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Norrbottenspets

History

This handsome, foxy-looking dog was considered extinct in 1948 by the Swedish KC. due to the determination of a few enthusiasts who scoured the countrysides of Sweden and Finland for good stock, the breed was reinstated in 1967 and has made a strong comeback. It has now made its entry into North America ... and what an entry it is! Canine fanciers who have never seen these dogs before strive to learn more about them. There's no questions this lively, fearless dog will make the ideal pet for country or city living. They are very affectionate, trainable, loyal, faithful, never aggressive and gentle with children. An eternal, faithful friend to the Vikings of old, the Norrbottenspets is a vigilant protector of the family home. Their low maintenance double-coat and an unusually long lifespan top off a long list of outstanding qualities. What kind of dog is that??! That's what many dog fanciers are asking when they spot these bright, clean-lined dogs for the first time. If you answered, "It's a Basta Jacthund, which is Swedish for 'best hunting dog' ... or if you said it's a 'Pohjanpystykorva', which is a Finnish name, you'd also be right. But in North America, they're call, Norrbottenspets. Apart from the elegance these little Arctic dogs display, they can be tough. In Sweden and Finland, they are legendary for being model hunting dogs for birds and fur-bearing animals such as bear and moose. In North America, although there are only just a few to date, they are already making a name for themselves insearch and rescue.

General appearance Small, squarish spitzdog with dry, powerful muscles. The dog should be of a very good structure, the head carried high and fearless. it should be extremely mobile. Differences in body structure due to sex should be well-marked. As a hunting dog, it should be attentive and daring, giving the impression of being alert, active, kind and self-confident. Norrbottenspets should never be nervous, shy or aggressive. The ideal dog should give the impression of a typical small spitzdog with good anatomy and mentality.

Head Powerful, dry, well-built and wedge-shaped when viewed from the front and side.
Muzzle * Moderately long and sharply tapered with a half-head length or shorter.
Skull * Moderately wide and flat, with the forehead slightly arched and the stop mmoderately well marked. The superciliary arches should be well marked and the nosebridge straight.

Nose Black nose and lips thin, dry and tightfitting.

Mouth * Scissor bite with well developed teeth.

Eyes * Moderately big, bright, calm and energetic. Dark brown. Almond-shaped and obliquely set.

Ears * High set, slightly over medium size and stiffly erect. Tips slightly rounded.

Neck Moderately long, dry and muscular, slightly arched and carried erect.
Body * Short, strong, muscular and elastic. When viewed from the side, slightly sloping over the withers and then straight.
Loins * Short and broad.
Croup * Proportionately long and broad, slightly sloping ab*nd well developed muscularity.

Chest Moderately deep and long. Well developed back ribs. Oval shaped from a front view. Forechest well developed, well marked and of normal width. When viewed from the side, the lowest part of the chesline should reach the underarm just below the elbow and fit softly into the bellyline

Belly * Moderately tucked up.

Body Depth (vertical distance from highest point of withers to lowest point of chest) should be about hal-height of the withers.
Shoulderblade * Long and broad, with well-developed crest and muscles. Closefitting to chest and proportionately set back.

Upperarm * Should be the same lenght as the shoulder blade. Strong, well fitting, close to the chest and directed backwards. Forms a marked angle with the crest and permits free movements.

Underarm Straight, strong bones, dry but flexible muscles.
Wrist & pastern * Strong. When viewed from the front, the underam forms a straight line with the wrist and pastern. When viewed from the side, the pastern is slightly angled forward.

Forefeet * Small, strong, standing straight forward, well arched and closed. Well-developed, solid pads.

Hind feet As forefeet. Hindlegs parallel when viewed from behind.
Thighs * Proportionately long, forming a staight angl to the pelvis. Strong muscles.
Knee joint * Strong.
Lower thigh *Forming a marked angle to the upper thigh.
Hock * Broad and strong when viewed from the front and side.

Rear pastern Dry, elastic and rather long.
Tail * Proportionately high set, carried in a fairly high curve, loosely curled whit the tip of the tail touching the side of the thigh. The length of tail should not reach below the hock. Bobtail not allowed.
Gait * Norrbottenspets should show smooth when in canter and trot. Even movements with great drive, covering the ground well. Top-line must be firm, hindlegs parallel.

Coat Hard, short, straight and rather close-fitting hair. Fine, dense undercoat. Short on nosebridge, skull, ear and front of legs. Longer on neck, back of thighs and underneath tail.
Color * All colours permitted. Ideal colour is white yellow or red/brown marking.

Height * Ideal height: Male... 45 cm. or 17.5"; female... 42 cm. or 16.5".
Weight *Ideal weight: Male... 30 lbs. or 14 kg; female... 25 lbs. or 12.5 kg.

Faults Any departure from foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact propotion to its degree.

Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.