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Finnish Spitz
This is a lively and friendly
dog most popular in Finland, and now an English favorite.
History:
A hunting dog known to have
been in the Lapland area for thousands of years, this breed is
thought to have traveled south to Finland, where it became
concentrated and multiplied. It was used as a hunting dog for
many types of game including bear and squirrel, but is now a
bird dog used for flushing wood grouse.
Physical
characteristics:
A medium sized dog. Height:
Under Canadian standards: 17.5 - 19.5 in (44.5 - 49.5 cm) for
the dog and 15.5 - 17.5 in (39.5 - 44.5 cm) for the bitch.
Elsewhere: 17 - 20 in (43 - 51 cm) for the dog and 15 - 18 in
(39 - 45 cm) for the bitch. Weight: Under FCI standards: 50.75
- 59.5 lb (23 - 27 kg). Elsewhere: 31 - 35 lb (14 - 16 kg) for
the dog and 23 - 29 lb (10.5 - 13 kg) for the bitch.
The head is "fox"-like with a
slightly arched forehead, a domed skull and narrow muzzle,
with a moderate stop. The muzzle is tapered to thin black lips
and a scissor bite. The nose is black and the eyes are dark,
sloping, and almond-shaped. The ears are small, pricked
forward and mobile. The body is short and square, with a level
back and a deep chest. The tail is long and plumed in a curl
over the back, hanging to one side. The forequarters are
strong and straight, as are the hindquarters.
The coat of the Finnish Spitz
is a double one, with a short, soft and lighter shade of
undercoat and a longer, denser topcoat. The colors are
red-brown or red-gold on the back, and lighter on the ears,
cheeks, under the muzzle, chest, stomach, inside of the legs,
back of the thighs, and underside of the tail.
Behavior:
The Finnish Spitz most
certainly deserves its position as the national dog of
Finland. This noble-spirited dog has become the loyal
companion of countless families. Its alert manner makes it an
excellent watch-dog, and it soon recognizes its owner's
property. The Finnish Spitz seems to thrive on the attention
it receives from its owners, and in return repays them with
its dedication to the family. This is a good all-round
dog.
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