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Dog Breed

Norrbottenspets

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Norrbottenspets

Origin: Sweden (Norrbotten region)

Breed Group: Non-Sporting (AKC Foundation Stock Service) / Spitz-type

Physical Characteristics

Size: Small to Medium

Height: Male: 17–18 inches (43–46 cm), Female: 16–17 inches (40–43 cm)

Weight: Male: 20–30 lbs (9–14 kg), Female: 18–28 lbs (8–13 kg)

Coat Type: Short to medium-length double coat; harsh outer coat and dense undercoat

Coat Colors: White with yellow, red, or tan patches

Grooming Needs: Low (occasional brushing)

Shedding: Moderate (seasonal)

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Energetic, alert, independent, courageous, loyal

Intelligence Level: High

Energy Level: High

Health Information

Lifespan: 12–15 years

Common Health Issues: Generally healthy; some lines may be prone to hip dysplasia or eye conditions

Care

Nutrition Needs: High-quality diet for small, active breeds

Exercise Needs: High – thrives on daily exercise, outdoor time, and mental challenges

Space Requirements: Needs a yard or regular access to open space; not ideal for sedentary homes

Noise Sensitivity: High (very vocal and alert)

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: High

Socialization Tips: Intelligent but independent—requires patient, consistent training with positive reinforcement

Good with Children: Yes, generally friendly

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, generally friendly

Good with Other Pets: No, strong prey drive can be an issue with small animals

Training: Intelligent but independent—requires patient, consistent training with positive reinforcement

Description

The Norrbottenspets is a rare and hardy Swedish spitz-type breed, prized for its role in hunting birds and small game with remarkable agility, precision, and independence. Known for their keen alertness, fox-like face, and lively spirit, these dogs are adaptable companions that do best in active homes where they can run, explore, and use their brains.

Their short, double-layer coat is built for Nordic climates and sheds seasonally, requiring regular brushing during shedding periods. They're intelligent and eager, but their independent hunting nature means training must be consistent and engaging with plenty of rewards.

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History

Origin: The Norrbottenspets, also known as the Norrbottenspitz, Nordic Spitz, or Pohjanpystykorva, originated in the Norrbotten region of northern Sweden and neighboring areas of Finland. This ancient spitz-type breed was developed by the indigenous peoples of northern Scandinavia, who relied on these dogs for hunting and as farm companions. The breed’s ancestry likely includes both arctic and German spitz bloodlines, and it shares close ties with other Nordic breeds such as the Finnish Spitz and the Russian Karelo-Finnish Laika. Historical records and artwork suggest that similar dogs existed in the region as early as the 17th century.
Development: Norrbottenspets were traditionally valued for their versatility and resilience, used to hunt a wide range of game including birds, squirrels, foxes, martens, and even larger animals like elk and, occasionally, bear. They were particularly prized for their unique hunting method: using sight, scent, and sound to locate prey, then cornering it and barking to alert the hunter—rather than killing the animal themselves. The dogs adapted through natural selection to survive the harsh climate and terrain of the Scandinavian wilderness. With the decline of fur hunting and the shift to more urban lifestyles in the 20th century, the breed’s numbers dwindled, and by 1948, the Swedish Kennel Club declared the Norrbottenspets extinct. However, enthusiasts discovered surviving populations in remote villages, leading to a successful revival effort in the 1950s and 1960s.
Recognition: The breed was re-accepted for registration by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1967, and a new breed standard was established. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) confirmed the breed standard in 1966, and Finland began registering Norrbottenspets in 1973 under the name Pohjanpystykorva. The breed is also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC), though it remains rare outside Scandinavia.
Today, the Norrbottenspets is cherished in Sweden and Finland as both a hunting companion and a family pet, with a global population in the low thousands—most of which reside in Scandinavia. The breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and strong prey drive, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation. Norrbottenspets are friendly and bond closely with their families but may be wary of small pets due to their hunting instincts. They are vocal, alert, and excel in hunting, dog sports, and as active companions. While still rare outside their homeland, the Norrbottenspets is increasingly valued for its heritage and versatility.

Ideal Owner

Active individuals or families who enjoy the outdoors and can handle a vocal, energetic breed

Similar Breeds

Finnish Spitz, Norwegian Buhund, Shiba Inu, Basenji