Norrbottenspets
nor-BOT-ten-spets
Sweden· Norrbotten, northern Sweden
The Norrbottenspets is a small spitz breed from northern Sweden, traditionally used to hunt game birds and squirrels by treeing them for the hunter.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Any size home
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short, double coat
Sheds
Yes, seasonally
Lifespan
12-15 years
Town or country
Adaptable to both
Garden size needed
Small to medium, fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Norrbottenspets
In the forests of Norrbotten in northern Sweden, farmers and hunters needed a small, hardy dog able to tree game birds and squirrels in freezing conditions while also guarding the farmyard. The breed nearly disappeared as hunting practices changed but was rescued through determined efforts to find surviving farm dogs.
- Region
- Norrbotten, northern Sweden
- Climate it was bred for
- Cold subarctic forest and farmland
- Original job
- Hunting capercaillie, squirrel and other small game and vermin control
The long read
About the breed
Its working past as a versatile farm and hunting dog produced an alert, agile animal with keen senses and a strong voice used to signal quarry.
It is lively, affectionate and easy to live with, generally good with families, and its modest exercise needs make it more adaptable to varied households than many hunting spitz breeds.
Today it is popular in Scandinavia both as a hunting companion and household pet, and though still uncommon elsewhere, its friendly temperament has helped it gain a small following abroad.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Norrbottenspets greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Norrbottenspets is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Norrbottenspets's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1600s
Farm and hunting origins
Developed in northern Sweden as a versatile farmyard and hunting dog.
1940s
Near disappearance
Changing hunting methods and rural depopulation left the breed critically rare.
1950s-60s
Rescue effort
Enthusiasts scoured remote farms in Norrbotten to find surviving examples and rebuild the breed.
1966
Breed standard
A formal standard was adopted as the rescued population stabilised.
1990s
International spread
The breed began to be exported in small numbers to other European countries.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Square and compact with a level back and moderate chest depth.
- coat
- Short, harsh outer coat with a dense undercoat.
- ears
- Small, erect and highly mobile.
- eyes
- Dark, oval and lively in expression.
- head
- Wedge-shaped with a moderate stop and pointed muzzle.
- size
- 40-45cm at the withers
- colour
- White with yellow or red-brown markings.
- temperament
- Alert, lively and affectionate, eager to please and good with families.
- general appearance
- Small, square-built spitz with an alert, lively expression and light, agile movement.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Norrbottenspetss added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Norrbottenspets
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Norrbottenspets illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Norrbottenspets Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Norrbottenspets illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Norrbottenspets Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Norrbottenspets illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Norrbottenspets Mug
Ceramic mug with the Norrbottenspets illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Stainless Dog Bowl
Weighted, non-slip base. Dishwasher safe.
Fits any dog
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