Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz, northern breed of dog native to Finland that descended from the sled dogs of Saamiland and Iceland. A forebear of the Pomeranian, the Finnish spitz has had a written breed standard in Finland since 1812.

The Finnish spitz stands about 46 cm (18 in) high at the shoulders and weighs up to 14 kg (up to 30 lb). The head with a pointed snout and small, upright ears is small for its body size. Its rich, fluffy coat, which is colored chestnut red to red-gold, has a soft inner layer. The feathery tail of the Finnish spitz curls upward or sideways.

The Finnish spitz was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1987.

"Finnish Spitz," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2006
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