Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is described by the AKC as good-natured, friendly, lively, a member of the Non-Sporting Group, originally from Finland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 17.5-20 inches (male), 15.5-18 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25-33 pounds (male), 20-28 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 13–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Good-Natured / Friendly / Lively [1] |
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Finland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 194 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Finnish Spitz were bred to hunt all day in dense woods, giving them the stamina to range far, making a solidly fenced yard a must. A Finnish Spitz must never be kept away from his people, as he becomes deeply bonded with his family. They require a moderately high degree of exercise. [1]
Grooming
The Finnish Spitz is a "natural" breed that some owners refer to as "wash and wear." The breed standard is very specific: "No trimming of the coat except for feet is allowed. Whiskers shall not be trimmed. Any alteration of the coat by coloring, dying, trimming, scissoring or other means must be severely faulted." Lightly spraying the coat with water and brushing the coat using a pin brush every two to three days is adequate. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Fortunately, thanks to thoughtful breeding, Finnish Spitz in the U.S. and Canada are a generally healthy breed and don't present many health issues. Responsible breeders screen potential breeding stock for patella, elbows, hips, and eyes, with the numbers of affected dogs very low. New owners are urged to have a conversation with their breeders about care for growing puppies, including the need to limit vigorous exercise, and avoiding early spay and neuter until maturity (3'¿5 years) is reached. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: No recommended health tests. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Finnish Spitz in 1991. [1]
- It ranked No. 194 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 178 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Finkie, Barking Bird Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Finland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 1 recommended health screening for breeding dogs, such as No recommended health tests. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do Finnish Spitzs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13-15 years.
How big does a Finnish Spitz get?
AKC breed information lists height 17.5-20 inches (male), 15.5-18 inches (female) and weight 25-33 pounds (male), 20-28 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Finnish Spitz?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Finnish Spitz, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.