Finnish Spitz vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Alaskan Husky - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Alaskan Husky is originated from United States. Finnish Spitz may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Alaskan Husky. Finnish Spitz may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Alaskan Husky. Finnish Spitz may live 4 years less than Alaskan Husky. Both Finnish Spitz and Alaskan Husky has almost same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But Alaskan Husky requires Low maintenance

History

finnish spitz - historyThe “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.

Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.

However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.

alaskan husky - historyAlaskan Husky is created to be a working dog who can do many different jobs like hauling logs, transport, supplies delivery, racing dogs, etc. Mushers created this breed. Alaskan Husky is created as a mix of Inuit dog, Siberian Husky, Greyhound and German pointers, and it is very difficult to find pure breed Alaskan Husky, and they are not recognized by any Kennel club.

Description

finnish spitz puppy - descriptionThe Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.

alaskan husky puppy - descriptionAlaskan Husky average weight depends from dog to dog, but on average male weights 21-25kg, while their height is moderate size. Females are slightly smaller than males, and they can weight 17-19kg.

A lifespan of Alaskan Husky depends, again, from dog to dog, but it is 10-15 years. Of course, if you are taking care of your dog, they can live much longer.

Litter Size of average female is 4-10 puppies.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

finnish spitz dog - characteristicsVery child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.

Special talents

They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.

Adaptability

Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.

Learning ability

They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.

alaskan husky dog - characteristicsAlaskan Husky is the best dog for the active people or families. They are bred to be working dogs. This breed is not created for it looks or pedigree, but this breed is bred purely to help with various tasks. They love being around the family, and they are very happy and cheerful. Alaskan Husky is not good watchdogs because they love everyone, including strangers. They are highly intelligent breed, but it can be tricky to train them sometimes. You must be a leader who makes decisions because if you are not confident, they will not see the reason for listening to you. The best way of training your dog would be with patience and firm, decisive manner. The old-fashioned way of training that includes punishment is not recommendable. They do not respond well to that. Training with awards is the best way to teach your dog. Alaskan Husky is a very active dog, so they are not very good for apartments. Although, you can have them in apartments but only if they have active walks and exercises. They love jogging, and they can be excellent buddies in any activity. They will love all the animals but it is important for them to socialize from the early age.

Health Problems

finnish spitz puppies - health problemsTypically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:

  • Elbow dysplasia – Can cause arthritis
  • Patellar luxation – movement in the knee joints can cause lameness
  • Epilepsy – seizures can be controlled with medication
  • Hip dysplasia – Just like elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis

alaskan husky puppies - health problemsThis breed has no any specific health issues. However, as any breed they can develop some issues that are related to genetics. It is very important to discuss with owners that you are getting the dog from, and if they are not ready to show medical records or proofs that dogs are healthy then you should be extra careful. If you do not have a lot of experience in getting a puppy or an adult dog, you should bring someone who has more experience. Again, this breed is very healthy and if you give them adequate caring with regular vet checks you will have a healthy and a happy dog for a long time.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

finnish spitz dogs - caringDon’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.

Feeding the adult

The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.

Games and Exercises

Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.

Feeding the Alaskan Husky

alaskan husky dogs - caringFeeding Alaskan Husky, or basically any other dog depends on how active your dog is, and how big it is. Basically, if it is big and very active you will have to give it more food. On average, Alaskan Husky can eat 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food and that should be enough to keep them well-fed and healthy. You can always add vegetables, oil or fruits in their meal, but first, consult which additional food is the best for your dog. Carrots, broccoli, apples are always a good treat for any pet.

Feeding the puppy

Puppies eat more than an adult dog, so it would be perfect if you can divide small portions of food 3-5 times per day. It will help them develop into perfectly healthy adult dogs.

Grooming the Alaskan Husky

They are not very difficult to groom. Overall, Alaskan Husky does not need any special care, except twice a year during shed season. Then you have to brush them with a metal comb every day, but overall, occasional brushing and bathing when it is necessary is more than enough to have a healthy and perfectly groomed pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Finland
United States
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
41 - 49 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
21 - 25 kg
46 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
17 - 19 kg
37 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Any color
Coat:
double
medium coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  5. Finnish Spitz vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  6. Finnish Spitz vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  7. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  13. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  14. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  26. Border Collie vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  27. Sakhalin Husky vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaskan Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Husky vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Catahoula Leopard vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. German Pinscher vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  35. Puli vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  36. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Borador vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spaniel vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  40. McNab vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  41. Porcelaine vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  42. Finnish Lapphund vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  43. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  45. Hokkaido vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  47. Pumi vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  48. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds