Norrbottenspets Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: Norrbottenspets

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Foundation Stock Service® Breed
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 20-30 pounds Color: white, with yellowish red or reddish brown markings

The Norrbottenspets is a breed of dog of the spitz type. The Norrbottenspets (Nordic Spitz) is known as the "foxy" little dog. The Norrbottenspets originated in Sweden in 1600s. It was believed that the ancestor of this breed is the dingo. They are extremely rare in North America and are even in short supply in their country of origin. They were thought to be extinct in the late 1940's, but rediscovered in the 60's in their native country, making a slow, but steady comeback. It is an ancient breed whose original purpose was a farm and hunting dog but has recently became more popular as a companion dog. Used mainly for hunting in its original homeland, the Norrbottenspets is used to hunt grouse, but is also effective with small fur-bearing animals all the way up to moose and grizzly bear. When hunting the dogs use sight, scent, and sound unlike most hounds which tend to specialize as sight or scent hunters. The Norrbottenspets is released into a wooded area where it uses all its senses to find game. Once found the dog will flush the game and begin the chase. The dog will chase the game until it is cornered, treed, or stops. The dog then attempts to hold the game in that location by barking and continuous movement. This barking can be up to 120 barks per minute. The Norrbottenspets has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since November 2007.

General Appearance
The Norrbottenspets should be a light spitz dog, yet powerful in appearance. They are a medium size dog weighing between 20-30 lbs. There should be lightness and power reflected in the dog. Males are noticeably more masculine than females, who are smaller and of lighter build. It should give the impression of being alert, spritely, and intelligent. In proportions the Norrbottenspets is slightly taller than long - fit for the original use as a hunter. The tail should curl over the back and rest on the hips. The Norrbottenspets is a physical mixture of endurance, speed, and strength. The ribcage has elements of both speed and strength. Viewed from the front the ribcage is oval and relatively deep, half from height. The ribcage is also relatively long with well developed last ribs. The arched neck, distinguishable withers and slightly slanting croup makes the lines of the body very speedy. The underline has only a slight tuck up, which with the long ribcage reflects endurance. The coat is hard, straight, dense, and lies close to the body. It must always have a double coat (although after a coat loss, the undercoat can be rather sparse), and the under-coat is softer than the outer-coat. The ground color is white, with yellowish red or reddish brown markings.

Temperament
This small dog has a big personality. They are highly intelligent and would always know whom to trust and to bestow their affection. A Norrbottenspets is an affectionate and loving dog that would form and display unwavering loyalty to the owner. The dog can be likened to a shadow as it would follow the master where ever he goes. These dogs are vivacious and playful. They make excellent family companions as they are very gentle with children. A Nordic Spitz is one of the ten breeds of dogs noted for their gentleness with children. The dog can be depended to guard the children. This breed is never known to hurt a child. The dog would simply retreat when teased or harassed by an obnoxious child. However the dog may never play again with the child. Because of the dog' herding background it gets along well with other dogs and other smaller pets. They are non-aggressive. These are hunting dogs and bravery is inherent. These dogs like to bark too. They would warn the owner of approaching strangers. However the dog would not make an excellent guard dog as it is friendly with everyone. Excessive barking can be corrected with obedience training. The dog's intelligence coupled with their desire to please the master makes training the dog easy.

Grooming
The Norrbottenspets has a shorter coat then most of the Northern Breeds and no doggy odor. The coat needs to be regularly brushed to maintain its good condition. Being short coated hair trimming is not necessary. The teeth should be regularly brushed, the nails regularly trimmed. Ears must be inspected on a regular basis to prevent infection.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The Nordic Spitz is a healthy breed and seldom suffers from health problems. They are very healthy and live well into their teen years.

Activity Level
Being working and hunting dogs, a Norrbottenspets is highly energetic. The dog would appreciate being given a task to do. They would also need more exercise. This is why the dog is more suitable for sports minded people who love the outdoors. The dog will be an excellent companion in hiking, jogging, camping and other outdoor activities. Apartment living may not be a very good idea given that the dog would need ample space where they will be given the opportunity to roam, to exercise and to burn their excess energies.

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