Finnish Spitz vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Australian Bulldog - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Australian Bulldog is originated from Australia. Both Finnish Spitz and Australian Bulldog are of same height. Finnish Spitz may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Australian Bulldog. Both Finnish Spitz and Australian Bulldog has almost same life span. Both Finnish Spitz and Australian Bulldog has almost same litter size. Both Finnish Spitz and Australian Bulldog requires Moderate 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.

australian bulldog - historyThe Australian Bulldog was bred from several breeds: The Bullmastiff, English bulldog, the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Boxer. You will notice that his appearance is quite similar to the English bulldog, but this breed has a less-squished muzzle, fewer wrinkles and longer legs. They have great strength with a good thickness of the bone. They are solid and compact breed with good muscle tone.

The head structure of an Aussie Bulldog is one of its main attributes. It is very strong, square shaped with depth and width of muzzle less than a general bulldog. They have some wrinkle across the nose. Eyes are wide apart, large and clean. The jaw is wide and square, with strong teeth.

The name Australian Bulldog was given by Noel and Tina Green, the founders of the breed. They introduced Australian Bulldog to the public in 1998.

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.

australian bulldog puppy - descriptionAustralian bulldogs can be very good companions considering their natural loyalty. They just love to interact with humans and they are rarely aggressive.

They can be taught to be excellent watchdogs. The perfect place to raise this breed would be a house with a yard. The Australian Bulldog is usually dominant toward other dogs in its territory but, with proper training and early socialization, you can teach them to get along with other dogs and pets.

No matter if you are an active single, or you plan to bring an Australian bulldog puppy into the big family, as long as you are caring and loving toward him, he will be an amazing pet.

The Australian Bulldog is not recommended for apartment life. But, you can teach him to live in the smaller space if you tend to respect his daily need for activity. This breed is an indoor dog, and should not be left outside all day in a kennel. The best advice is to raise them in temperate climates since they can’t bear the extreme heat or extreme cold.

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.

Around children

australian bulldog dog - characteristicsAustralian Bulldog is a breed that will protect their family. They are great during the playtime with children as well. If you don’t have children, make sure you socialize your dog with children while he is still young.

Special talents

They are extremely intelligent. You can teach you Australian Bulldog almost everything in a very short time.

Adaptability

early socialization is a must with the Australian Bulldog.

Learning ability

you should start to train your Australian Bulldog as soon as possible. Positive reinforcement-based training methods are the ones you need to master in order to raise a good Australian Bulldog. They will be trained easily if there is a firm, consistent hand in training and they need leadership role from their owners. They can be taught very easy to be obedient and they love playing games like Frisbee, catch, water activities (but they swim very rarely because of their big and heavy chests), exploring the nature.

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

australian bulldog puppies - health problemsAustralian Bulldog has better health than the English bulldog and its health continues to improve with each generation.

Breathing problems

The pushed-in face causes harder breathing. Be aware that they can’t use the air to cool itself off as quickly as necessary. During the extreme heat, Australian Bulldogs can develop heat stroke and die from it.

Skin problems

Take special care of the wrinkles on their nose. They will require everyday care since wrinkles need to be cleaned and kept dry to prevent the skin infection. Bath the dog only when it is necessary because of too much bathing with soap damages the natural oils in its skin.

Obesity

The Australian Bulldog, on average, is fed two times a day. They have the high risk of obesity, so there is no real need for more than two meals. Make sure to choose a premium quality food and to feed the dog according to the instructions. Also, they need lots of fresh water since they will be super active pet.

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.

australian bulldog dogs - caringFeeding the puppy and adult: high-quality dog food for active dogs is a must. Do not overfeed them. If you are not sure about the amount of food your dog really needs, please consult a vet.

Grooming

The Australian Bulldog needs minimal grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week using a firm bristled brush. They shed a moderate amount on a regular basis so there will be loose hair to deal with. Make sure to clip the nails when necessary. They will need a tooth brushing two times a week and checking and wiping its ears once a week.

Points for Good Health: every day long walks, plenty of exercises, special skin care and regular vet check-ups.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Non sporting dog
Origin:
Finland
Australia
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
28 - 35 kg
61 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Aussie bulldog, Australian Boss dog
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
in the shades of brindle like red, fawn, pied, apricot, mahogany, orange, silver
Coat:
double
short, fine coat with a smooth texture
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Chow Chow vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dalmatian vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Chinese Shar Pei vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Keeshond vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Bulldog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Bulldog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  32. Mexican Hairless vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Tibetan Terrier vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Poodle vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  36. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. American Bulldog vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bull Terrier vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Golden Doodle vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Pomsky vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. Basset Hound vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. Border Collie vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Sakhalin Husky vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Other vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Olde English Bulldogge vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds