How to Groom a Finnish Spitz

The American Kennel Club recognized the Finnish Spitz as a breed in 1987, and is a well known breed throughout Scandinavia. This dog is playful and friendly, and desires lots of attention from its owners. The Finnish Spitz is low maintenance, requiring a general grooming only once a month and a full grooming every 12 to 16 weeks. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Steel combs
• Scissors

1. Brush and comb you Finnish Spitz regularly to remove dead hair. Finnish Spitzes have a double coat and are seasonally heavy shedders. Use a slicker brush, steel comb or a pin brush alternately. For normal brushing, a pin or slicker brush should be sufficient.

2. Cut stray hairs around the feet using scissors. It's also alright to scissor the pads if necessary. Show dogs shouldn't have any coat trimming at all, except for the feet, as it's against regulations.

3. Bathe the dog 3 to 4 times per year. The Finnish Spitz is an Arctic dog, and has a self-cleaning coat. This breed has no usual canine odor.

Tips & Warnings

• These dogs generally weigh between 31 and 35 lb. and range from 15 to 20 inches in height.
• The Finnish Spitz is an incredibly healthy dog and has one of the lowest occurrences of hip dysplasia and PRA of any dog breed.
• This breed prefers to live in a cool climate.
• If they get enough exercise, this dog can do fine living in an apartment. They make excellent jogging buddies.
• Travelers brought the Finnish Spitz from Central Russia to Finland approximately two thousand years ago. People used them mainly as hunting dogs and they remain excellent bird hunters to this day.This dog is the national dog of Finland, and several patriotic anthems make mention of the Finnish Spitz.