Pet Wiki

Norrbottenspets

Also called Norrbottenspitz, Pohjanpystykorva, Nordic Spitz

A lively yet composed spitz that is bold and alert in the field and gentle at home.

SizeSmall
Weight11 to 15 kg (24 to 33 lb)1
Height39.5 to 47 cm (16 to 19 in)males 43 to 47 cm, females 39.5 to 44.5 cm231
CoatShort double coat
OriginSweden, named after the Norrbotten region in the far north-east of the country; FCI lists Sweden as the country of origin.21
GroupSpitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5)
Recognised breedShort profile
calm, kind and self-confident
keen and attentive when working
agile and hardy in rough terrain
23

Personality what they are like

A lively yet composed spitz that is bold and alert in the field and gentle at home. It is curious and bright, and happy to announce its excitement with a bark.231

Coat and looks how to spot one

short double coat

A compact, slightly longer-than-tall spitz with a short, harsh and straight top coat over a fine, dense undercoat. It has pricked ears and a tail curled over the back.23

Colourswhite with red or yellow patches (preferred)white with black, fawn or agouti patches23

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Norrbottenspets. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Bred to track forest game over rough ground, it needs plenty of daily exercise and mental work.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short double coat is low-maintenance; a weekly brush suits it, with extra brushing when the undercoat sheds.2

Home where they are happiest

Best with an active household and access to outdoor space; its weather-resistant coat suits cold climates.3

Company who they like around

Generally even-tempered with its family; children should give it space, as it is said to have little patience for being pestered.1

The story where it all began

Small spitz dogs of this type have hunted in northern Scandinavia since ancient times, used on gamebirds and larger forest game. After the fur trade collapsed following the Second World War the breed became so scarce that the Swedish Kennel Club declared it extinct in 1948. Dogs were later found on remote homesteads, and the breed was reinstated in 1967.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It was officially declared extinct in 1948, then rediscovered on farms in northern Sweden and re-registered in 1967.2

  2. 2

    The AKC standard says a Norrbottenspets barking in excitement in the show ring should not be penalised.3

  3. 3

    Hunters tell stories of Norrbottenspets chasing off bears that had turned on their owners.1

  4. 4

    It was used to hunt everything from gamebirds to elk, using sight, scent and hearing together.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Norrbottenspets comes from the Swedish county of North Bothnia (Norrbotten), where the breed originated. It is also known as the Norrbottenspitz, which translates to 'Spitz from the county of North Bothnia'.4

Name ideas for your new friend

LumiNisseBjornFrejaKnotZippyTundraSagaVindPolarMistyRune

A day in the life told by a Norrbottenspets

The forest calls me at dawn. I race through the frost, my nose full of pine and deer. I find a trail and follow it, my bark a happy song. The trees are my friends; the rocks, my steps. Back home, I greet my human with a spin. We play fetch with a stick, then I nap in a sunbeam. Later, I watch the birds from the window, my tail still as a statue. When the family settles, I curl at their feet, my ears listening to the quiet. Tonight, I'll dream of the wild.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 276, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic hunting dogs; standard published 28.07.2009, country of origin Sweden.2
AKC
The AKC has a published standard for the breed, approved 1 January 2013 and effective 1 January 2014.3
Swedish Kennel Club
Declared extinct in 1948, then returned to the Swedish register in 1967 after dogs were found on farms in Norrbotten.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Norrbottenspets, and at what times?

Feed your Norrbottenspets at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for your dog's specific needs.5

What should a Norrbottenspets eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.6

How often should I bathe a Norrbottenspets?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, while general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Norrbottenspets gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Norrbottenspets need brushing?

A weekly brush keeps the short double coat in good condition, with extra brushing during shedding seasons. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps remove loose fur and keeps their coat shiny.27 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Norrbottenspets's nails, and how often?

Trim your Norrbottenspets's nails every 3 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Norrbottenspets need?

This lively breed needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation, as they were bred to track game over rough ground. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play. An active household with outdoor space is ideal for their high energy.31 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Norrbottenspets's teeth and ears?

Brush your Norrbottenspets's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, or at least two to three times a week. Check their ears weekly and dry them gently, as their pricked ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Norrbottenspets live?

Lifespan varies for each dog; senior years typically begin around age 10. For a more accurate estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the breed's history.

Is a Norrbottenspets good with children and other pets?

The Norrbottenspets is generally gentle and even-tempered with its family, but children should give it space as it has little patience for being pestered. Their reaction to other pets can vary, so early socialization is important.1

Can a Norrbottenspets be left alone?

This curious and bright dog may not enjoy long periods alone, as they are alert and can bark. Whether they can be left alone depends on their individual temperament and training. Ask your breeder or a vet for advice tailored to your dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Norrbottenspets en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, history, social notes
  2. FCI Standard N° 276 Norrbottenspitz fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  3. AKC Official Standard of the Norrbottenspets images.akc.orgused for height, temperament, colours, working use
  4. fci.be fci.be
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.