Overview
Average lifespan
The Finnish Spitz likes to keep itself clean and usually lives up to 11 years of age, but with care and the proper nutrition should live to 14 years.
Average size and weight
Healthy animals should weigh about 14kg and be 38cm in height for the females and weigh 16kg and be 51cm tall for the males.
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
This lively and independent dog will get along with just about everybody (including children) and everything (including other pets) in the house. It is bright, alert and can make an excellent guard dog.
Compatibility with other pets
The lively Spitz gets along well with other pets in the home especially if they are raised together from an early age.
Care requirements
The Finnish Spitz has a strong desire to keep itself clean and will lick any soiling from its coat or feet. Although the coat is short and close to the body, it will shed annually and will require a brush and comb to allow the new coat to grow through. It also prefers the cooler parts of the house and garden and will be content investigating these areas at its leisure.
Decision time
Ideal owners
These happy dogs make great companions, but do require some room to play and explore. Early training will help keep this lively and enthusiastic dog in check.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders