| The Finnish Spitz is known in its native land as
Suomenpystykorva, which means "cock-eared dog."
It is the national dog of Finland, and is mentioned
in a number of heroic Finnish national songs. It was
once used by Lapp hunters to track elk and polar
bears, but is now popular throughout Scandinavia
for hunting grouse and other game birds. Related to
the Russian Laika, the breed originated in the eastern
area of Finland. It was introduced to and pioneered
in Britain in the 1,920s by the late Lady Kitty Ritson,
who is responsible for the breed's nickname of Finkie.
While still a favorite with hunters in Scandinavia,
the Finnish Spitz is kept almost entirely as a
companion and show dog elsewhere. It is appreciated
as a faithful and home-loving pet that is good with
children and adept at guarding. It requires plenty of
exercise and daily brushing.
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