About Sukunimi Finnish Spitz
When we acquired our first Finnish Spitz 'Tarka' in 1982 , we were soon completely enchanted with her beauty, character and intelligence. In 1986 we bred a litter from her and kept the only puppy, Solki, a male. In 1988 we bought in Kyllikki and in 1990 we imported a male puppy from Sweden, 'Lennek Metso of Sukunimi' who had an excellent Finnish/Swedish pedigree. Metso and Kyllikki produced a litter in 1992 and we kept a bitch who later became Ch Sukunimi Pippin, Top Winning Bitch in Breed 1998. From a repeat Kyllikki/Metso mating in 1994 we kept a male who later became Ch Sukunimi Sven, Top Winning Dog in Breed 2000, Best of Breed Crufts 2002. Sven has so far sired three litters. From his first litter one bitch, Sukunimi Sunrise, has two CC's, and from his second litter, Ch Sisu Easter Beauty of Sukunimi has gained nine CC's and numerous RCC's, and her litter sister Sisu Easter Surprise of Seljenka has gained one CC, both having been bred by Linda Anderson under the Sisu Affix.
During 2002 we imported Ned & Int. Ch Finkkila's Rippe bred in the U.S. by Dr and Mrs. Tom. T. Walker. Rippe had been successfully campaigned in Holland by Maja Croon and before being returned to the USA, won the dog RCC at Crufts 2003 and sired two lovely litters of puppies with Ch Sukunimi Peni and Sukunimi Red Sonja.
In August 2003 we were joined by Kelta (Texasin Keltarusu of Storm Valley) bred in Holland from the Walker's Finkkila's breeding lines by Maja Croon, who has so far won several firsts at championship shows. In October 2004 Kelta presented us with a beautiful litter of three females and two males sired by Sven whose wins in puppy classes during 2005 earned him the title 'Top Sire' in one of the national competitions. Also in 2004, we imported Taika Ilotulitus of Storm Valley, a young male, again bred by Maja from Finkkila's stock, who won nearly every class entered plus 1 CC, 1 BOB and 2 RCC's before returning to Holland in May 2006.
Taika's influence as a sire has been excellent for our line, and during his stay he contributed to three litters of outstanding quality puppies. His son, Sukunimi Kari, from a litter with Ch Sisu Easter Beauty of Sukunimi, has to date won eight Best Puppy in breed awards, two Best Puppy in show awards, and five RCC's, he finished 2006 as Top Puppy in the breed and started 2007 by winning two RCC's from the junior class. Kari's litter sister, Katri, owned by Mark and Jo Lett, has to date won many firsts both in puppy and junior classes and 1 Best Puppy in breed award, she finished the year as Top Puppy Bitch in breed 2006. Half sister to Kari and Katri, Sukunimi Tanja (Taika Ilotulitus of Storm Valley x Sukunimi Pipa), has gained three Best Puppy in breed awards and 1 RCC so far.
During May 2006 the seven year old Finnish bred dog, 'Pepi' (who we co-own with Mrs. Irene Slater) joined us . Pepi has settled in so well it's almost as though he's always lived with us, and we look forward to seeing the contribution he can make to our future breeding plans. Also during May we were delighted that Sukunimi Peni gained her third CC at the Birmingham National show, making her our third home bred Champion. Peni also won the Bitch CC at the SKC show last year and Crufts 2007.
We would like to thank all those in the breed who have helped and supported us over the years, their assistance and friendship has been greatly appreciated.
We only breed from sound, healthy, typical stock and are always willing to offer help and advice to those interested in Finnish Spitz.
Steve Piearce