Finnish Spitz - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Finnish Spitz Dog Breed: The average Finnish Spitz stands 15.5 to 20 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 15 and 35 pounds. Their long, fluffy coat requires regular brushing, but should never be trimmed or it can interfere with their natural heating and cooling processes.
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Appearance
The Finnish Spitz is a medium sized dog who resembles a fox in appearance. They have pointed muzzles, prick ears and come in bright colors ranging from pale honey to vibrant golden-red. The nose, lips and rims of the eyes are black in color. The ears sit high atop the head, are erect, pointed and open towards the front of the dog. Their feet are round, like the feet of a cat and the tail is plumed and curls over the back and down the side of the dog. The AKC standard sums up the appearance of the breed by stating, “The Finnish Spitz whole being shows liveliness, which is especially evident in the eyes, ears and tail.”
Size and Weight
The male Finnish Spitz averages 17.5 to 20 inches in height at the shoulder, while females average between 15.5 and 18 inches. They can range in weight from 20 to 35 pounds. Show dogs should be square in proportion, though the fullness of the coat may distort their square appearance.
Coat and Color
The undercoat of the Finnish Spitz is soft and dense, while the topcoat is harsh and one to two inches long. The hair is the most dense on the tail and back of the hind legs, and males have a more abundant oat than females. They are golden-red in color, and the hues range in shade from a pale honey to a deep auburn. The undercoat is always more pale than the outer coat, giving the dog a “glowing” appearance. Finish Spitz are solid in color with white markings at the toes and the chest. The chest marking should not be any wider than half an inch, if the dog is to be shown competitively. Some have sparse black hairs along their lip line, on the tail, or the back. Puppies may be born with a lot of black coloring, which will fade as they grow older.
Grooming Needs
The Finnish Spitz is a naturally clean dog and their coats are not oily, so they do not emit an odor. Their double coats shed moderately throughout the year, and twice a year they shed heavily. Weekly brushing will keep the coat in good condition and prevent hair from making its way to the floor and furniture. Brush the coat two to three times per week in Spring and Fall. It is extremely important to brush the coat of the Finnish Spitz. Loose and dead hair from the undercoat that is not properly removed from the body can get trapped and lead to serious skin problems. They only require bathing as needed, and they do not require any clipping or trimming of the coat, except possibly under the foot pads.
Weekly brushing of the teeth will help keep gums healthy, prevent tartar buildup and keep breath fresh. Trim the nails if they click on hard floors, but active dogs will usually wear their nails down naturally.
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Temperament & Personality