Finnish Spitz breed standard. Finnish Spitz: the best friend for energetic people

The history of the origin of the Finnish Spitz and its purpose, exterior standard, character, health, care tips, interesting facts. Price when buying a puppy.

The content of the article:

The Finnish Spitz is a cute, cheerful husky dog ​​with a friendly-fighting character and thick dark orange fur. One of the few native northern breeds of Lapland and North Karelia. Well, for patient Finns, this red dog is a long-time friend and trusted assistant, a universal and familiar hunting dog in everyday life, which not only received mention in the ancient poetic epic “Kalevala”, but also became over time national symbol and the pride of Finland.

History of the origin of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz (English - Finnish Spitz; Finnish - Suomenpystykorva) is one of the few native breeds of Finland, tracing its history back to the ancient Finno-Ugric northern dogs of Scandinavia. Since ancient times, smart and intelligent red dogs, somewhat similar to large foxes, helped the tribes of Ugrians and Finns in hunting, protected their homes and livestock from wild animals, and pulled sleighs with luggage. So, the history of today's Finnish Spitz definitely goes back several thousand years.

One of the first Europeans to tell the whole world of dog lovers about northern red huskies was the French doctor, researcher and traveler Pierre Martin de La Martinière (French - Pierre-Martin de La Martinière) in his book “Travel to Nordic countries", published in 1653. In it, he described in a fascinating way his impressions of the journey made along Northern Europe in the middle of the 17th century. Pierre Martin described in unusual detail the morals, customs, superstitions and way of life of the semi-wild peoples of Scandinavia and Northern Russia, still unknown to Europeans in those years, supporting his notes with many drawings.

Many years have passed since then, and there was a period in the history of Finnish dogs when the population of Finnish red huskies began to haphazardly interbreed with other dog breeds that appeared on the Scandinavian Peninsula with the arrival of new settlers from Russia and Sweden. The national aboriginal Finnish Laika began to lose its bright individuality in appearance. Pedigree purebred dogs sharply decreased in number and by the middle of the 19th century almost disappeared completely.

The planned revival of an endangered species and breeding of Finnish Spitz began only in late XIX century. Finnish historians and cynologists attribute special merit in the revival of the aboriginal breed to the athlete and hunter Hugo Roos from Helsinki. It was he who, during a hunt in 1879, appreciated the many advantages of genuine Finnish aboriginal dogs, and in 1880 decided to begin independently breeding fiery red hunting dogs, devoting thirty years of his life to this business.

In 1892, the revived breed was finally introduced to the Finnish Kennel Club and entered into the Stud Book of the national club.

It is not surprising, but in Russia (and the Grand Duchy of Finland became part of the Russian Empire back in 1809), a wide range of Russian dog lovers and hunters became acquainted with the red Finnish husky only in 1895, with the publication of the “Album of Northern Dogs (Laikas)” » Prince A.A. Shirinsky-Shikhmatov.

In 1897, changes and clarifications were made to the Finnish Laika standard, which made it possible to further specify the breed, separating it from similar species huskies of Scandinavia. At the same time, the name of the breed was changed. The breed finally began to be called: “Finnish Spitz”.

Started in 1914 First World War, and then the revolution of 1917 in Russia and the one that began after it Civil War made people forget about dogs for a long time. The majority of the population of Europe and Russia had no time for them.

The existence of red Spitz hunting dogs was remembered again only in the mid-20s of the 20th century. In 1927, the first breeding Finnish dogs with fluffy orange fur were brought to the UK by Sir Edward Chickister, who became their first breeder. In 1935, the new breed of orange hunting dogs was officially recognized by the British Kennel Club. In 1950, the Finnish Spitz dog with the complex nickname Callabine-Rudolph was first brought to the United States, becoming the progenitor of almost all existing “Finns” in the United States. And since 1952, these dogs began to be bred in the Netherlands.

IN Soviet Russia The Finnish Laika breed was called in its own way - the Karelian-Finnish Laika, actually mixing different dog breeds in this name. It is likely that this name was associated with the Karelo-Finnish Republic (which existed within the borders of the USSR), where these red dogs penetrated before 1917. Subsequently, Karelian-Finnish Laikas received their own breeding line of development in the Soviet Union and, ultimately, were identified as an independent breed in 1960. In 2006, an agreement was signed between the Finnish and Russian Kennel Clubs on the recognition of the Russian population of Finnish Laikas in the FCI system in compliance with all international standards.

In 1974, the Canadian Kennel Club also included the Finnish Spitz in its Stud Book. In 1975, the Finnish Spitz Club of America was created, and in 1983, Finnish dogs were registered with the American Kennel Club.

Official recognition of the national Spitz of Finland by the International cynological federation(FCI) took place in 1987. Latest changes to international standard breeds were introduced in 1999.

Since 1979, the Finnish Spitz has been recognized as the national dog of Finland.

Purpose and use of the Finnish Spitz

The main purpose of the Finnish aboriginal dog is hunting.

Since ancient times, this has been an excellent pointer dog, calling the hunter to the spot where game was discovered with its loud barking. The dog's pose and the turn of its head always clearly indicated the direction to the target to the hunter. Basically, the Finnish Spitz is used to work on capercaillie, black grouse, partridge, as well as in hunting squirrels, martens, and sables. However, there are known cases when red Spitz dogs were also used to hunt more serious animals, such as elk and bear.

In Finland, the working qualities of these dogs are so valued that not a single Spitz can become an exhibition champion without proving their hunting talents.

In the USA, in places where hunting with a dog is not very developed, Finns are more often used as companion dogs or dogs for participating in shows and championships.

External standard of the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Laika (Spitz) is a cute dog of a dark red color, slightly below average (for Laikas) height, with a proportional, lean build and excellent posture. In appearance and coloration, young individuals are somewhat reminiscent of a fox. Later this similarity disappears. An adult male Spitz reaches a maximum height of 50 centimeters at the withers and a weight of up to 13 kg. Females of this breed are noticeably smaller - up to 45 centimeters tall and weighing 7-10 kg.

1. Head quite voluminous, gradually expanding towards the ears. The skull is widest between the ears. The brow ridges, occipital protuberance and frontal sulcus are barely marked. The stop (the transition from the forehead to the muzzle) is slightly pronounced, but the ledge itself between the skull and the back of the nose is distinct. The bridge of the nose is elongated, straight, of medium width. The nose is small, but well defined, and has a black color. The muzzle is narrow, smoothly tapering, and dry. The lips are thin, dry, tightly fitting with good pigmentation. The jaws are strong. The teeth are strong, white with developed fangs. Scissor bite, dense.
2. Eyes almond-shaped, medium in size, set somewhat obliquely. Eye color is brown or dark brown (the darker the better when grading). The look is attentive and animated.
3. Ears tall, clearly erect, triangular-pointed, medium-sized. The ears are very mobile and very sensitive to any sound, even a small one.
4. Neck in Finnish Spitz middle length(in males, due to the presence of a fluffy “collar”, it gives the impression of being short), strong and muscular with a well-defined scruff.
5. Torso square-rectangular type, strong, muscular, not prone to obesity. The chest is long, moderately wide, and well developed. The back is short, strong, straight. The back line is straight. The croup is strong, of medium length, slightly sloping. The stomach is taut.
6. Tail set high, medium length, curled over the back, richly covered with fur.
7. Limbs straight, parallel, strong, have well-developed muscles. Paws are oval or round, “in a ball”, with pressed toes.
8. Leather fits tightly to the body, without dewlap.
9. Wool rather long on the body, spaced and raised, giving the impression of fluffiness. The fur is somewhat harsh, with a dense undercoat. The toughest fur is on the neck, shoulder blades and back. The hair on the head, muzzle and limbs is short and close to the skin. On the thighs of the hind legs there are feathers in the shape of “pants”. The hair on the tail is long and thick. On the neck of male Spitz dogs there is a rich “collar” of long guard hairs. The undercoat is dense, short and soft, in contrast to the hard guard hair, and lighter than the rest of the fur.
10. Color The Finnish Laika is tan, dark orange, or golden red in color. When judging during championships, preference is given to individuals with a brighter and more saturated coat color.

Lighter coat color is found in the throat, chest, belly, inner surfaces of all limbs, inner ears, cheekbones and tail. Darker areas are located on the head, ears and along the animal's spine. A white “tie” on the chest and small spots on the front legs are acceptable.

Description of the character of the Finnish Laika

Dogs of this breed are very active, mobile and have quite noisy behavior, which creates a lot of difficulties with neighbors when kept in apartments. The ringing voice of the red Spitz is an important component of the breed. When hunting, these dogs simply had to inform the hunter about the discovery of an animal and their location in the forest (everyone does this hunting dogs-pointers and huskies). In modern Finland, special competitions are even held between dogs of different breeds to determine the “King of Bark” (the winner of the competition is the dog that not only barks the loudest and loudest, but is also capable of barking as often as possible). So, the Finnish Spitz breed is always among the leaders in such competitions.

The dog is perfectly adapted to harsh climates, cold winds and low temperatures. Long stay in winter forest does not have any negative impact on her health. She is hardy, brave, persistent and has superbly developed hunting instincts. It is capable of accompanying a skier-hunter for a long time and tirelessly and chasing game even in deep snow. In places with hot climates and high temperatures feels much worse. Although over time, it is able to adapt to such conditions.

Can be an excellent watchman, vigilant and loud-voiced. In this case, it is better if it is not on a chain, but moves freely around the yard. “Finka” does not like a leash and a muzzle at all. She needs long, energetic and free walking, which is not always possible in city conditions.

It easily finds contact with other dogs and people, and is capable of excellent hunting as part of a pack or in a pair with another dog. Always willing to make contact with people, especially children. Requires attention. If the Finnish Spitz is not noticed or ignored, he can become offended for a long time, becoming stubborn and disobedient. Or even leave completely.

The Spitz dog has a typically Finnish character - independent, strong and even a little tough and distrustful of strangers, but at the same time soft, sensitive and affectionate in relations with the owner. At the same time, he is not aggressive towards people, is quite good-natured and extremely loyal to his owner.

Males have more dominant tendencies than females. Therefore, they need to train an experienced dog handler or a person with extensive experience working with Finnish Spitz. Needs a strong and domineering owner who can clearly control this intelligent and incredibly intelligent dog.

However, despite some nuances of behavior, the playful, intelligent, curious and restless husky with a beautiful stately exterior, loyal and kind character is winning more and more new fans around the world. Well, hunters in Russia and Finland have long held it in special regard as one of the most capable and talented universal husky dogs, indispensable when hunting a wide variety of animals.

Finnish Spitz health

The Finnish Spitz, being an indigenous breed bred by nature itself, is considered a fairly healthy breed of dog. However, in practice, some problems common to the breed have been noted, such as hip dysplasia, elbow and knee joints, various dislocations of the limbs and epilepsy (rarely). The average lifespan of these wonderful animals is about 11–12 years.

Despite the fact that Finns are quite large dogs with thick fur, caring for them does not cause much trouble for the owner. Standard grooming (once or twice a week) is enough to keep the animal always looking great. During shedding (twice a year), the orange dog needs to be combed more often, especially if he lives in a city house or apartment (which, in general, is not desirable). Bathing this dog is not at all problematic and is necessary only when it gets dirty.

The best conditions for keeping it are a country house with the possibility of long, unchained walks through the forest or meadow. Attention must be paid to the development of the dog's hunting skills. Without at least an imitation of hunting, the Finnish Spitz languishes and becomes bored. Dogs feel better in climates with a cool climate.

There are no difficulties with feeding. The dog is not picky about food, and during the hunt he is able to get by with the bare minimum. However, it is desirable that the animal’s diet is balanced, plentiful and meets all the dog’s daily needs for vitamins and minerals. It is also advisable to give the dog (at least periodically) lean meat or fish, which he loves very much.

Interesting facts about the Finnish Spitz and the price when purchasing

The Finnish Spitz is probably one of the loudest and most vocal dogs in existence. After all, its main hunting purpose is to notify with a loud, frequent bark about the position of the game. Therefore, the ringing voice of this breed is extremely valued by expert hunters. Any exhibition championships in Finland end with a competition to determine the dog - “King of Bark”. This competition, held annually in Finland, is sometimes called the “King of the Barkers”. So, it was during one such competition on the “King of Barkers” that it was found that the unique red Spitz dog is capable of barking at a speed of 160 times per minute.

Currently, the number of Finnish Spitz in Russia is quite large. This is especially true in relation to Moscow and the Moscow region, St. Petersburg and Karelia. There are nurseries in the city of Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk region, the city of Cherepovets, Vologda region, as well as in Perm, Yekaterinburg and the region. Therefore, purchasing a purebred Finnish Spitz puppy is not a problem. The average cost of a puppy of such a dog is about 400–500 US dollars.

Find out more about the Finnish Spitz here:

Finnish Spitz or Karelo - Finnish Laika, at first glance may seem like a simple, not particularly remarkable dog. But this is far from true; if you look closely at it, you will see how harmoniously and gracefully built the animal is.

Its not large size allows it to live well in an apartment, and care does not require special skills. Special meaning gives the dog character and outstanding service qualities.

Perfect for amateur hunters and fishermen. A good friend, a devoted comrade, a clever hunter. It will be an ideal companion for people with an active lifestyle.

The Finnish Spitz, at the suggestion of a French gentleman, was spotted in his homeland, where he was especially popular among hunters. It is impossible to say exactly how ancient it is. During the war, like many others, she could have disappeared completely. At the end of 1880, she received a new impetus for life from amateurs who managed to increase the number and continue breeding.

Laika - “Karelian” received another, official name “Finnish Spitz” and went to neighboring countries. In the Russian Federation, on the territory of Karelia and St. Petersburg, there are also a significant number of dogs left that were actively bred by their neighbors - the Finns.

By the end of the 20th century, the dog mainly spread to America and EU countries. And to this day in their historical homeland their number greatly prevails.

Description of appearance standard

The Finnish Spitz is an interesting and compact dog with a square body. The tail is cutely curled into a donut, which gives it a special playfulness.

Karelo is a Finnish beauty Laika and her description clearly gives external signs by which breed can be distinguished.

• Weight and height for males: 45 – 50 cm, weight 12 – 15 kg;
• Females: 30 – 45 cm, weighing 10 – 12 kg;

Bitches are much smaller and lighter, and are easy to distinguish by gender. Outwardly it looks like a spitz and a little like a fox, the similarity is especially visible on the muzzle.

• Head: medium size, wedge-shaped, forehead – wide, stop not clearly defined. Resembles the muzzle of a fox, but wider and less pointed.
• Muzzle: medium long, pointed. Dry type, pronounced cheekbones.
• Eyes: oval, with slight slanting at the corners. The look is direct, interested. No dampness on the eyelids, full coloring. Color – brown, different saturation.
• Nose: not large, mobile, wide nostrils, color – black, fully colored. May be slightly brownish with certain coat colors.
• Jaw: strong, quite strong. The bite is scissor, the lips fit tightly, completely hiding the teeth. Color – dark. White teeth, large fangs.
• Ears: hard cartilage, ears stand up, not large, look up, triangular in shape.
• Body: square, neck rather long, medium wide. With good muscles. The back is without sag, quite wide and strong. The croup is slightly sloping, the loin is short. There are well-developed muscles throughout the body, mostly of the lean type. The stomach is tucked. There are no skin folds.
• Chest: not clearly defined, up to the level of the elbow joint, the transition is obvious.
• Paws, tail: limbs straight, stand parallel, developed muscles, hip wide, strong. The paws are collected in a dense ball, the toes are rounded with strong claws. The tail is long, curled into a ring, and thrown over the back.

Coat and colors

The Karelian Laika is the owner of a luxurious fur coat. The coat is abundant, straight, fluffy. Pleasant to the touch, quite soft, good undercoat.

• Color: red, of varying saturation, there may be spots on the chest of a light (white) color, acceptable, but not encouraged. Preference is given to rich fiery red, red and brown color.

The Laika should not have feathers, but many owners simply trim the fur in these places, this happens often. Outwardly, the brightest color - brick or even copper - red looks beautiful; it may have an admixture of dark hair, but without spots. Reminds me of the color of a fox.

Character of Karelian-Finnish huskies

The Finnish husky is a bright animal not only in color. The dog is a born hunter, passionate, brave, fast and very smart. She may be overly emotional, but she is alert and attentive in her work.

Directed towards a person, but at the same time can be independent. Needs approval of its actions from the owner, is sociable, loves affection and manifestations of love towards itself.

Sometimes he may show a hint of stubbornness, but in general there are no problems. She loves her family and tries very hard to protect. Great with children. Knows when to hide. A good-natured, patient and polite friend.

Does not tolerate shouting and rudeness, prefers to avoid conflict. Wary of strangers, but not hostile. Attentive and observant. Like many varnishes, it often howls, even at night.

Training and education

Finnish Laika - requires early socialization, starting from 2 - 2.5 months of age, as soon as it moves to a new owner. It includes:

• Accustoming to your nickname;
• Wearing a leash and collar;
• Loud sounds and strangers;
• Busy streets, cars.

After he gets used to it, start learning the first, not complex commands:

1. Sit;
2. Lie;
3. It is forbidden;
4. Place.

Use a tasty treat and a kind word as encouragement. There should be no punishment or shouting during the process. To teach hunting craft from 4-5 months, it is better to start with a special training program with a specialist.

The process begins with smells, the dog receives various animal skins and feathers to try. Learn to follow this scent. Baiting is a more complex process; it begins with small animals, gradually moving to larger ones. It is better not to use a husky for hunting very large animals - bears, wild boars. Their compact size will not allow them to work competently; they will lose in strength and may die.

It is better to start such classes after passing the OKD. When the dog already knows the basics, and goes hunting - at an older age, starting from 12 - 14 months.

Purpose of the breed and hunting

The Finnish Laika is a commercial hunter by purpose. They are generalists, designed to catch smaller prey. With the help of a keen sense of smell, they find the trail and track it, after which they bring it under fire. The shot prey is brought strictly to the owner; they can climb into large holes.

• They are passionate, smart, stubborn and result-oriented. Work in unfavorable conditions weather conditions, in forested and swampy areas.

Perfectly tailored for poultry. The process begins early in the morning, when the sun has not yet come out. At this moment, the bird comes out to feed, the dog quickly identifies it and brings it under the shot, having previously informed the owner that the trail has been found.

It perfectly picks up a trail in the snow, identifies the marten and drives it up a tree, which then has to escape pursuit along the tops. Large wild animals are usually not approached, they are only driven into a shelter, where they continue to be held, waiting for a person.

The Finnish husky is quite unpretentious in its care. It must be of high quality and constant. More attention should be paid to wool as an indicator of overall good health.

What to feed your pet

Karelo-Finnish Laika requires competent and sufficient nutrition, appropriate for age and workload. The most in a simple way, there will be feeding with industrial feed, which contains everything necessary and does not require preparation.

Natural food consists of the following acceptable products:

• Sea fish;
• Not fatty meat;
• By-products;
• Vegetables/fruits/greens;
• Vegetable oils;
• Eggs;
• Porridge: buckwheat, rice and oatmeal;
• Low fat dairy products.
• Vegetables should be cheese: finely chopped or pureed. Meat – raw, offal – boiled.

Adults eat 2 times a day, after a walk, it is important not to overfeed. Puppies from 4 – 6 times a day up to 3 months, 4 times up to 6 months, 3 times up to 12 months.

It is forbidden to feed:

1. Human food;
2. Season food with spices and salt;
3. Tubular bones;
4. Sweets and chocolate;
5. River fish;
6. Grapes and plums;
7. Citrus;
8. Bakery;
9. Potato;
10. Pasta.

• The quality of life and its duration depend on proper nutrition.

Health and life expectancy

The Karelo dog - Finnish husky is a fairly healthy pet, with good strong immunity. There is a predisposition to inherited diseases:

1. Dysplasia of large joints;
2. Diseases of the visual organs - in adulthood;
3. Endocrine changes, more common in bitches after childbirth;
4. Diseases of the nervous system;
5. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
6. Allergy.

Life expectancy with proper care and sufficient physical activity: 12 – 16 years.

Pros and cons of the CFL

Karelo Finnish Laika or Finnish Spitz is a wonderful animal for living with a person. They are perfect for family life and singles.

• Small size;
• Easy care;
• Cheerful and flexible character;
• Excellent working qualities;
• Good nature;

• An active breed that requires constant exercise;
• Increased excitability and emotionality;
• They can howl and bark frequently;
• Classes must be held regularly.

In general, it is a wonderful pet, attached to a person, requiring affection and care.

Purchasing and cost of a puppy

Karelo-Finnish Laika puppies are sent to a new owner at the age of 2.5 months. At this point he will have vaccinations and a brand, puppy metrics.

The cost consists of the following:

1. Puppy indicators;
2. Merits of parents (titles, working diplomas);
3. Recognition of the nursery and breeder;
4. Future prospects.

Price of puppies: from 800 to 1200 euros.

Choose only proven nurseries and purebred representatives with documents, nurseries:

• “Suomen”, Moscow region – //karel-fin-layka.ru;
• “Ridge of Yakutia”, Len. Region – //www.lajki.ru;
• “Club of hunting lovers from the KFL – Arsik” – //www.arsik.ru.

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

A native breed of Finland and North Karelia (Russia), the Finnish Spitz is a cheerful and loyal dog with a thick, rich red coat. For the owner, such a pet will become a true friend and protector, this is facilitated by the friendly nature and skills of the hunter. The average life expectancy of a Spitz is 11-12 years proper care, which does not require special costs.

Who is a Finnish Spitz?

If you want to have an active dog with a beautiful bright color, then you should take a closer look at the Spitz (Finnish Spitz or Finsk Spets) from Finland. This breed of dog can be called differently: low-low, Finnish, Karelian-Finnish husky, suomenpystykorva. These names hide a beautiful medium-sized dog that is easy to train and does not require special care. An adult male Spitz reaches 50 cm at the withers. The dog's weight is 13 kg. Females are smaller. Their height is 45 cm, and their weight is 7-10 kg.

History of the breed

This is one of the few native hunting dog breeds from Finland, whose history dates back to the ancient Finno-Ugric dogs of the Scandinavian Peninsula. They performed many functions: transported things, guarded homes and livestock, and helped in hunting. IN Russian Empire The Karelian-Finnish dog became widespread at the end of the 19th century. In 1897, final features of the dog breed were introduced, which made it possible to distinguish it from other similar species of huskies in Scandinavia.

The First World War and the revolution in Russia made their own adjustments to the development of the breed - they temporarily forgot about it, but already in the 20s of the 20th century it became popular in Europe. Edward Chickister became the first Spitz breeder. In 1935, the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed received official recognition by the British Kennel Club. In the Soviet Union this happened in 1960. In 2006, Finland and Russia signed an agreement on the recognition of dogs in the FCI system. Since 1970, the Spitz has been considered the national dog of Finland.

Standard

Young dogs and puppies resemble a fox in appearance, but with age this similarity disappears, except for color. The external breed standard is as follows:

• Head. Large, gradually increasing towards the ears, where it is widest. The muzzle is narrow with powerful jaws. Spitz's teeth white with prominent fangs. Has a strong scissor bite.
• Eyes. The Spitz's eyes are almond-shaped. The size is medium, the color is brown or dark brown (the darker, the more valuable the individual). The look is smart, “alive”.
• Ears. Pointed, triangular in shape, small. High standing.
• Neck. Medium length with well-developed muscles and a noticeable scruff. Male Spitz dogs have a fluffy “collar” of wool around their necks.
• Torso. Spitz is not prone to obesity. The body is square or rectangular with a pronounced muscular chest. The back is straight, the croup is of medium length, the stomach is tucked.
• Tail. Made in the shape of a ring with a turn towards the back. Covered with thick hair, it is of medium length relative to the size of the dog.
• Limbs. Smooth, strong, parallel, with well-developed muscles and joints.
• Wool. The guard and cover hairs are dense and long. The coat is raised, which creates an additional shaggy effect. It feels hard to the touch, but the undercoat is soft. The dog has fur "pants" on its hips. Males have a small mane of fur on their necks. Color – muted red, orange, orange-brown. The brighter the color, the more valuable the individual. The standard allows for a white "tie" and small spots on the front legs.

Character

Representatives of the Spitz breed are suitable active people. Dogs are active and playful, love to walk and play. Nature rewarded these dogs with a loud, ringing voice. The Karelo-Finnish husky feels good in a northern climate and can stay in the cold for a long time. Friendly, not aggressive with loved ones and other dogs. With strangers, huskies behave independently and warily. Demands attention and loves praise. The Karelian-Finnish Spitz can be offended and stubborn for a long time if you do not devote time to it.

Male Spitz breeds from Finland require strict training. It is advisable to send them as puppies to be trained by an experienced dog handler. They need an owner with a leadership character who can manage an intelligent and independent Finnish Laika dog with a typical Nordic character. Spitz females are not so stubborn, they have a soft character and good endurance. This loyal dogs, helpers and friends.

If you decide to get yourself a Spitz dog, first evaluate your living conditions. This dog does well in rural areas and needs space to roam. In big cities it languishes. The best option for an animal is a country house with an enclosure and a nearby forest, planting or field where you can go hunting or create an imitation of it. Be prepared for long walks in any weather.

Spitz are not fussy about grooming. They need to be brushed once or twice a week, and every day during the shedding period. He is indifferent to bathing; you need to wash your dog as soon as it gets dirty. Spitz loves to walk without a leash and muzzle, which is problematic in urban conditions. The dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian regularly to ensure vaccinations are on schedule.

As for food, dogs of this breed do not require large expenses. The Karelian Spitz's food should be balanced. The dog needs vitamin supplements. She needs to be pampered with natural food. Representatives of this breed love to enjoy a piece of boiled poultry, beef or fish. Dog experts recommend giving puppies cottage cheese, vegetables, and cereals. The optimal solution there will be ready-made food that contains everything necessary vitamins and microelements.

Hunting with the Karelian-Finnish Laika

Before adopting a red husky puppy, you should consider the possibility of walking the dog for a long time. Hunting or its imitation is the main occupation of representatives of this breed; without it, he gets bored and becomes inactive. For this reason, it is recommended to get such a dog for active people who love hiking, hunting or walking in nature.

The Spitz is used for hunting partridge, wood grouse, squirrel, marten, sable and other small animals that go for fur. Large ungulates are not hunted with Spitz dogs. The Finnish dog is excellent at finding the location of game and notifying its owner with a loud bark. Spitz have a very loud voice, which allows representatives of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed to take leadership positions in the international competition “King of Barking”. The record is 160 “woofs” in one minute. This is another reason why Pomeranians are not kept in an apartment.

Finnish Spitz price

Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies are expensive. The price of a pet depends on the purity of the breed, the presence of a pedigree, the reason for purchase, and the exterior. If a dog is purchased for the purpose of further breeding or for exhibition competitions, then the cost will be higher. When purchasing a Finnish Spitz, pay attention to the following factors:

• compliance with the appearance standard;
• availability of a veterinary passport, which will indicate all the vaccinations and treatments required for age;
• availability of a document confirming the dog’s pedigree, if necessary.

Dog handlers recommend not buying a dog in crossings or at the market from hand. It is better to contact a kennel or dog breeding center for breeding a pedigree breed. Breeders know how to properly maintain a Spitz puppy from birth, what food and veterinary examination they require, and train them basic principles training. The nursery staff will give necessary recommendations on the further maintenance of the dog.

To make it easier to understand the prices for Finnish husky puppies, below is a table showing popular nurseries and the approximate cost.

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The Finnish Spitz is one of the most popular breeds of this type. This is one of the oldest breeds in Finland, with an interesting appearance and a difficult character. These dogs are used as hunters and mounts, and they are distributed throughout the world. The Finnish Spitz is not suitable for inexperienced owners, since you still need to be able to find an approach to it. In Russia this breed is called the Karelian-Finnish Laika.

Description of the Finnish Spitz dog breed

The first evidence of dogs of this breed dates back to the 17th-18th centuries. Those animals looked exactly like the classic Finnish Spitz looks. And already at the end of the 19th century, the targeted breeding of these dogs began and the first breed standard was adopted. Then, in the 20th century, the Finnish Spitz became known throughout the world and was recognized by all major canine organizations. Currently, this breed is considered a national treasure of Finland.

Appearance and constitution of the Finnish Spitz

Among related breeds, the Finnish Spitz stands out as a relatively small animal. The average height of males is 46-48 cm, and average weight- 12-13 cu. At the same time, the bitches are 4-5 cv lower? much lighter and more elegantly built. The dogs are of a square format, with a developed and muscular chest, a straight back and a tucked belly. The transition from chest to stomach is sharp and noticeable. The limbs are straight and parallel to each other. The hind limbs are spaced somewhat wider than the forelimbs and are more muscular. The tail is long and thick, not docked, curls into a ring and lies on the back.

The head is large, with a wide skull and an elongated wedge-shaped muzzle. The transition from the skull to the muzzle is smooth but noticeable. The forehead is high and wide, with developed brow ridges. The ears are triangular in shape, with sharp ends, erect. Semi-erect or drooping ears are not allowed by the breed standard. The eyes are shaped like olives, black in color, their look is smart and perky. The jaws close tightly, the set of teeth is complete. For the Finnish Spitz breed, the standard allows only a correct scissor bite.

Finnish Spitz coat color and texture

This parameter is clearly stated in all descriptions of the breed and is strictly checked at exhibitions. The Finnish Spitz has a medium-length coat, with the length varying throughout the body. There is a dense and thick collar on the neck and chest, as well as feathering on the limbs and tail. The shortest hair is on the head. The coat is thick and has a developed undercoat. The main hair is hard, coarse and durable, and the undercoat is soft and delicate. The hair is straight and should not curl.

Coat color is allowed only in red or ginger shades, as well as combinations of these colors. The color is monotonous, although the coat may be slightly darker or lighter, but without white spots or specks. Darker or lighter variations are possible, but do not turn into a brown or fawn shade. The back may be somewhat darker, and the paws, tail and muzzle may be lighter. The nose is always black, without pigment spots or shades of other colors.

Finnish Spitz breed in Russia

In the 50s and 60s, a breed such as the Karelian-Finnish Laika was bred in the USSR. She came from dogs brought from Finland. The exact origin of these animals is unknown, but, apparently, they were Finnish Spitz. Although it is impossible to say how purebred these dogs were. Over time, to improve the working qualities of the Karelian-Finnish Laika, it was crossed with purebred Finnish Spitz dogs. Therefore, the differences between the Karelian-Finnish Laika and the Finnish Spitz were gradually erased. As a result, in 2006, an official decision was made that these animals are considered the same breed.

These dogs are most common in Moscow and the Moscow region, in the Leningrad region, and, of course, in Karelia. But in other cities and regions of the Russian Federation there are many owners and breeders of the Karelian-Finnish Laika. However, most often the Finnish Spitz can be found in the European part of Russia. And here a club of lovers of this breed was formed. This organization has the following name: Club of the Karelian-Finnish Laika Breed “Suomen”. This is an association of Russian fans of the Finnish Spitz. This name is worth remembering for all novice Finnish Spitz owners, as they can provide advice on various issues related to the breed, as well as help in purchasing a puppy.

Features of purchasing a puppy in Russia

You should always remember that huskies are hunting dogs. And in this club there are many who breed working animals specifically for hunting, because they specialize in various game. Anyone who wants to buy an ordinary household companion should say this in advance and not buy a pet that was bred specifically to help with hunting. After all, hunting huskies and domestic dogs differ not only in appearance, but also in character. It is more difficult to control a hunting husky. By the way, some dog experts still consider the Finnish Spitz and the Karelian-Finnish Laika to be different breeds. And here’s what dog experts think about it:

“These two breeds are essentially the same dog. Historically, in the USSR breeding was carried out separately, but by now all differences have been erased. And it was officially recognized that these are two names for the same dog breed. Not everyone agrees with this formulation of the question, but this will not change the reality. The Karelo-Finnish Laika and the Finnish Spitz are the same breed.”

Character and intelligence of the Finnish Spitz

Animals of this breed are energetic, intelligent, independent and sometimes stubborn. Inexperienced owners are not recommended to buy this dog, as it requires a separate approach. Laika gets along well with other family members and can get used to other pets if introduced to them from an early age. But it is important to remember that hunting instincts can make themselves felt at any, even the most inopportune moment. Laika will chase what it considers prey, so you can let this dog off the leash only in quiet, calm places where there are no cars.

Some people believe that the Finnish Spitz is difficult to train. This is not true, this dog is smart and performs well at exhibitions and various competitions. The trouble is that inexperienced owners buy an animal intended specifically for hunting, and then try to turn it into a lap dog for a city apartment. But hunting huskies have a different character, and they must be used and trained accordingly. Domestic huskies, whose hunting instincts are not so strongly expressed, are easier to handle. But here, too, constant and methodical training is required.

Finnish Spitz training

The Finnish Spitz has a difficult character, so its training must be approached accordingly. It all starts with choosing a puppy. You should look at his pedigree and make sure that this is not a hunting dog. Unless a hunting assistant is chosen. Then you should start raising the baby. There are special courses for the socialization of puppies, and you need to start with them, and only then move on to a general training course aimed at making an exemplary companion dog. And then the husky will surprise both its owners and all their acquaintances with its docile character.

Hunting dogs must be trained separately, and it is necessary to immediately choose what kind of game the Spitz will be used for. As a hunter, this breed is versatile. It is used for blood trail hunting to catch squirrels, bears, badgers or wild boars. It also performs well when hunting upland game and waterfowl. And each type of hunt has its own training methods, which the husky passes with flying colors. This is exactly what does this breed so popular among experienced hunters.

Finnish Spitz care

Caring for dogs of this breed begins with regular walks. These animals are very energetic and resilient, they require constant physical activity. To keep in shape, the Karelian-Finnish Laika must run often and for a long time. The ideal option for this dog is to live in country house with a large yard. There she will be able to run for fun and throw out excess energy. But this does not eliminate the need for walks. You need to walk with her every day, morning and evening for 30-40 minutes or longer. If possible, the dog should be allowed to run without a leash, but only when there are no cars nearby. Well, when you live in the city, you should walk your dog even more often, since it will have no other way to run around and unwind.

It is important to remember that Finnish Spitz do not tolerate heat well, as they were bred for completely different living conditions. If an animal stays in the heat for a long time, it may suffer from sunstroke, so in such weather it needs a cool and shady corner. Dogs of this breed are very clean, although there are exceptions to this rule. According to some dog breeders, the Finnish Spitz even has the habit of licking itself the way cats usually do. It should be remembered that adult animals have good health and endurance. But puppies do not differ in these qualities, so they must be carefully monitored. In particular, you need to keep an eye on who they run with and what they eat.

Although these dogs have a very thick coat, it does not require special care. Some breeders generally claim that Finnish Spitz can be combed no more than 1-2 times a week. Although daily gentle combing is also unlikely to harm the pet. But during shedding, you will have to go through the fur with a comb at least once a day. But the Finnish Spitz sheds infrequently, only 2 times a year. You can bathe dogs of this breed only once every 3 or 4 months. You can wash it less often if the dog, as befits a Karelian-Finnish husky, is clean.

Feeding Finnish Spitz dogs

One of the pleasant features of these pets is that they are unpretentious in food. They do not require a lot of food, and they are not picky or picky in this matter. But when buying food, you should take into account the fact that the Karelian-Finnish husky develops urolithiasis from cheap and low-quality ready-made food, so you should choose premium and super premium food. And you definitely need to soak them in lukewarm water or low-fat broth. But not in milk, adult animals have milk in pure form are not perceived very well. If desired, you can feed the Finnish Spitz and natural products.

The daily diet of these dogs is as follows. From 35% to 40% is meat, lean and lightly cooked, preferably lamb or beef. Another 35-40% comes from porridge. When it comes to porridges, it’s better to stick with buckwheat or rolled oats, although rice or barley groats are also suitable. Vegetables and dairy products are also included in the diet of huskies. Vegetables can be given raw or boiled, finely chopped. Beets, carrots, turnips, zucchini and various greens will benefit your husky. But it is better not to feed them the fruits of nightshade crops. From dairy products, choose low-fat cottage cheese, kefir or yogurt. You can add vitamin supplements or fish oil to your food. These dogs are not given sweet or spicy food. They don’t need a lot of food, so the daily portion weighs about 300-500 g.

Finnish Spitz. Planet of Dogs 🌏 My Planet

Gayfox - Karelo-Finnish Laika (Finnish Spitz)

Like any other dog, you should not feed your husky before or during a hunt. This is dangerous for her health and life, so feeding is postponed until later.

IN common days It is better to give your husky food more often, 2-3 times a day, dividing the daily diet into small portions. They are absorbed faster and bring more benefits to the pet. But it’s better not to feed huskies once a day. Large amounts of food are poorly digested, leading to obesity and various health problems.

Finnish Spitz health care

Adult Karelian-Finnish huskies are distinguished by good health and longevity, but even they require appropriate care. But the puppies of these dogs are often vulnerable and require careful and attentive treatment. These animals must be vaccinated. Diseases such as rabies and canine distemper should not threaten your pet.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the plague of carnivores or, as it is also called, distemper. Puppies are very vulnerable to this dangerous viral disease, and Laika puppies in particular. And every Finnish Spitz puppy must be vaccinated against it.

Each owner, when purchasing a puppy, should know in advance where to go if the pet is not feeling well. The nursery where the puppy was purchased can be advised of a suitable veterinarian. You can also consult with experienced breeders, who probably have a suitable candidate in mind. And if the dog feels unwell, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Delay here is literally like death. In general, huskies are in good health, but have a predisposition to certain ailments:

• cataracts and other eye diseases;
• allergies to various foods and fragrances;
• epilepsy;
• dysplasia of the elbow or hip joint.

Purchasing a Finnish Spitz puppy

Karelian-Finnish huskies are common in Russia, and it is not difficult to purchase them here. That is why you need to carefully and carefully choose a puppy. You need to ask the breeder for a photo of the baby and make sure that it is a Karelian-Finnish husky. You should not buy a dog secondhand, without a pedigree and documents. There is a high probability that the puppy will be weak and sickly, and also not purebred. In addition, mixed-breed huskies are often given free of charge, this should also be remembered.

A purebred husky must also be chosen carefully. Some dogs are suitable for hunters, and others are suitable for those looking for a home companion, so you should voice your requirements in advance so that the breeder knows which dog is needed. Sale advertisements indicate a price ranging from 20 to 35 thousand rubles. and this is the amount you should focus on. But the purchase of a puppy is usually negotiated individually with the breeder. It is better to find out in advance from professionals who can buy the Laika you need at the right price.

Conclusion

The Finnish Spitz is an excellent dog, intelligent, energetic and versatile. She can be a watchman, a hunter, or a simple house companion. And although she has a difficult character, dog lovers will definitely like her. The only recommendation is that you should not take her as your first dog or as a gift for a child.

The Finnish Spitz is a playful, inquisitive and beautiful dog with well-developed guard and hunting instincts. He received recognition and love from dog breeders not only for his positive traits, but also a bright appearance. The dog is preferred by active, athletic people who love to travel and always stay on the move. In what conditions should a Spitz be kept and what should it be fed? Is it difficult to care for and is the animal trainable?

Origin of the breed

It is believed that the Spitz is a northern aboriginal breed, the ancestors of which are Finno-Ugric dogs. Since ancient times, smart dogs have participated in hunting with representatives of the Ugrians and Finns, and also guarded their homes.

The first mention of the breed dates back to 1653. The researcher Pierre Martin de Lamartiniere, who traveled around Europe, published a book in which he described the way of life of the semi-wild peoples of Scandinavia at that time, accompanying the description with many drawings. The work mentioned dark red hunting dogs - the breed later became known as the Finnish Spitz.

With the resettlement of emigrants from Russia and Sweden, dogs began to uncontrollably breed with representatives of other breeds, which almost led to the complete extinction of the species. In 1880, hunter Hugo Roos from Helsinki began restoring the dog population. In 1892, the breed was recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club.

In 1927, the dogs were brought to England, and 8 years later the breed was recognized by the kennel club of this country. In 1950, the Callabine-Rudolph dog was brought to the USA - it became the progenitor of almost all dogs of this breed in the country. In Russia, the dog is known as the Karelian-Finnish Laika.

Appearance of a Finnish Spitz

The purpose of the Spitz is to search for game and fur-bearing animals during the hunt and point to it by giving a voice. That is why the dog has a medium, dry build and a bold, unyielding character - this is necessary to accurately complete the task. The animal has an unusual appearance, which is why it is valued by dog ​​breeders.

Breed standard

Puppies and young dogs look very similar to a fox, which can be confirmed by looking at the photo, but later this similarity almost disappears. The dog has a proportional build and good posture. An adult male has a maximum height of 50 cm at the withers and a weight of 13 kg, a female - 45 cm and 7–10 kg, respectively. Breed characteristics:

Part of the body	Description
Head	Large, gradually expanding towards the ears. The brow ridges are weakly expressed.
Muzzle	Narrow, powerful jaws. The teeth are strong, with large fangs.
Nose	The bridge of the nose is elongated, the lobe is black.
Eyes	Almond-shaped, medium in size with a brown iris.
Ears	Triangular, pointed, small, erect, very mobile.
Neck	Medium length, muscular.
Torso	Rectangular type, muscular chest, straight back, tucked stomach.
Limbs	Straight, strong, well developed. Paws with toes gathered into a ball.
Tail	Medium length, curled into a ring.

Males have a square body, a noticeable inclined stance, and the skin fits tightly to the body. Females have a flatter back and a more extended posture, which is associated with reproductive function.

Coat type, color

The dog's coat is long and thick, there is a developed soft undercoat - this provides reliable protection from the cold. The hair on the head and front of the paws is short, the length of the guard hair is 2.5–5 cm, on the feathers of the thighs and hind legs - 6.5 cm. On the neck of males there is a “collar” of long hair.

Newborn puppies can have different colors: dark gray, black, chestnut, fawn. Dogs of fawn color and with large white spots are not allowed to show. A white “tie” on the chest and small spots on the paws are not considered a defect.

Only an experienced breeder can predict how the color of a puppy’s coat will change as it grows up. The color of an adult dog can be reddish-red, honey-red or copper - at exhibitions, preference is given to individuals with bright fur. The color should not be uniform: on the chest, belly, cheekbones, and tail, the shade of the coat is usually lighter.

Personality of the Finnish Spitz

The character of the Karelian-Finnish Spitz will appeal to connoisseurs of active, playful and friendly animals. Like representatives of any hunting breed, the dog is distinguished by intelligence, courage and independence in decision-making. The dog has long been used as a barking hunter, so it likes to vocalize often, but with proper training it can control itself.

The dog is infinitely devoted to his owner. He is affectionate, sensitive and gets along well with children and enjoys playing with them. The animal is careful with strangers, and thanks to its excellent hearing it can become a good watchman. The dog easily finds contact with other dogs and can walk in company. He requires constant attention to himself - if the dog is not noticed, he gets offended, demonstrating this with manifestations of stubbornness and disobedience.

The Spitz is loyal to domestic cats - the animals do not compete or quarrel. However, birds, rodents and turtles can become its prey.

Content Features

The dog is adapted to harsh climates, so a long stay outside in the cold will not affect its health. She can accompany a person for a long time, even in deep snow, and loves to be in the forest.

The dog feels worse in the hot season, although it can adapt to such conditions. This is a dog for a private home, but not for an apartment.

Diet

Breeders' opinions are divided: some say that hunting dog It is better to feed with natural products; others argue that only dry food has a balanced composition. Mixed feeding is prohibited - this can lead to eating disorders, since foods and special mixtures are not digested equally.

If the dog owner chooses specialized food, then mixtures from Pronature, Grandorf, etc. will be suitable for Spitz dogs. When feeding naturally, the dog should be given:

• boiled beef, chicken, rabbit;
• buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• boiled pumpkin (is an anthelmintic) and other vegetables;
• fruits;
• cottage cheese, kefir;
• boiled sea fish;
• offal;
• rye crackers;
• vegetable oil.

The dog can sometimes be fed sausage that does not include pork. He must receive large raw bones with cartilage and leftover meat. It is forbidden to give the animal fresh milk and tubular bones.

The Karelian-Finnish husky is prone to gaining excess weight, so it should not be overfed. Puppies are fed up to 6 times a day, but as they grow older, the frequency of meals is reduced to two.

Rules of care

The disadvantage of the breed is that Spitz dogs shed heavily. In spring and autumn, the animal must be combed daily using a metal comb. The rest of the time, it is enough to brush the dog once a week. Dogs do not like to bathe, and frequent water procedures are not recommended - shampoos wash away the protective layer of fat from the coat. Taking a bath is allowed 2-4 times a year. Grooming your dog is strictly not recommended.

Karelian-Finnish dogs need to regularly cut their nails and trim the hair between the toes. Eye care is needed in cases where mucus accumulates in the corners - it is removed with a sponge soaked in chamomile decoction. The ears are wiped 2-3 times a month with a damp swab. Teeth are brushed or special edible bones are used. To prevent plaque, your dog should be given bones and fresh tomatoes regularly.

Walking and exercise

The dog is a hunting dog, he is characterized by energy, so he will not like being kept within four walls. The dog needs space - it is better if it is kept in a private house with a large area around the house. Having a garden or large vegetable garden does not eliminate the need for walks. The Spitz can be an excellent watchdog with a clear voice, but it is better not to keep him on a chain.

The dog loves long walks and exercise, and can run and play with children. His downside is that he does not like a leash and a muzzle, so it is better to go for a walk with the dog in a field or forest. If the dog is kept in an urban environment, then it needs at least a 30-40 minute walk, which should take place half an hour after eating. Lack of physical activity is a direct path to obesity and destructive behavior in your dog.

Dog training

Raising puppies requires patience, rigor and systematic training from the owner. If the owner gives in, the animal's energy, independence and curiosity will take over and it will dominate the owner.

It is extremely difficult to train a Finnish Spitz, but without education he will be uncontrollable. However, dogs make contact and perceive commands if the lessons are presented in an interesting playful way. If you keep the animal interested and have treats on hand, you can achieve good training results. Do not forget that the dog loves praise - encouragement in the form of stroking the withers or head will be an excellent incentive for further work.

Classes should be held for 20–35 minutes so that the dog does not lose interest in learning. Experts say that a dog needs 25–40 repetitions to remember a command, and half of the pets perform it the first time. The trainer must be one-on-one with the dog so that the animal is not distracted. It is important not to let your Spitz get scared or overexcited, otherwise he will stop obeying.

Tendency to diseases

It is believed that the breed was not bred artificially, but was formed in natural conditions - this explains the excellent health of the dogs. With regular provision of proper physical activity dogs live 12–14 years. However, it is worth remembering that from infectious diseases Only timely vaccinations can protect.

Red hunters are predisposed to certain diseases:

• dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, leading to immobilization of the animal;
• food allergies;
• eye diseases;
• dislocated paws;
• epilepsy (extremely rare).

Puberty, pregnancy and childbirth

A female dog's first heat occurs at 12–14 months, but breeders recommend not breeding either males or females until 2 years of age, because early sex life may negatively affect the health of parents and offspring. Mating is carried out twice with an interval of 1–2 days.

Pregnancy in Spitz lasts 56–72 days, but it is worth remembering that premature or late births lead to the death of puppies, so it is better to contact a veterinarian in such cases. Signs of pregnancy in a dog are a decrease in activity, a demand for affection and a deteriorating appearance, and a specialist is able to determine the success of mating by palpating the abdomen at 3 weeks.

Usually the delivery goes well, the dog does everything on its own. It is better for the owner to prepare a rubber heating pad and a bulb to suck out mucus from the mouths of the last puppies in the litter, who may be weaker than their brothers and sisters. The litter size of Spitz dogs increases at 3–4 years of age and then decreases. On average, a female gives birth to 2–4 puppies.

Where to buy puppies, how much do they cost?

The breed is quite common, so the puppy can be purchased in kennels in most large cities. They are usually prepared for sale from the age of 1.5–2 months. The cost will depend on the pedigree and quality of the animal, but Spitz dogs are not cheap dogs.

The price of a dog from a nursery is 60–70 thousand rubles, but in single-breed nurseries the cost of a purebred Spitz can reach 150 thousand rubles. You can buy a puppy from private breeders for 30 thousand rubles, and sometimes you can find a baby for 5–15 thousand rubles, but there is a risk of buying a mixed breed or a dog with defects.