Norrbottenspets
The Norrbottenspets is one of the oldest Scandinavian breeds — a small, hardy spitz used for bird hunting (especially grouse and capercaillie) in the boreal forests of northern Sweden and Finland.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Sweden
Lifespan
14–17 years
Weight
8–15 kg (18–33 lbs)
Height
40–47 cm (16–19 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active small hunting breed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Norrbottenspets is one of the oldest Scandinavian breeds — a small, hardy spitz used for bird hunting (especially grouse and capercaillie) in the boreal forests of northern Sweden and Finland. Nearly identical in function to the Finnish Spitz but geographically distinct, the Norrbottenspets hunts by locating birds, baying them in the tree, and holding their attention while alerting the hunter. The breed nearly went extinct in the 1940s–50s when hunting methods changed, and a reconstruction programme was launched in 1967 from the remaining specimens found in remote rural communities.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A small, athletic, clean-lined spitz with a short, dense, stand-off white coat with coloured patches. The erect ears, curled tail, and clean, dry conformation give it an alert, active appearance. Smaller and shorter-coated than the Finnish Spitz.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1-2x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Energetic, alert, and courageous — a big personality in a small package. Loyal to family but independent in the field. Can be vocal and has a strong prey drive toward birds and small animals.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
-20°C to 20°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
barking, hunting drive, restlessness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. Very low grooming. The prey drive makes recall in open areas unreliable without training.
Nutrition Notes
Swedish/Finnish spitz. Very healthy. Few dietary restrictions.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Very few documented health issues. Declared extinct 1948, rediscovered 1960s. Nordic hunting spitz. 14-17 years — very long-lived.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
750 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
500 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
One of the longest-lived dog breeds — 14–17 years documented. Generally very healthy due to natural development. Hip dysplasia at low rates.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Declared extinct then rediscovered. Very long-lived. India: NOT suited to climate.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Norrbottenspets is one of the longest-lived of all dog breeds — individuals regularly reaching 15–17 years are documented in Swedish breed records, making it one of the top longevity breeds globally.
The breed's reconstruction programme in 1967 started from just a handful of dogs found in remote farming communities in Norrbotten — the same pattern as many Nordic breeds saved from extinction by dedicated enthusiasts finding the last working-line specimens.
