Norrbottenspets

Originating in Sweden’s Norrbotten and Finnish Lapland, the Norrbottenspets worked as a versatile hunting farm dog—flushing and “bark-pointing” capercaillie, grouse, and small game, and alerting to intruders around the homestead. The breed nearly vanished mid-20th century, then was revived by Scandinavian fanciers and is now recognized by FCI and Scandinavian kennel clubs. Still rare in North America (often in AKC FSS/UKC), the Norrbottenspets remains a hardy, people-oriented partner with a huge zest for life.

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A small, square, quick-moving spitz with upright ears and a curled tail.

• Weight: 20–33 lb (9–15 kg)
• Height: 16–18 in (41–46 cm) males; 15–17 in (38–43 cm) females
• Coat Type: Dense double coat—harsh, straight outer coat; soft, insulating undercoat
• Coat Colors: White base with distinct patches or ticking of red/yellow/tan (small dark markings may occur)
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Wedge head, prick ears, almond eyes, tight curl tail over back, catlike feet, animated “bark-point” stance

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Low trimming, steady upkeep—expect seasonal coat blows.

• Brushing: 1–2×/week; daily during spring/fall shedding (line-brush to the skin)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; fully dry undercoat
• De-shedding Focus: Ruff/neck, breeches, tail, behind ears
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Shaving Note: Do not shave the double coat; it impairs insulation and weather protection
• Shedding: Moderate year-round; heavy seasonally

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A bright, high-energy hunter that needs daily outlets for body and brain.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes (split walks + off-leash sprints in secure areas)
• Great Activities: Hiking, canicross, agility, rally, nose work, long-line “sniffari” walks
• Suitability: Apartments possible with robust daily exercise and enrichment; secure fencing recommended (prey drive)

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Quick, eager, and vocal—keep sessions upbeat, varied, and scent-savvy.

• Method: Positive reinforcement; short, game-based sessions with toy/food rewards
• Focus Areas: Reliable recall around wildlife, “quiet” on cue (bark-pointer!), loose-leash walking, calm door manners
• Socialization: Early exposure to people/dogs/surfaces/sounds to channel alertness into confidence
• Mind Work: Nose games, trick chains, pattern games; build a strong “settle/place” for an off-switch

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Fuel the athlete but keep a lean silhouette for joint health.

• Food Type: High-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet for active small/medium breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~1.5–2.5 cups/day, split into two meals (adjust to age/workload)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; count training treats toward daily calories; maintain BCS 4–5/9

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Rare in Canada—plan ahead and verify health/testing.

• Breeders: Seek preservation breeders (Scandinavia/North America) who provide hip/patella/eye results and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Nordic/spitz and rare-breed rescues; breed clubs sometimes rehome adults
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club directory (limited listings), Scandinavian breed clubs, and local agility/nose-work groups in ON/BC/QC for training community and referrals

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A generally robust Nordic breed; routine screening still matters.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia (low incidence), patellar luxation, occasional eye disorders (PRA/cataracts), allergies/ear debris from outdoor life
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years (many live longer with good care)
• Recommended Testing: Hips, patellas, ophthalmologist exams (CAER); breeder transparency on eye/orthopedic history

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Are Norrbottenspets good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, enrichment, and bark management.

Do Norrbottenspets shed?
Yes—moderate year-round and heavy seasonally. Brush frequently during coat blows.

Are Norrbottenspets hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Norrbottenspets need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily with off-leash sprints (in secure areas) and brain work.

Do they bark a lot?
They can—bark-pointing is part of the breed. Teach a reliable “quiet” cue and manage triggers.

Norrbottenspets vs Finnish Spitz—what’s different?
Norrbottenspets are smaller and typically white with red/yellow patches; Finnish Spitz are larger and solid golden-red.

Are they good with kids and other pets?
Affectionate family dogs with early socialization; supervise around small pets due to prey drive.

Can Norrbottenspets be off-leash?
Only in safe, enclosed areas or with a rock-solid recall; prey drive is strong.

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