AKA: Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets, Loulou Finnoi

Description: The Finnish Spitz looks like a fox, with its pointed muzzle and perked ears. The ears are set high on its head, pointed and openly facing forward. The breed also has a black nose, black lips, and dark almond-shaped eyes. The jaws meet in a scissors bite.

The Finnish Spitz’ body is squarely proportional and has a thick coat, with medium-length hair that makes the breed look a little puffy and feathery. The chest is deep and the tail is carried curled on it back.

Dynamics: The Finnish Spitz is a lively breed with a friendly temperament. It is playful and seeks constant attention and affection. It is also brave and protective of its family. It gets along well with the other family members and the children. It can have problems with other dogs, though, and will try to dominate them. It can also be cautious and reserved with strangers.

The Finnish Spitz can be willful. It is loyal to its owner but may question its owners orders sometimes. Training it requires patience and consistency. The Finnish Spitz is also known for its bark; it is known as the “barking bird dog” in Finland.

Breed Group: Hounds, Northern, Non-sporting

Weight: 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg)

Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm)

Color: The Finnish Spitz pup comes out in a dark grey, black, brown, or fawn color. As it grows the coat lightens and becomes either a golder red or a yellowish-red. The shade can range from a pale honey to a dark chestnut. Small white markings is allowed.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Spitz was brought from Central Russia to Finland, where it was bred and popularized. It is the national dog of Finland.

Activities: The Finnish Spitz needs plenty of exercise to accommodate its huge amount of stamina. It makes a good watchdog and guard dog, can be used in hunting, and is a great family companion.

Grooming: The Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat so it will be enough to groom it with just regular brushing and combing.

Other Info: The Finnish Spitz has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is a healthy breed. Common dog breed health issues like hip dysplasia and PRA are not common for this breed. The Finnish Spitz can live in the city and in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. It prefers cool climates.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira

Description: The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog that belongs to the Spitz family. It has a strong built, the body longer than its height, powerful and compact. The back is straight, the front legs are straight while the hind legs are bent, and the paws are catlike. Its coat is thick with hair, covering the neck and body, with feathery frills in the abdomen, and behind the legs. The tail is also covered with long hair, and is carried curved over the back.

The head is triangular, although its ruff of hair around the face and neck makes it seem as if the face is round. The nose is black and the eyes are huge and slightly almond-shaped. There is usually a light-colored ring of hair around the eyes. The ears are set high on the head and are triangular. Its teeth forms a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent breed, as can be detected from their observant gaze and serious expression. It is observant and alert, and makes a very good watchdog. It barks at things it thinks are suspicious. It has a friendly temperament, and is an active breed. It is a great companion, especially when outdoors. It get along well with children, gentle with them and with people they can see that needs tenderness like the disabled and the elderly.

Breed Group: Working, Pastoral, Northern

Weight: average weight is 17-19kg, but the breed has a weight range of 15-24kg

Height: males 46-52 cm, females 41-47 cm

Color: The coat of the Finnish Lapphund can come in any color, with a single color dominating. The most common colors for this breed are white, black, red, brown, sable, and wolf-sable. The combination of black and tan is very common.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Lapphund originated in Finland, where it was raised by the Sami people.

Activities: The Finnish Lapphund was traditionally used as a reindeer herder, but is now also used as a watch dog, in obedience competitions, agility, herding trials, pet therapy, and as a family companion.

Grooming: The coat of the Finnish Lapphund only requires a modest amount of maintenance. Combing and brushing at least once a week is needed to remove dead hairs.

Other Info: The Finnish Lapphund has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. There are those that can live up to 16-17 years. It is a naturally healthy breed. Hip dysplasia is not common for this breed. But it is prone to medical issues like GPRA (General Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and hereditary cataracts.

Photo: Apdevries