Norrbottenspets

Similar in form and function to the slightly larger Finnish Spitz, the Nordic Spitz, or Norbottenspets, hails from Sweden. It was first used to hunt squirrels when their furs were still traded, and then later used for game birds such as black grouse. Today, it is still used as a gundog and makes a good guard dog, though most are now kept as companions. The breed’s popularity waned in the first half of the 20th century, when it became almost extinct. It was rescued by Swedish breeders, but this active, strong-willed dog remains rare outside its homeland.