Spitz Small size 8-15 kg

Norbotten Spitz

A small, hardy Scandinavian hunting spitz; lively, healthy and vocal, needing daily activity and company.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
8-15 kg, 42-45 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
Active and playful
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but with an independent streak
Low
Coat care
Short double coat is easy to maintain
Good
Fit with kids
Good, spirited family dog
Moderate
Other pets
Sociable, but prey drive to small animals
Light
Health burden
Generally a healthy, hardy breed

The Norbotten Spitz typically weighs 8-15 kg, stands 42-45 cm, and lives 13-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small, hardy, healthy hunting spitz,
you can give daily exercise plus some mental work,
you can tolerate and channel a vocal, alert dog,
you want an easy-care short double coat.

Do not consider this breed if…

you need a quiet dog - this breed barks readily,
you want a low-energy couch companion,
the dog would be alone for long days on a regular basis,
you want a common breed - it is rare outside Scandinavia.

A typical day with a Norbotten Spitz

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Brisk walk or a run and a game
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and chew time after activity
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk with sniffing and exploring
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training or fetch, 15-20 minutes
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk or play in the yard
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles down with the family

Temperament and training

Alertness High
Energy High
Trainability Moderate
Independence Moderate
Vocality High
Prey drive High
Common owner mistakes
Letting alert barking become an ingrained habit · Under-stimulating a bright little hunting dog · Using harsh corrections on a sensitive spitz

Family and environment

Kids Good
Spirited and playful; supervise with very young children.
Dogs Moderate
Generally sociable with early socialization.
Cats Conditional
Works when raised together; prey drive to small animals.
Apartment Conditional
Possible with exercise, but the barking can be a problem.
House with a yard Suitable
A fenced yard suits its energy well.
City Conditional
Manageable with activity; watch nuisance barking.
Countryside Ideal
Space and the hunting work it was bred for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Uncommon but seen; screen breeding stock
Patellar luxation Slipping kneecap seen in some small breeds
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Related vocal Nordic hunting spitz
Finnish Spitz
A bright, foxy spitz and a famously vocal barker, rewarding for an active owner who can manage the noise and independence.
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Small, hardy Swedish working breed
Vastgotaspets
A sturdy little Swedish herder full of energy and smarts - a fun family dog that needs a job to do.
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Energetic, trainable Scandinavian spitz
Norwegian Buhund
An energetic, trainable herding spitz that needs a job and plenty of exercise; bright, friendly, and vocal by nature.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Norbotten Spitz cost in the US?
The Norrbottenspets is rare outside Scandinavia, so US availability is very limited - expect waitlists and likely an import, with shipping costs on top of the purchase price. Over a 13-15 year life, food, routine vet care and supplies for a small, generally healthy dog typically add $10,000-$18,000 or more.
Does the Norbotten Spitz bark a lot?
Yes. It is an alert hunting spitz that uses its voice readily, both to signal and out of excitement. Early training to control barking helps, but if you need a consistently quiet dog or have close neighbors, this is not an easy match.
How much exercise does it need?
It is small but genuinely energetic. Plan for daily walks plus active play or a job to do; a bored, under-exercised Norbotten Spitz gets noisy and restless. It is not a low-activity lapdog.
Is it good with families?
Yes, it is a spirited, affectionate family dog that generally does well with children, especially older ones who can join in play. Supervise around toddlers and small pets given its energy and prey drive.