt many kinds of game, from squirrels and rodents to bears, by barking at and pointing toward animals. It also hunts elk. The breed is described as friendly, good with children and suitable for domestic life. Its recorded height is 42.
What it is
The Finnish Spitz is a dog breed that began in Finland. It was trained to hunt many kinds of game, including squirrels, rodents, grouse, capercaillies, elk and bears.
It is a bark pointer. The dog indicates where game is by barking, drawing the animal's attention while the hunter approaches. In Finland, it is still mostly used as a hunting dog.
Getting to know the breed
The breed's roots are in Finland, where its hunting role remains part of its identity. Its original work involved game that could flee into trees, as well as larger animals such as elk.
For a broader look at its national background, see dog breeds from Finland.
Strengths
The Finnish Spitz was bred for a wide hunting range, from small rodents to large game. Its barking gives the hunter a clear signal about an animal's position.
The breed is described as typically friendly and good with children, and it is considered suitable for domestic life. Finland has recognized it as the national dog since 1979.
Catches
This is a hunting breed whose traditional work depends on barking to point game. That role may not fit a home looking for a dog without a hunting purpose or barking work.
The available record gives a height of 42 but does not provide weight or life expectancy.
Pricing
No purchase price or other cost is provided for the Finnish Spitz.
Who should skip it
Skip this breed if you do not want a dog associated with hunting game or with barking as part of its traditional work.
People comparing a wider range of breeds can continue with dog breeds.
Verdict
The Finnish Spitz suits readers drawn to a Finnish breed with a clear hunting history and a distinctive bark-pointer role. Its described friendliness and comfort with children also connect it to domestic life. Choose it when that background matches your household; look elsewhere when you want a breed whose identity is not tied to hunting and barking.
What stands out
- Bred to hunt game ranging from rodents to bears.
- Bark-pointer work helps indicate where game is located.
- Typically friendly and good with children.
- Recognized as Finland's national dog since 1979.
Worth knowing
- Its traditional role centers on hunting.
- Barking is part of how it points game.
- Weight and life expectancy are not provided here.
Suits
- Homes interested in a Finnish hunting breed.
- Readers who value a dog described as good with children.
Think twice if
- You do not want a breed associated with hunting and barking work.
- You need documented weight and life-expectancy figures.
In short
The Finnish Spitz stands out as Finland's national dog and as a versatile hunting breed. It was developed to locate game by barking, from tree-fleeing birds to elk and even bears. The breed is also described as friendly, good with children and suitable for life at home. That combination makes it relevant to owners who value a documented working purpose alongside domestic suitability. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a dog unrelated to hunting work or barking.
Questions
Where does the Finnish Spitz come from?
The Finnish Spitz originated in Finland.
What was the Finnish Spitz bred to do?
It was trained to hunt many kinds of game, including squirrels, rodents, birds, elk and bears.
Why is it called a bark pointer?
It indicates the position of game by barking, which draws the animal's attention and helps the hunter approach.
Is the Finnish Spitz suitable for domestic life?
The breed is described as typically friendly, good with children and suitable for domestic life.
How tall is a Finnish Spitz?
Its recorded height is 42.
Is the Finnish Spitz still used for hunting?
In Finland, the breed is still mostly used as a hunting dog.
What is Finland's national dog?
The Finnish Spitz has been Finland's national dog since 1979.
More dog breeds from Finland
Finnish Lapphund Finland Height 44 cm Photo: Sandy · Public domain 
Photo credits6 photographs on this page
- Finnish Spitz — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Finnish Hound — Arto Alanenpää · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- Finnish Lapphund — Sandy · Public domain · file page
- Karelian Bear Dog — Fraczek.marcin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Karelo-Finnish Laika — Павел Трофимов · CC BY 2.5 · file page
- Lapponian Herder — Patrik Fors · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.