Norrbottenspets
Nordic Spitz, Norrbottenspitz, Pohjanpystykorva
The Norrbottenspets was used as a general hunting and farm dog. They are capable of hunting a large variety of small prey such as bird, fox, marten, as well as large animals such as elk (moose) and bear. Today it is much more common to find them in the role of a companion, although some are still used for hunting birds.
Norrbottenspets Standards
- AKC (FSS)
- FCI (Group 5)
- UKC (Northern)
- 16-19"
- 26-33 lbs
- small spitz
- prick, triangular ears
- tail curls over back
- coat is hard, straight, and dense
- white with red/yellow markings
History of the Norrbottenspets
The Norrbottenspets was developed in Sweden, but were also common throughout Finland. They have existed for hundreds of years, but fell out of favor in the early 20th century as foreign breeds became fashionable. Facing extinction the Swedish Kennel Club removed them from their registry in 1948, but shortly after local breeders began to take pride in the native breed. The began protecting their remaining numbers and started new breeding programs, causing the Norrbottenspets to be reinstated in 1967.