These dogs are known for their high-spirited ways, they love having a job to do and will complete it with a bounce in their step! For this reason, they need plenty of exercise and walks and would do better with a family that already lead an active lifestyle. They get on really well with children and love to play, without being too persistent. On top of this, they are incredibly protective over their families and their wariness of strangers makes them very good watchdogs. Just watch out for their tendency to bark, as this can become persistent if not weakened through training.

These dogs' ancestors are thought to have wandered around Russia for thousands and thousands of years being used by tribes in the north of Finland to hunt for food in the harsh climates! Of all the Spitz dogs, the Finnish Spitz came to be the favourite within these tribes, due to their excellent hunting skills and devoted ways. It was during the 19th century that people took their dogs with them out of the country. They were crossed with local breeds which led to the very near-collapse of the breed altogether but they were just about saved by a man named Hugo Roos, who recognised the possibilities of these guys as companions and working dogs! A breeding programme was set up and they have since increased in popularity within the local region. They are now the national dog of Finland but are not so well-known out of their native land. If you think you would like to share your life with one of these pups, you will have to put on a waiting list, but we can assure it will definitely be worth it!