This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, April 2014 issue.
The Finnish Spitz, known in its native country of Finland as Suomenpystykorva, the Finnish Cock (Erect) Eared Dog, is the National Dog of Finland. This ancient breed, the only European breed with a basal genetic signature, was used for millennia by the Finno-Ugric people of central Russia both to hunt small and large game and to guard its master and property.
By 1880, however, this hardy little red dog had become nearly extinct. A single breeder, Hugo Roos, dedicated his efforts to rescuing the Finnish Spitz by traveling to remote villages and collecting the purest specimens of the breed. He and Hugo Sandberg, who wrote the first Breed Standard, worked diligently to re-establish the breed in its native land.
Following a hunting trip to Scandinavia in 1927, Sir Edward Chichester imported the first Finnish Spitz to England. Lady Kitty Ritson, also an early devotee of the breed, coined the nickname “Finkie,” by which the breed is affectionately known in many countries, including the United States. By 1935, the Finnish Spitz had acquired enough support in England to warrant registration with The Kennel Club.
Another of the early British supporters was Mrs. Grisenda Price, whose Cullabine prefix can be found behind many dogs worldwide. The first recorded import to the United States was Cullabine Rudolph in 1959. In the mid-1960s, serious breeding began in the kennels of Henry Davidson of Minnesota, Mrs. Aino Hassel of Connecticut, and Mrs. Ella Chisholm.
In 1974, Richard and Betty Isacoff and Margaret (Peggy) Kohler fell in love with the breed and imported a bitch and later a dog from the Cullabine Kennels in England. In 1975, they founded the Finnish Spitz Club of America and adapted the standard of the country of origin.
The breed was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in 1983 and was formally recognized for registration with the American Kennel Club in 1987. Assigned to the Non-Sporting Group by the AKC, the breed became eligible to fully compete on January 1, 1988.
Finnish Spitz were introduced in Canada by a native of Finland, Mr. Ray Rinta, who was essential to the recognition of the breed with the Canadian Kennel Club. In 1974, the breed was formally accepted and assigned to the CKC’s Hound Group.
An additional early supporter of the breed, Mrs. Joan Grant, imported Finkies from the renowned Cullabine Kennel of England to establish her successful Jayenn Kennel in Canada.
In its native country of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is still used primarily as a hunting dog. It is a “bark-pointer,” indicating the position of game with a ringing, constant bark that secures the hunter’s attention and holds the game in place until the hunter is in position.
Although mainly used for grouse and capercaillie in Finland, in Russia and other countries, the breed is also used to hunt small game such as tree martens, squirrels, and rodents, as well as large game such as moose, elk, bear, and boar.
The Finnish Spitz Club of Finland has produced an excellent video of Finnish Spitz on the hunt, which can be found here. Finnish Spitz mainly work alone with their hunter but may be used in groups of two or three for larger game.
Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent, capable problem-solvers. They learn very quickly but can become bored with repetitive training. Although not a traditional obedience breed, owners attuned to their dogs have discovered that the natural tendency to hunt as one dog/one handler can be readily adapted for success in companion events such as agility, rally, and barn hunting.
Finkies have proven especially adept at agility, a sport that pairs well with their quickness and natural athleticism. Thinking outside the box and keeping training sessions short and fun will result in an enjoyable experience for both dog and handler.
Finnish Spitz need to be an integral part of their family’s life and therefore make excellent companions and family pets. They are particularly fond of children and diligent in alerting the family about “intruders” around the home.
A talkative breed, Finkies enjoy “conversations” with family members using many unique vocalizations. Their independent nature means that, although devoted, they are not an “in-your-face” VELCRO® breed.
They prefer instead to keep an eye on their two-legged companions from a distance, approaching from time to time for pets and cuddles. Training requires persistence, patience, and kindness.
Highly intelligent, they will find ways to entertain themselves if bored, so it is up to the owner to provide mental stimulation through suitable activities, toys, and challenges, as well as exercise in a fenced area or on a leash. This is not a breed well-suited to confinement in a yard—they expect and need to be an integral part of family life.
Grooming needs for Finnish Spitz are fairly basic and minimal. This is a very clean breed with no tendency to mat or tangle and no doggy odor. Regular brushing and occasional baths, along with normal nail and dental care, are all that is needed.
They do shed their undercoats seasonally, and at that time, will require more extensive coat care to keep them tidy.
Resulting from the natural selection of breeding stock that could endure the harsh hunting environment of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is an extremely healthy dog. It has no known breed-specific health problems.
There are occasional diagnoses of cancer, liver, kidney, heart, epilepsy, or other diseases common to all canines; however, none of these is widespread. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation also appear from time to time, but neither is prevalent in the breed with any statistical significance.
Overall, breeders have been diligent in minimizing problems and are the best source for information concerning specific health concerns within their lines.
