1. FINNISH SPITZ CLUB OF AMERICA
Welcome
This seminar is Parent Club Approved
My name is Peggy Urton
I have been involved with Finnish Spitz for approximately 25 years.
I am not approved by AKC to judge the breed.
This presentation is a work in progress. It will be modified and updated periodically. The photographs and graphics are the best illustrations available at the time this presentation was compiled.
FSCA
BREED PRESENTATION

2. Finnish Spitz Club of America
FINLAND
Extends into
the
Artic Circle
Finland’s location near the arctic circle illustrates that this is a Nordic breed with a double coat. As we go through the standard you will see that the Finnish Spitz can survive these near-arctic conditions.

3. History in Finland Nearly extinct in 1880
Suomen-pystykorva (Finnish prick-eared dog). Also called Finsk Spets.
First champion: 1891
Declared national dog of Finland 3/3/79
First dog exported: to England in 1920
Two woodsman collected dogs from all over Finland in the 1880’s to perverse the versatile dog beloved by hunters. From that effort, the Finnish Spitz was developed into the breed we know today.
Red dogs became FS, spotted dogs became Norbottenspets.
Finns use two languages in their country – Finnish and Swedish. The first is the Finnish name for the breed and the second is the Swedish name for the breed.
Declared national dog of Finland on the 90th anniversary of the Finnish Kennel Club.
The British coined one of the nicknames of the breed – “Finkie,” which is also a popular nickname in the United States.

4. History in the USA First imported to the USA in 1959
First breeding pair imported in 1966
FSCA formed in 1975; first standard 1976
Entered miscellaneous class 11/1/83
Entered the Non-Sporting Group in AKC (the 130th breed) – 1/1/88
2008 – ranked 153 out of 157 breeds
2016 – ranked 183 out of 202 breeds
When the FSCA approached the AKC for admission into AKC they asked to be put in the Hound group, as the breed is in some other registries. In other registries it is in the Spitz or Nordic Group. However, since the principal prey was presented as a bird, AKC declined to put the Finnish Spitz in the Hound group where the prey is mammals. Although the Finnish Spitz primarily hunts birds, it does not hunt in the same manner as Sporting dogs, and was not appropriate to be in the Sporting Group. So the Finnish Spitz was placed in the Non-Sporting Group.
As prospective judges, you may find it difficult to find entries of Finnish Spitz. The Finnish Spitz is on the “Low Entry Breed List.”

5. Getting Ready for a Hunting Trial in Finland
To get a bench championship in Finland the Finnish Spitz must successfully compete in either grouse hunting trials or elk hunting trials. This video shows an example of a trial. The judge, the owner and the dog are given an area. They have approximately 4 hours to find and mark the birds. The Finnish Spitz must locate a bird three times. The Finnish Spitz must search, find, bark, follow, tree and bark for a minimum of 10 minutes. The Finnish Spitz locate birds both on the ground and in trees.
Barking is judged on the dog’s ability to mark the bird, the quality of the voice and the dog’s ability to keep the bird stationary.
The Finnish Spitz hunts by
1. Hearing (finds, hears escape and landing noises)
2. Sight (finds and follows)
3. Smell

6. Its Function - Hunting Dog
Primarily a bird dog.
Called the Barking
Bird Dog of
Finland.
Capercaillie and
other grouse.
Here is a picture of their primarily prey – the capercaillie. In Finland and the surrounding countries the dog is primarily a hunting dog. In the US, he is primarily a companion.
The capercaille is between inches and 8-15 pounds.
Compare that to the:
Ring tailed pheasant at 27 inches
Turkey at inches and
11-24 pounds
Finnish Spitz also hunt elk (title) and bear (test). Originally, they hunted squirrel, pine marten, otter, elk, bear, lynx and, of course, birds.

7. Bird Hunting One hunter – one dog
FS ranges approximately 2-3 football fields ahead of hunter looking for birds
Returns to hunter approximately
every 15 minutes until
locates bird
Flushes bird
Trees bird
Works independently but cooperatively with hunter.
The Finnish Spitz makes a sweeping arch well ahead of the hunter looking for bird. The hunter walks a steady pace while the dog scouts a wide range.
The terrain is rough, densely forested with a lot of underbrush and moss surface.
Oftentimes when the dog locates the bird, the bird flies away. The Finnish Spitz must follow the bird until it lands on a tree.
Dog ranges 4-7 km = 2 ½ - 4 ½ miles on average during a hunt.

8. Treed Bird Eye contact with bird Continuous bark Swaying tail
Lets hunter know location of bird
Keeps bird focused
Continuous bark
Directs hunter to bird
Keeps bird distracted
Hides hunter’s approach
Swaying tail
The forest is so dense that it can be difficult for the hunter to see the bird. The dog’s marking of the bird is important for the hunter to find the treed bird.
The dog does not make contact with the tree as this will cause the bird to flee.

9. Other Game - Mammals Small mammals Large mammals Pine Martins Raccoons
Squirrels
Large mammals
Moose (Elk)
Bear
Hunting season can be extended in Finland by hunting other game with the Finnish Spitz. Individual dogs may specialize in a particular game.
Here in the United States, the Finnish Spitz is primarily used to hunt squirrel, and reportedly wild turkeys.

10. GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Finnish Spitz’ most important characteristics are its square, well-balanced body that is symmetrical with no exaggerated features, its glorious red/gold coat, bold carriage and brisk movement.
Four Essentials-
Nordic
Square
Red-gold
Lively/Alert

11. GENDER DIFFERENCES Dog Bitch
Dogs are decidedly masculine without coarseness.
Bitch
In appearance the male is decidedly masculine, usually larger, but not necessarily taller, and carries more coat than the female. Never heavy or coarse. Female is noticeable feminine but not frail..
Bitches are decidedly feminine without over refinement.
Dog

12. SIZE, PROPORTION & SUBSTANCE
Size - Height at the withers:
Dogs - 17 ½ to 20 inches
Bitches - 15 ½ to 18 inches.
Proportion:
Square
Length from forechest to buttocks equal to height from withers to ground.
The coat may distort the square appearance.
Substance:
Substance and bone in proportion to the overall dog.
This is smaller and lighter than its cousin, the Norwegian Elkhound.

13. HEAD EXPRESSION EYES EARS CLEAN and FOX-LIKE Female and male head
Head clean cut and fox-like
You will lose the fox-like look if the head is overdone.
Sometimes the shading of the color on the head will look like a scowl. This is not a fault.
It is important to have clean lip lines.

14. EXPRESSION
Fox-like and lively.
Alert, lively, intelligent.

15. EYES Almond-shaped with black rims.
Obliquely set with moderate spacing between, neither too far apart nor too close.
Outer corners tilted upwards.
Dark in color with a keen and alert expression.
Faults: Any deviation, runny, weepy, round or light eyes.
Although this is a red dog, all the points should be black – not liver!
We want dark eyes.
Faults that are commonly seen are light eye, round, large eye, protruding eyes.

16. EARS Set on high. Alert upward standing
Open to the front with tips directly above the outer corner of the eyes.
Small, erect, sharply pointed and very mobile.
Faults: Ears set too high, too low or too close together, long or excessive hair inside the ears.
The ears are very mobile. They will indicate the mood of the dog. They will also be working to process sounds around them. Remember hearing is very important to the hunting ability of the dog.
Assess the ears two ways – 1) when examining the head – use your hands to feel the ear placement. 2) when the dog is animated.
Do not expect the dog to keep a pose! Do not penalize a FS for failure to “use” his ears.
The small ears are essential for its survival in near arctic weather.
Faults are – round tipped, hooded, too big

17. SKULL AND MUZZLE
Flat between ears with some rounding ahead of earset. Forehead a little arched.
Longer from occiput to tip of nose than broad at the widest part of skull in a ratio of 7:4.
Skull is a 4 x 4 square
Skull to muzzle – 4:3
Faults: A muscular or coarse head, or a long or narrow head with a snipy muzzle.
Our proportions can be a bit confusing. Sometimes we refer to our ratios as whole and then a part. Other times we refer to two parts.
The length of the head is 7 parts with 4 parts being the skull and 3 parts being the muzzle.
The length and width of the skull are each four parts.
The muzzle is a wedge from top and side.
The taper should be smooth. Neither cheeky nor flat.

18. STOP Pronounced Clearly marked but not exaggerated Should be a
harmonious part
of the head
“Pronounced stop” is defined in this standard as being a moderate stop. This is one of the most confusing terms in our standard since other breeds who want more stop than moderate or medium tend to use the word “pronounced.” Please note that our definition of “pronounced” is actually more moderate than with some other breeds.
Can see both incorrect variations of head from both extremes – excessively domed to “flat” head.

19. Nose, Lips and Bite Nose is black
Circumference of nose – 80% of the circumference of muzzle at origin
Lips – Black, thin and tight
Bite – scissors
The standard does not require full dentition
Faults: wry mouth
Again, it is important to note that black points are essential in this red dog. The nose and lip line must be black.
Lip should have good pigmentation and have no lippiness or flews.
Should have an underjaw.
We only require that you check the scissors bite. We ask you to let the handler show you the bite – especially in the classes.
Please do not check for full dentition. Generally Finnish Spitz do not like their mouth examined and if pressed, they may not stand for examination.

20. NECK Well set, muscular. Clean, with no excess skin below the muzzle.
Appearing shorter in males due to their heavier ruff.
The neck should blend smoothly into the shoulders.
Because of the ruff, it is necessary to feel for the proper structure.
It may appear short in the male due to the thick ruff.
Clean lines –no dewlap.

21. TOPLINE AND BODY Topline: Level and strong from withers to croup.
Body: Muscular and square.
This is a square dog.
Since the coat may distort the proportions, please feel the body under the coat to determine proportions.

22. CHEST, RIBS, AND LOIN SQUARE 4:9 Chest
Deep, brisket reaches to the elbow.
Ratio of chest to distance from withers to ground is 4:9.
Ribs
Well sprung.
Tuck-up
Slightly drawn up.
Loin
Short.
Chest: Deep, brisket reaches to the elbow. If you have an old standard, please check for an important typo. If it reads “below the elbow,” this is incorrect. The chest should not come below the elbow.
The forechest is developed but not prominent.
SQUARE
4:9

23. 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, pressing flat against either thigh with tip extending to middle part of thigh. There should not be a donut hole between the tail and the back.
When straightened, the tip of the tailbone reaches the hock joint.
Faults: Low or high tail-set, too curly a tail, or a short tail.
Tail may lay on either side.
The tail will also convey the mood of the dog. When alert the tail may move rapidly. If he is not animated, he may let the tail go slack. You will see this often in inexperienced dogs to the show ring.
This picture is also a good example of the acceptable black hairs on the tip of the tail.
Excessive tail furnishings may make the tail look longer. Please be aware that you may upset a sensitive or inexperienced dog if you pull the tail down to the hock. If in doubt on the tail length, please check it following the individual examination.
A “hole” is less objectionable than a tightly curled tail.

24. LEGS AND BONING
Legs
Viewed from the front, moderately spaced, parallel and straight with elbows close to the body and turned neither out nor in.
Boning
Bone strong without being heavy, always in proportion to the dog.
The Finnish Spitz should be moderate. Fine bone limits endurance and heavy bone limits the agility of the dog.
The Finnish Spitz may turn slightly east-west when bracing for bait. This is a characteristic stance when the dog trees. Please do not fault the dog for this when bracing for bait or displaying excitement. Please evaluate the turnout when he is moving rather than when being baited.

25. Feet
Rounded, compact with well-arched toes, tightly bunched or close-cupped with the two center toes being only slightly longer than the outside.
Pads deeply cushioned and covered with thick skin.
Please do not neglect the feet. These dogs will be on their feet for hours. The feet allow them to traverse uneven, slippery and cold footing. You can easily view the pads when the dog is moving away from you.

26. Pasterns, Hocks & Dewclaws
Pasterns slope slightly.
Front dewclaws may be removed.
Rear dewclaws are to be removed.
Hocks straight and parallel and moderately let down.
All puppies are born with front dewclaws. Puppies can also be born without rear dewclaws, with single rear dewclaws or even with double rear dewclaws.
Removal of rear dewclaws in mandatory.
Removal of front dewclaws is optional.
Lore says that puppies born with double rear dew claws make better hunters.
“let down” = closeness to ground

27. FORE AND HINDQUARTERS 30 O
The layback of the shoulders is thirty degrees to the vertical. Rear angulation in balance with the forequarters.
The breed has only a 30 degree lay back rather than the 45 as claimed in some other Nordic breeds.
Remember that this is not a sled dog but a sprinting hunter.

28. Working Gait Quick and light of foot Steps out briskly
Trots with lively grace
Tends to single-track as the speed increases.
Moves at a gallop when hunting. The angulation called for permits the Finnish Spitz to break into a working gait quickly.
Sound movement is essential for stamina and agility.
Finnish Spitz on the move
Note the two pups in full extension
Gait smooth but not overly extended tending to move toward a single tract at speed. Natural working gait is a gallop and dogs should not be penalized for breaking into it but should recover.
Remember this is a breed that will be in the woods in rough terrain all day. The hunter moves in a steady pace while the Finnish Spitz goes out ahead and comes back – all the time in motion looking for the bird while keeping an eye on the hunter.

29. Coat
Double coat 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.
The outer coat is stiffer and longer on the neck and back, and in males considerably more profuse at the shoulder, giving them a more ruffed appearance.
Males carry more coat than females.
No trimming of the coat except for feet is allowed.
Whiskers shall not be trimmed.
Any trimming of coat shall be severely faulted.
Faults: Silky, wavy, long or short coat.
This coat is essential to the dog’s ability to survive in near-arctic conditions.
This is a stand-off coat which will easily shed the cold and rain.
The FS (especially females) will lose undercoat during the shedding season.
Coat is similar to a Norwegian Elhound or a Siberian Husky.

30. Color
Varying shades of golden-red ranging from pale honey to deep auburn are allowed
No preference given to shades at either extreme so long as the color is bright and clear.
As the undercoat is a paler color, the effect of this shading is a coat which appears to glow.
White markings on the tips of the toes and a quarter-sized spot or narrow white strip, ideally no wider than ½ inch, on the forechest are permitted.
Black hairs along lipline and sparse, separate black hairs on tail and back permitted.
Faults: Muddy or unclear color, any white on the body except as specified.
Any red-gold color is acceptable with no shade being favored. Can range from a pale honey to a mahogany. The important things about the red-gold color are:
That the color is bright and clear – never dull. We do not want muddy or unclear color.
That the undercoat is lighter than the guard hairs. This gives the FS the distinctive “Glow.” You can easily see the contrast by moving the hair backwards on a spot.
You might also see lighter shades on the inner sides of the ears, on the checks, on the breast and abdomen, inside the legs, at the back of the thighs and under the tail.
Black hairs are should be gone by two. May see a few black hairs along the lip line. Tail hair is hard to strip so may always see some black in the tail feathering.
Should never be shades of yellow or brown – always red-gold.

31. More than desirable but….

32. Too much white
White is permitted in minimal proportions on the chest and toes
(no larger than a quarter or wider than a 1/2 inch). A blaze of white on the chest or white stockings are extremely undesirable.
Although it is a DQ in Finland, we have NO DQs in the US.
However, please remember that the red-gold color is a defining characteristic of the breed. You have other tools than a DQ if too much white.

33. Puppies Puppies may have a good many black hairs which decrease
with age, black on tail
persisting longer.
Puppies are born with a dark overlay and gradually lose this color for a clear red-gold starting at the head. In this picture you can see the clear color on the heads but the rest of the body still has the black overlay.

34. TEMPERAMENT
Active and friendly, lively and eager, faithful, brave but cautious. Shyness, any tendency toward unprovoked aggression is to be penalized.
Young pup
The majority of this breed is slow maturing both physically and mentally
This breed is initially cautious with strangers.
Very sensitive breed. Never treat him harsly.
Should never be aggressive.

35. Ring Presentation NATURAL STATE (no trimming) ON GROUND Ramp Optional
LOOSE LEAD
BUSY BREED
No trimming (except to neaten the feet) is allowed on this breed.
This breed is shown on the ground. Do NOT table this breed in the ring. Consult an AKC Rep for advice if there is any extraordinary circumstances.
Should be shown on a loose lead at a moderate trot. Do not penalize for breaking into a gallop as this is his normal gait. The handler will bring it back to a trot. He should not race around the ring.
Handler will normally get the best expression out of the dog. Do not expect to keep a pose or attentive expression on the class dogs and bitches. This is a busy breed.

36. Ring Presentation Continued
NOISE SENSITIVE
HANDLER TO SHOW BITE
BARKING
TALKATIVE
They are noise sensitive due to their keen sense of hearing. The untrained dog can be upset by a noisy building.
Friendly but reserved, paying more attention to the handler than the judge. This is not a breed which is easily handled by a stranger. For that reason, we ask that you ask the handler to show the bite.
They can bark but should not be out of control. You cannot excuse them or penalize them for barking. Although it is a barking breed, barking is not required in the conformation ring. There is no need to ask the handler to make them bark in the ring. Many handlers work hard to discourage barking in the ring out of courtesy for others.
Besides barking, they can make a wide range of noises to express their opinions.

37. Faults
Any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be considered a fault and penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Finnish Spitz as in any other breed, even though such faults may not be specifically mentioned in the standard.
As with all breeds, anything which would prevent the dog from accomplishing their original purpose should be faulted appropriately.
Remember that this is a hunting breed that must tolerate severe weather and rough terrain.
There are no breed disqualifications. However, you can withhold ribbons or excuse of lack of merit.

38. Our First Four Best in Show Winners
AKC BREED EXAMPLES
Our First Four Best in Show Winners

39. QUESTIONS ?
Review and Questions

40. I have included a feedback form in your package
I have included a feedback form in your package. We would appreciate hearing for you so that we can continue to develop a program that will assist you in learning our beloved breed.

41. FINNISH SPITZ CLUB OF AMERICA Thank you for attending!