Common Diseases and Disorders
The Finnish spitz is a hardy breed that has few known diseases. The most common are:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness.
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, limping and arthritis.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.
Patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap that can cause intermittent lameness and arthritis.
Spitz dog thrombopathy is a condition that causes bleeding and affects young dogs.
Life Span
The average life span of the Finnish spitz is approximately 12 to 15 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.
