How Much Does a Finnish Spitz Cost?

Last Updated on February 22, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The beautiful and energetic Finnish Spitz makes a wonderful family pet for active households. However, prospective owners should understand the breed’s needs and associated costs before bringing one home. This guide will outline expected Finnish Spitz prices and ownership costs.

The Finnish Spitz cost depends on your chosen acquisition method. Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder often ranges from $700 to $1500. Adopting an adult dog from a rescue or shelter typically costs $200 to $500.

Either way, new pet owners should budget for initial veterinary exams, vaccinations, supplies, and training, increasing first-year costs to $1,500 to $2,500+.

Over a Finnish Spitz’s 12-15 year lifespan, owners spend $1000 to $2500 annually on routine veterinary care, premium food, grooming, pet insurance, accessories, and other recurring expenses. Breed-specific health issues, desired breeder reputation, and your geographic location also impact long-term costs. With proper financial planning, a Finnish Spitz can be a rewarding albeit considerable investment.

How Much Does a Finnish Spitz Cost?

For many owners, the initial Finnish Spitz price proves the most significant upfront cost. However, first-year expenditures like medical care, training, and supplies quickly add up.

Finnish Spitz Purchase Price

Reputable Finnish Spitz breeders typically charge $700 to $1200 for companion pet-quality puppies. Show or breeding prospects cost $1200 to $1500+. Location, pedigree, and kennel reputation heavily influence price.

Adoption Fees

Adopting a Finnish Spitz from a shelter or rescue often costs $200 to $500, including medical care and spay/neuter surgery. While less expensive initially, adopting an adult dog skips costly puppy stages but may incur training and behavioral expenses.

Veterinary Expenses

From 8-12 weeks old, Finnish Spitz puppies require veterinary exams, deworming, and a series of vaccinations costing $300 to $500 for the first year. Initial spay/neuter surgery costs $200 to $500.

Supplies for First-Time Owners

Prepare for your Finnish Spitz puppy with essentials like food bowls, leashes, collars, beds, and crates budgeting $500 to $1,000. High-quality Finnish Spitz puppy food costs $50 to $100 monthly.

You might also like our articles about the cost of other breeds of dogs, like the Border Collie, the Basenji, or the Akita.

Training and Socialization

Investing in professional obedience training and socialization, budget $500 to $1,000 for group or private puppy classes. Well-trained dogs are better behaved and easier to handle.

DogBreedsList.info notes that the price to buy a Finnish Spitz puppy from a reputable breeder is $1,000 to $2,000. If obtaining a Finnish Spitz puppy from a rescue organization, the cost is around $200.

Recurring Finnish Spitz Ownership Costs

While first-year costs are considerable, pet owners should also budget for significant long-term Finnish Spitz expenses including:

Medical and Veterinary

Annual veterinary exams, vaccines, preventatives, and medical treatment for illness or injury cost $400 to $800 yearly. Emergency medical expenses like IV fluids or surgery may cost thousands.

Grooming and Hygiene

With a double coat requiring weekly brushing and occasional bathing, budget $400 to $600 annually for grooming tools, shampoos, nail trims, and professional grooming sessions.

Food and Treats

Quality dry kibble and canned Finnish Spitz food providing complete canine nutrition costs $500 to $1000 per year. Factor in dental chews, training treats, and supplements too.

Pet Insurance

Pet health insurance for a Finnish Spitz averages $500 to $700 annually, helping cover medical expenses. Policies vary, so scrutinize coverage, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and exclusions closely.

Accessories and Miscellaneous

Ongoing Finnish Spitz costs include toys, bed replacement, leashes, collars, travel carriers, boarding or dog walkers, plus registration fees and license renewals, adding $500 or more yearly.

Factors Affecting Finnish Spitz Ownership Costs

Several key factors influence the overall expense of buying and raising a Finnish Spitz:

Purchase from Reputable Breeders

Avoid backyard breeders or puppy mills. Stick with reputable breeders adhering to high standards through service and breed organizations, although initial purchase prices are higher.

Pedigree and Show Potential

Exceptionally pedigreed dogs cost more upfront. However, a show-quality Finnish Spitz needs extensive training and handling to reach its potential, increasing expenses.

Medical Factors

Finnish Spitz health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas, and eye conditions may require lifetime treatment, extensive medication, physical therapy, or surgery, raising costs.

Your Geographic Location

Finnish Spitz prices fluctuate based on where you live and the associated costs of living. Urban areas are generally more expensive regarding goods, services, and veterinary care.

Tips for Saving Money on a Finnish Spitz

With smart planning, you can reduce certain Finnish Spitz costs:

• Adopt don’t shop – Shelters charge less than breeders and often cover initial medical costs.
• Pet insurance – Plans help budget for surprise vet bills, accidents, and illness.
• Preventative care – Routine care prevents costly health issues down the road.
• Groom at home – DIY grooming saves hundreds, without professional grooming services.
• Buy supplies in bulk – Take advantage of volume discounts on food, medications, toys.
• Create a pet budget – Having a budget helps track and reduce frivolous spending.

Other Financial Considerations

• Breeding costs – Reproductive and neonatal veterinary fees, stud fees, and genetic testing for breeding quality dogs.
• Boarding and pet sitting – Approximately $25 to $45 daily for someone to watch your dog if traveling.
• End-of-life care – Euthanasia services, cremation fees, etc.

Final Words

From purchase to senior years, Finnish Spitz ownership requires a serious financial commitment. But for the right owner willing to meet the breed’s substantial exercise, training, socialization, and healthcare needs, the Finnish Spitz makes a lively, affectionate, and rewarding pet.

With realistic expectations about Finnish Spitz costs, and proper budgeting, a healthy dog-owner relationship leads to years of happiness.

Finnish Spitz Ownership FAQs

Are Finnish Spitz good family dogs?

Yes, when properly trained and socialized, the Finnish Spitz makes an excellent family companion. They form close bonds with all family members and do great with children. But they have high exercise needs and can be vocal, which families must accommodate.

Can Finnish Spitz be left alone?

Finnish Spitz can be left alone for 4-6 hours, provided they get plenty of activity beforehand. Longer durations may lead to destructive behavior from separation anxiety. Crate training helps them feel secure when alone. Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter can help on long days.

Do Spitz dogs bark a lot?

Yes, the Spitz family of dogs tends to be quite vocal. The Finnish Spitz was bred to communicate by barking while hunting. Proper training and adequate exercise reduces nuisance barking, but they do bark more than most breeds, which neighbors may not appreciate.