Suomenpystykora - pronounced SWOH-men-pi-stih-KOR-vuh, Finnish erect ear
     Breed nickname - "Finkie"

     Today's Finnish Spitz is not only a show dog, they are used for companionship, hunting, retrieving, as a guide dog, a therapy dog, and in drug and explosive sniffing.  This breed is very keen sighted, has a very sensitive nose for tracking, possesses stamina and is very agile.
     The Finnish Spitz is a medium sized dog, a member of the Spitz family, which includes the Siberian Husky, Keeshond, Pomeranian, and the Samoyed.  This dog is very fox like in appearance.  The male averages 17-1/2" to 20" to the withers (shoulders) and weighs an average of 31 to 35 pounds.  The female ranges 15-1/2" to 18" to the withers and weighs 23 to 29 pounds.  The breed is known for its fiery red gold coat, that if properly cared for will appear to glow.
     This breed of dog is extremely intelligent, however, the Finkie will get bored very quickly with repetitive exercises when being trained.  The Finnish Spitz is  very sensitive in nature, and does not respond to harsh methods of discipline.  This breed is not for a person that is only willing to invest minimal effort and time in their relationship with their dog.  Finkies need to be an integral part of their human family's activities. The Finnish Spitz is good natured, even tempered, and is a remarkably clean dog. Owners have noticed how the Finnish Spitz will clean itself just like a house cat.  In some ways the Finkie will exhibit a certain aloofness - even as puppies they will not always like to be fondled and petted.  They will be somewhat reserved even as adults. This reserve does not translate to aggressiveness.  The Finkie is an excellent watch dog, due to its instinct of being cautious with strangers, whether human or animal.
     These dogs make for excellent house pets, whether in the country dwelling or city apartment.  So long as the Finnish Spitz has opportunity for regular exercise, either a walk on a leash with its master, or a secure, fenced in yard, it can adapt to most any living arrangement.  It is very important that the Finnish Spitz not be allowed to roam free, it is a hunting dog with a propensity towards barking which will probably make it an annoyance to the neighborhood.  The  Finnish Spitz does have a voice and uses it rather freely.  It has been described as like a yodel, the dog uses his voice to direct the human counterpart in a hunting excursion to the treed targets.
     This breed does not require a lot of grooming to keep its coat in good to excellent condition.  Even for the show ring, the Finnish Spitz is shown in a natural state.  For our pets weekly brushing, an occasional bath as needed, and combing out the coat during shedding seasons is all that is necessary to keep the dog's double coat in good condition.
     When looking for a puppy, the buyer should realize that a puppy Finnish Spitz is not the color of an adult, they tend more towards the color of plywood.  The red gold color comes in later as the puppy matures.  The buyer should visit the kennel areas of the breeder of the puppy, the breeder's stud dogs and brood females should be certified as being clear of hip dysplasia and inherited eye problems.  Each sire and dam should be tested for brucellosis (a canine venereal disease) before mating.  Some breeders will even test for vonWillebrand's disease.
     Just because a purebred dog has "papers", that does not necessarily mean that it is a sound, healthy dog.  That can only be determined by the care the breeders give their dogs, the environment the dogs are kept in, the breeding program that is followed by the breeders, and by regular visits to the veterinarian. When you receive any breed of  puppy, the first order of business for the new owner should be a visit to the veterinarian for a health check.

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