The Finnish Spitz presents a fox-like picture. The breed has long been used to hunt small game and birds.
History: The Finnish Spitz was brought from the Volga River Area of the Central Russia to what is now Finland by hunting tribes about 2000 years ago. The breed is now widely known throughout the Scandinavian countries. It was first recognized by AKC in 1987.
Appearance: The Finnish Spitz’ most important characteristics are its square, well-balanced body that is symmetrical with no exaggerated features, a glorious red-gold coat, his bold carriage and brisk movement.  With an almost fox-like appearance, the Finnish spitz is square in proportion. It has straight front legs with strong, but not heavy, bones. The clean cut head features dark, almond-shaped eyes that give an alert, keen expression. The ears are high set and stand upright when the dog is alert. The narrow, tapered muzzle has a black nose and a scissors bite. The curved tail is plumed. The Finnish Spitz has a typical double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and long, harsh guard hairs that can measure one to two inches long. The coat should be stiffer, denser, and longer on the neck, back, back of thighs, and plume of the tail, whilst shorter on the head and legs.
Size: Height – 15-20 inches (38-51 cm)
Weight – 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg)
Temperament: Considered to be quite independent and rather stubborn, Finnish Spitz are a lively, faithful, and intelligent breed of dog. They love playing with children, and are excellent companion dogs, which makes them an ideal family pet. They rarely show aggression unless needed (they are a breed who like to protect their family) but they do love the sound of their own voices. They will alert the family by barking loudly, living up to its Finnish name of “barking bird dog.” In fact, in contests this dog has been known to bark as much as 160 times a minute. If you’re looking for a quiet dog, the Finnish Spitz is probably not a good choice.
Health: The Finnish Spitz is typically a very healthy breed, and health concerns are rare. Here is a short list of what is known to occur: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy.
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Grooming: The Finnish Spitz is a meticulously clean dog, sometimes giving the impression that they groom themselves. They should be brushed weekly, especially during coat change and should only be bathed when needed. This breed should only be bathed when necessary Nails should be kept trimmed, ears and teeth cleaned.