Finnish Spitz

Also known as: Karero-Finnish Laika, Laika Karelo-Finskaya, Karelo-Finskaya Laika, Karjalais-suomalainen laika

Finland's national dog was bred for bird hunting: it finds the prey, stops beneath the tree and barks rhythmically to hold it there until the hunter arrives. That barking drive is serious enough that Finland holds annual competitions judging dogs on barks per minute. The fox-red coat and pricked ears give it its fox-like look, and weight rarely tops 16 kilograms. The double coat blows out heavily twice a year. Alert, vocal and curious by nature, it's a poor match for apartment living where noise is an issue. Close and playful with its family, it stays watchful around strangers. Life expectancy runs 12 to 15 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Finnish Spitz: how old in human years?

39–50 cmHeight
7–16 kgWeight
12–15 yrsLife expectancy

Volpino Italiano

FCI group: Spitz and Nordic/Ancient-type Dogs
FCI section: Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs
FCI: 49
Country of origin: Finland

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Height

Males 44–50 cm

Females 39–45 cm

Weight

Males 12–16 kg

Females 7–12 kg

Life expectancy

12–15 yrs

Coat

double coat, harsh medium length outer coat (medium-length)

Temperament & Family Life

Finnish Spitz's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Finnish Spitz's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 2/5
Prey drive 4/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Finnish Spitz's guarding and alertness traits are high.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 5/5
Barking level 5/5

Grooming & Care

Finnish Spitz's grooming needs are moderate.

Shedding 4/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 3/5

Living with the Finnish Spitz

In Finland this dog hunted capercaillie: having found a bird in a tree, it would stand underneath and bark until the hunter arrived. That voice has not gone anywhere. A Finnish Spitz barks a lot, loudly and with conviction, so think hard about your neighbours before bringing one into a block of flats. Every passer-by, squirrel and falling leaf will be duly reported.

It needs real exercise every day: long forest walks, running, time to sniff. The mind is sharp but independent; it learns quickly when it sees the point and gets bored when you ask for the same exercise for the tenth time. Short, cheerful sessions with treats work far better than a heavy hand.

With family and children it is affectionate and playful, while strangers get a careful once-over from a distance first. The hunting instinct is strong, so cats and hares are serious business, and in unfenced places a lead is the wiser choice. Tired out after a good hike, it will settle by your feet in the evening, at least until something rustles outside the window again.

Grooming and coat

That northern double coat, a harsh outer layer over a dense undercoat, is designed so that mud dries and falls off on its own. A weekly brush right down to the skin is usually enough, but twice a year the undercoat comes out in clumps, and then you will be brushing daily with the vacuum cleaner on standby. While you brush, check the skin for redness, flakes or ticks, which the forest supplies generously. Frequent baths aren't needed; shampoo only strips the coat's natural oils.

Pricked ears are easy to check, so look inside once a week: they should be clean and odour-free. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a damp cloth after a walk, and show a red or watering eye to the vet. Brush the teeth a few times a week with a dog toothpaste; it is a small habit that pays off over a whole lifetime.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

The Finnish Spitz was bred for northern forests, where a dog had to be hardy and undemanding, and many of them keep you company for twelve to fifteen years. Even so, there are a few conditions worth knowing about in advance, so you can spot the signs in good time. If anything seems off, take your dog to a vet, who will decide what happens next.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Hip dysplasia

This is a fault in how the hip joint develops: the ball of the thigh bone doesn't sit snugly in its socket, so the joint wears over time. You might notice your dog getting up stiffly after a nap, hesitating on the stairs, or bunny-hopping with both hind legs together when it runs. A Finnish Spitz is an active hunting dog that needs sound joints, so if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap)

The kneecap sometimes slips out of its groove and the leg briefly locks. You may see your dog carry a hind leg in the air for a few strides mid-run, then put it down again as if nothing happened. If you notice that skip, describe it to your vet, who will work out what is going on.
Epilepsy and seizures

Epilepsy means repeated seizures caused by a disturbance in the brain's activity. During one, a dog may fall onto its side, paddle its legs, drool and not respond to your voice. A seizure is an emergency: your dog needs a vet immediately.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (16 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 190 g of dry food a day, from €10,29 a month For a neutered, normally active 11,8 kg dog. Calculate for your dog