Overview
The Tonya Finosu is a small white spitz that comes from Trabzon on Turkey's Black Sea coast, and especially from the town of Tonya. Locals value it as both a lively family companion and a sharp-eared guard.
It is not recognised by any major kennel club, but there are efforts to protect the name as a geographic trademark for the Trabzon area.
History
Little is written about this dog's past. The most popular theory is that its ancestors arrived with sailors who traded through Baltic and Black Sea ports during the fur trade that linked Russia with Europe and Asia in the early Middle Ages.
Today the breed is still largely a local dog. Supporters are working to register its name with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office as a geographic trademark.
Appearance
This is a small spitz with erect ears and a tail curled over the back in a half-moon shape. The only accepted colour is white.
The thick double coat is built to cope with the cold, rainy climate of the Black Sea region.
Temperament
With its own family and other household animals, the Tonya Finosu is playful, lively and affectionate. It is energetic and athletic, and enjoys having something to do.
It is naturally suspicious of strangers and will announce them loudly, which makes it an alert watchdog.
Care and exercise
Expect an active little dog that needs daily walks and play to stay content. Brushing a few times a week, and more during seasonal shedding, keeps the dense double coat in good order.
Early socialisation helps channel its wariness of strangers, and some thought should be given to barking if you live close to neighbours.
