Apartment fit
The Finnish Spitz is difficult in apartments mainly because of voice. Exercise helps, but barking is breed-typical and must be managed honestly.
Non-SportingMedium
Finland
FinlandFinnish Spitz
Weight
20-33 lb
Height
15.5-20 in
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Finnish Spitz is a medium Finnish hunting spitz, famous as a barking bird dog with a golden-red coat, lively nature, and strong voice.
National dog of FinlandTraditional barking bird dogGolden-red double coatLively, alert, and vocal
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
SuomenpystykorvaFinkie
LivelyAlertVocalIndependentAffectionate
Weight
20-33 lb
Height
15.5-20 in
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Finnish Spitz, or Suomenpystykorva, is Finland's national dog and a traditional barking bird dog. Its job is to locate game birds and hold them by barking, so vocal behavior is not a side issue in this breed; it is part of the original work. A Finnish Spitz is usually lively, alert, independent, and affectionate with family.
The breed is medium-sized and foxlike, with prick ears, a curled tail, and a dense double coat in golden-red to red shades. Puppies may be darker and lighten as they mature. Grooming is moderate most of the year but heavier during seasonal shedding.
A Finnish Spitz suits owners who enjoy an active, vocal spitz and can train with patience. It can live as a companion dog, but barking, prey interest, and independent decision-making need early guidance.
Temperament & Personality
LivelyAlertVocalIndependentAffectionate
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a lively, alert, vocal companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Golden Red, Red Gold, Honey Red, Auburn
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- owners who enjoy vocal spitz breeds
- active homes that can train and enrich daily
- people interested in a traditional hunting companion
- families prepared for shedding and barking management
Not ideal for
- noise-sensitive apartments
- owners who need a quiet dog
- homes wanting instant off-leash reliability
- people who dislike seasonal shedding
Common challenges
- frequent barking or yodeling
- prey interest and independent decisions outdoors
- seasonal undercoat shedding
- boredom when exercise is too light
Barking & behavior
Barking is central to the breed's original work. Teach quiet cues and calm routines, but do not choose this breed expecting silence.
Training style
Use rewards, short sessions, recall management, and patience. The breed can be clever and affectionate, but it is also independent and easily distracted outdoors.
Grooming & shedding
Brush weekly and more during shedding seasons. Maintain nails, teeth, ears, and the double coat without shaving it.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Finnish Spitz need active daily walks, play, and training or hunting-style enrichment. They are agile and lively, and they do best when they can use their nose, eyes, and voice in structured ways.
Grooming
Brush weekly and more often during shedding seasons. The double coat should not be shaved; remove loose undercoat and keep nails, ears, teeth, and paw fur maintained.
Training
Use positive training, short sessions, and patience. Barking should be guided with quiet cues and management, but owners should understand that vocal work is part of the breed's heritage.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions for a medium active spitz and watch weight under the coat. Adjust portions for activity level and age.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
4/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance2/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Patellar luxationEpilepsyHip dysplasiaEye conditionsObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Finnish Spitz bark a lot?
Yes. The Finnish Spitz was bred as a barking bird dog, so vocal behavior is natural and often strong. Owners need a realistic barking plan before choosing the breed.
Is the Finnish Spitz a good family dog?
It can be a lively and affectionate family dog for active homes. Children should be taught respectful handling, and the dog needs training around excitement and barking.
Can a Finnish Spitz live in an apartment?
Apartment life is challenging because of barking. It may work with committed exercise and training, but noise-sensitive housing is usually a poor match.
How much exercise does a Finnish Spitz need?
Most adults need active daily exercise, play, and enrichment. They are not giant athletes, but they are lively hunting spitz dogs with real stamina.
Does the Finnish Spitz shed?
Yes. The double coat sheds moderately and can shed heavily during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps control loose undercoat.
What color is a Finnish Spitz?
Adult Finnish Spitz are golden-red to red-gold shades. Puppies may be darker or have different shading before the adult coat develops.
What health problems should Finnish Spitz owners watch for?
Watchouts include patellar luxation, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and obesity. Responsible breeders should discuss health screening.
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