Juliette Cunliffe - Finnish Spitz: Specia Rare-Breed Edtion

Physical Characteristics of the Finnish Spitz

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Skull: Flat between ears with some minimal rounding ahead of earset. Forehead a little arched. Skull to muzzle ratio 4:3.

Head: Clean cut and fox-like. Longer from occiput to tip of nose than broad at widest part of skull in a ratio of 7:4.

Ears: Small erect, sharply pointed and very mobile.

Eyes: Almond-shaped with black rims. Dark in color with a keen and alert expression.

Nose: Black.

Neck: Well set, muscular. Clean, with no excess skin below the muzzle.

Muzzle: Narrow as seen from the front, above and from the side; of equal width and depth where it insets to the skull, tapering somewhat, equally from all angles.

Chest: Deep, reaches to below the elbow. RibsWell sprung.

Color: Varying shades of golden-red ranging from pale honey to deep auburn are allowed, with no preference given to shades at either extreme so long as the color is bright and clear.

Forequarters:ShouldersThe layback of the shoulders is 30 degrees to the vertical. LegsViewed from the front, moderately spaced, parallel and straight with elbows close to the body and turned neither out nor in. PasternsViewed from the side, slope slightly.

Body: Muscular, square.

Tail: Set on just below level of topline, forming a single curl falling over the loin with tip pointing towards the thigh. Plumed, curving vigorously from its base in an arch forward, downward, and backward.

Hindquarters: Angulation in balance with the forequarters. ThighsMuscular. HocksModerately let down. Straight and parallel.

Coat: The coat is double with a short, soft, dense undercoat and long, harsh straight guard hairs measuring approximately one to two inches on the body. Hair on the head and legs is short and close; it is longest and most dense on plume of tail and back of thighs.

Size: Height at the withers in dogs, 17 to 20 inches; in bitches, 15 to 18 inches.

Feet: Rounded, compact foot with well-arched toes, tightly bunched or close-cupped, the two center toes being only slightly longer than those on the outside.

Contents

Meet the national dog of Finland, an all-around hunters helper best known for its skills with small game and birds. Learn how the Barking Bird Dog was saved from near-extinction by two staunch fanciers named Hugo, follow its establishment and successes in its native land and learn about its unique hunting style.

The foxy Finnish Spitz has the character of a dog ten times his compact size. Lively, playful and ever-loyal, the Finkie makes a great family dog for owners who can challenge his sharp mind and appreciate his vocalizations. Learn the ups and downs of owning the breed, plus discuss its physical characteristics and breed-specific health concerns.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Finnish Spitz by studying the description of the breed as set forth in the American Kennel Clubs breed standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Finnish Spitz care for all stages of development.

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Finnish Spitz from the basics of housebreaking and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Discover how to select a qualified vet and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccinations, skin problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and common medical and behavioral conditions.

Consider the care of your senior Finnish Spitz, including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a special-care program with your vet and become comfortable with making the final decisions and arrangements for your senior Finnish Spitz.

Learn to recognize and handle behavioral problems that may arise with your Finnish Spitz. Topics discussed include separation anxiety, aggression, barking, chewing, digging, begging, jumping up, etc.

Enter the world of showing dogs. Learn about the American Kennel Club, the different types of shows and the making of a champion. Go beyond the conformation ring to find out about other types of canine competition.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS F INNISH S PITZ

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-361-7

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-053-1

Copyright 2003 Kennel Club Books A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA
Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Photographs by Carol Ann Johnson, with additional photos by:

Norvia Behling, T.J. Calhoun, Juliette Cunliffe, Doskocil, Isabelle Francais, RBP, Bill Jonas, Mikki Pet Products and Alice van Kempen.

The publisher would like to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including Debbie Coe and Jo Mansfield.

Illustrations by Patricia Peters.