The Finnish Spitz is most commonly known for their barking and hunting abilities, but does the breed of dog hide a specific talent for swimming?
The native, national dog breed of Finland is a cuddly companion for more than just the hunter in the woods, but also for cozy families at home. This breed of dogs is considered ‘well-rounded’ in many areas, including its talkativeness.
If you ever wanted a furry, four-legged companion who will hold a conversation with you while on a jog, you’ve found the right breed for you.
The Finnish Spitz is a VERY energetic breed, so active exercise anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes a day, at least.
This breed of dog is also territorial and protective. The Finnish Spitz has loyalty to their family and has more than enough patience when it comes to small children and other pets.
They are very dedicated to you and require attention from you very often!
Can A Finnish Spitz Swim?
Most, if not all, breeds of dog have a level of swim capability that varies depending on the size, breed, and natural gift. The Finnish Spitz is not a breed build for swimming, but they can actively swim on occasion because they love water! Splish, splash!
How Do You Know They Swim?
There is a misconception that all dogs automatically know how to swim, but that isn’t the case. Certain breeds of dogs are born with a build more natural for swimming than other dogs.
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, fairly weighted dog that is known for being active and energetic.
While the breed doesn’t contain paws that are slightly webbed together, nor is the breed small enough to doggy-paddle like a mini motorboat, the Finnish Spitz is designed for movement and for staying active regularly.
They do contain a hidden love for all things water, so there is a strong chance they will jump into the water before you have time to even consult this article!There is a misconception that all dogs automatically know how to swim, but that isn’t the case. Certain breeds of dogs are born with a build more natural for swimming than other dogs.
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, reasonably weighted dog that is known for being active and energetic.
While the breed doesn’t contain paws that are slightly webbed together, nor is the breed small enough to doggy-paddle like a mini motorboat, the Finnish Spitz is designed for movement and for staying active regularly.
They do contain a hidden love for all things water, so there is a strong chance they will jump into the water before you have time to even consult this article!
What About the Finnish Spitz Makes Them Active?
Naturally, they are dogs born to hunt and to bark. Believe me; they do bark! This breed of dogs is native to colder environments compared to warmer, which has enhanced their ability to move around terrain more fluidly than some other breeds.
Aside from their history, the Finnish Spitz likes to be outside, to run, to roam, and to be constantly in motion.
With the breed’s ability to adapt to the terrain around them, they adapt to water well, yet secondary to land movement.
Is There Anything That Could Hinder Their Swimming Ability?
As I said before, they are not naturally built for swimming alone. However, they still can swim as fluid as most dogs. The key things to look out for when it comes to a limit on their ability to perform in the water are:
- Coat/ Fur. They have a dense coat of fur that can make grooming more difficult without swimming being a factor. Check up on how to properly manage your pet’s grooming, so you know what to expect after the first swimming lesson.
- Temperature. A Finnish Spitz is built for cooler weather and climate. Cool water should be a breeze for them to swim through, but double-check to make sure your pet doesn’t overheat on a hot sunny day.
- Health. This breed usually has excellent health, so problems don’t always arise. However, orthopedic problems can hinder movement in your pet. If you suspect any issues with mobility or joint flexibility, especially in this breed, please contact your local veterinarian regarding the swimming and most active exercises.
- Weight. The Finnish Spitz is more of a medium built breed of dog, so keeping a weight balance will help drastically. Too much weight might hinder the swimming ability of your pet’s legs and joints. At the same time, too little weight might cause buoyancy problems as well as the muscles being too weak to swim lengthy stretches of water.
Is Swimming Good for the Finnish Spitz?
Yes. Active exercise of all kids will help burn up all that stored energy inside your pet. Long walks, hikes, and even swimming will help release some of the hyper-energy attached to this breed.
In fact, bring the whole family along for a nice swim. Guarantee your Finnish Spitz will have a great time playing, swimming, and even barking along.
What Environment is Best for my Finnish Spitz to Swim?
The Finnish Spitz is adaptive to colder climates. As the native dog of Finland, this breed is recognized for its superb hunting in cold weather and terrain. Their thick coat is designed to keep their body warm in the winter, which is why when the weather is warm, you need to keep an eye out on them.
The Finnish Spitz is a dog built to hunt animals, specifically birds. Still, this dog has adapted to different temperatures and environments over time. Based on this, the ideal setting for your Finnish Spitz to swim in is generally a cooler, more chill temperature.
If it is a hot day, make sure they stay hydrated and watch their paws so that they do not burn themselves on the hot ground. If possible, find a way to shade the area of water they will be swimming in to ensure a cooler temperature for them.
They will jump in anything water, such as puddles. However, they have a natural love for creeks and small streams of water.
On a beautiful day, your pet will enjoy themselves splashing about in the water!
Which is Better: Pools, Lakes, Streams, or Ponds?
The body of water in which you and your pet decide to take a swimming adventure in depends on how well you believe your pet will do. If your Finnish Spitz has a hard time moving around, then swimming in anything larger than a pool might be too dangerous.
However, given the good nature of health this breed of dog has, there is a good chance you can take your companion to any kind of water for a nice swim.
Lakes and streams are probably preferred if hiking and running through the woods are on your agenda.
Can I Train my Finnish Spitz to Swim?
Absolutely! In fact, training your furry pet to swim or to learn any tricks requires only two essential things: patience and food. The Finnish Spitz is a very intelligent dog who has the capacity to learn a ton of knowledge. They are willing and eager to learn.
However, they do not have much patience and tend to get bored with techniques quickly. So when training them, use treats often for positive outcomes.
The more rewards-based training, the better. Finnish Spitz has a healthy appetite and is energized enough to keep at certain behaviors for more rewards.
I have written an article with a lot of training tips.
So, How Do I Get My Dog Used to the Water?
Slowly. If your dog has no experience with water before you get them, then a slow build-up to swimming would be best.
Some dogs are just natural swimmers at heart; they enjoy water from the moment their paws hit the water and take to it like a guppy.
Even getting in the water with your pet helps show them how to swim and provide a safety net for them to get started, especially if the water is getting deeper.
Many places provide pet pools and swimming groups for dogs as well if you prefer an option where you don’t have to go in the water.
No matter the choice, be there to supervise them because they trust you.
Also, never underestimate a dog floatation device as an option to help get your pet used to swimming in broader and open areas. Safety is the key when training a pet for anything.
However, if your pet still shows a lot of hesitance or dislike of the water, do not force them to get used to it.
Remember: the Finnish Spitz is built for cooler weather, so having them swim in heat or in hot water may not be the best idea, especially during the training period.
Can Socialization Help my Finnish Spitz with Swimming?
Yes. As I said before, numerous places have dog groups for training and for just swimming. Beginner classes are beneficial for your pet no matter what age.
This breed of dogs loves to learn and be stimulated.
However, if a beginner class isn’t in your budget, then forming a small pet circle with friends who also have dogs can be very helpful.
You can make plans to take your pets out for a swim on a nice afternoon together whilst at the same time helping your companion gain familiar friendships with other pets.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
Just be prepared for the active, energetic pet you have.
Aside from the demand for attention, the devotion to protection, and the need for conversation, the Finnish Spitz is a unique all-around breed of canine.
Double-check with your local vet about their health if you are concerned about any issues contributing to your furry friend’s athletic abilities.
If this is their first introduction to water, take it slowly as you can before they become too excited. Safety is always first.
At the end of the day, you have a best friend who will love you, protect you, speak to you, and enjoy nature with you all wrapped up in a ball of fluff and joy!
Do you want to read more on the Finnish Spitz? I have written a large article about them. You can find it here.
