Tonya Finosu

Also called Fino of Tonya, Kobi

A bright, energetic little spitz that is cheerful and affectionate at home and gets on with other household animals, while announcing strangers with enthusiasm.

Size	Small
Weight	9 to 12 kg (20 to 26 lb)males 10 to 12 kg, females 9 to 11 kg1
Height	30 cm (12 in)1
Coat	Thick double coat
Origin	Tonya, in Trabzon Province on Turkey's Black Sea coast.1

Rare breedShort profile

playful and lively with family

keen, vocal watchdog

athletic and energetic

Personality what they are like

A bright, energetic little spitz that is cheerful and affectionate at home and gets on with other household animals, while announcing strangers with enthusiasm.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick double coat

A dense, weather-resistant spitz coat suited to the cool, wet Black Sea climate, with pricked ears and a tail curled over the back like a half moon.1

Colourswhite1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tonya Finosu. 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

The story where it all began

A local spitz of the Tonya district with little written history. One popular theory says its ancestors arrived with sailors and traders using Baltic and Black Sea ports in earlier centuries.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is found only in white.1
2
Its thick coat is well suited to the rainy, cool weather of the Black Sea coast.1
3
Locals have sought geographical-indication protection for the breed through Turkey's patent office.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Tonya district in Trabzon Province, Turkey, where it is indigenous. 'Finosu' is a local term for the breed, which is also known as 'Fino of Tonya' or 'Kobi'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AteşPamukMaviFındıkGüneşKüçükZıpırSparkyTinyBiscuitZestPippin

A day in the life told by a Tonya Finosu

I wake up full of energy and bounce around the house, nudging everyone to get up. After a quick breakfast, I patrol the garden, keeping an eye out for squirrels. My best friend - the cat - joins me for a game of chase in the sun. When someone comes to the door, I announce them with enthusiastic yaps, but once they're in, I'm all wags. Afternoon is for toy time: I toss my squeaky ball until my human throws it again. Evenings are spent curled up, ready for tomorrow's adventures.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Major kennel clubs: Not recognised by major kennel clubs; efforts have been made to register it as a geographical indication with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

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

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

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 Tonya Finosu, and at what times?

Your Tonya Finosu should have at least two meals a day as an adult, and puppies need three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times each day, and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity.2

What should a Tonya Finosu eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food that matches your Tonya Finosu's age and size. Keep them away from dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially risky for dogs.3

How often should I bathe a Tonya Finosu?

A bath every 8 weeks is a good starting plan for your Tonya Finosu, but you can adjust based on how dirty or active they get. At least every three months is fine for most dogs.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Tonya Finosu need brushing?

Weekly brushing is suggested for your Tonya Finosu's thick double coat to keep it healthy and reduce shedding. During heavy shed seasons, you may want to brush a bit more often.4 Pet Wiki plan

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

Every three weeks is a good starting point, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a small bit at a time, stopping before the pink quick, and use a proper dog nail clipper.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Tonya Finosu need?

Your energetic Tonya Finosu needs daily walks and playful exercise to stay happy and healthy. A good routine keeps their bright spirit shining.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Tonya Finosu's teeth daily if you can, and check their ears each week to keep them dry and clean. Never push anything into the ear canal, and always use dog-safe toothpaste.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Tonya Finosu live?

Lifespan can vary quite a bit, so it's best to ask your breeder or vet for an estimate specific to your Tonya Finosu's line and health.

Is a Tonya Finosu good with children and other pets?

Yes, your Tonya Finosu is cheerful and affectionate at home and gets along well with other household animals. They'll announce strangers with enthusiasm, but they're a lovely family companion.1

Can a Tonya Finosu be left alone?

It depends on the individual dog's personality and training. A good breeder or your vet can give you advice on how to gradually get your Tonya Finosu used to alone time.

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.