The Finnish Spitz is one of the oldest breed of dogs and have been through centuries of struggle for their survival.
In the following sections, we've traced the years in which the Finnish Spitz were bred initially and listed the various individuals who were the saviors of the breed, ensuring that the Finnish Spitz breed further prospered and grew in numbers.
The Initial Supporters
It was in 1880 that the breed first faced the risk of dilution of the original breed. Fortunately, before irreversible damage could be done, two Finnish foresters came to the rescue and attempted to save the breed.
These two supporters, including Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos made a series of attempts, which included steps like writing articles for magazines like the Sporten along with being actively involved in breeding of the Finnish Spitz.
The Promoters and Saviors
Following the above detailed stage, there were a number of other enthusiastic supporters, which came to the rescue of the Finnish Spitz breed and actually helped the breed gain official status.
To begin with, Lady Kitty Ritson of the Tulchan affix saw the breed in its homeland for the first time and developed an immediate attraction. She has to her credit spearheading the formation of the Finnish Spitz Club, which was first registered with the Kennel Club in 1934.
Along with Lady Kitty Ritson of the Tulchan affix, there were several others who supported this step. These included Mrs. De la Poer Beresford, Lionel Taylor, Mrs. And Mr. Pink and Mrs. Moulton. This group of promoters were also extensively involved in importing a significant number of dogs as a part of their efforts.
Interestingly, Lionel Taylor, who was the father of Mrs. June Minns, continued to be involved in judging the breed since the earlier days.
The Lean Phase
The dogs that were imported during the first few years played an important role in establishing the breed. Unfortunately, the Second World War proved disastrous and the quality of dogs shown in 1946 and 1947 deteriorated considerably. Following this, an improvement was witnessed with the importation of Mountjay Peter, which was later owned by Dorothy Rose of the Wilding affix.
In addition, the import of a series of other dogs also helped the scenario. These included the imports of Kiho Seivi by William Blackden (Mountjay) and the Swedish Friedstahills Saila by Miss Matthhews (Timberland). Efforts made by each of these individuals involved in the breed set a firm base for the further development of the breed.
Finally, in 1959, this drive was followed up by the efforts of Tophunter Tommi and Tophunter Turre, which were imported by Shirley Simons, born in quarantine and later owned by Mrs. Price. Others who played a role in the development of the breed included Mrs. Price who imported Kiho Tipsa and Mrs. A Westcott, who bred Una of Snowland.
Ch irheilu Penan Pipsa of Toveri, the imported bitch of the breed, has been the most well known member of the Finnish Spitz in the last few years and is now widely accepted as the top brood bitch in the breed.
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