Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonGlen of Imaal Terrier is originated from Ireland but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Glen of Imaal Terrier may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Finnish Spitz. Both Glen of Imaal Terrier and Finnish Spitz are having almost same weight. Glen of Imaal Terrier may live 3 years more than Finnish Spitz. Both Glen of Imaal Terrier and Finnish Spitz has almost same litter size. Glen of Imaal Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance

History

glen of imaal terrier - historyHailing from Ireland and known also as the Wicklow Terrier or just Glen, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was used to get rid of rats, badgers and otters as well as being a good all-round farm dog.

Using his strength, he was good at digging into burrows to root out badgers, but unlike other terriers, he wouldn’t go on and on yapping around his prey. He isn’t an excessive barker.

The terrier was recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2004. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized Glens in 2017.

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.

Description

glen of imaal terrier puppy - descriptionAn interesting fact with the Glen of Imaal Terrier is that this is a dwarf breed, being a big sized dog on short legs, with the front feet turning out.

A typical Glen of Imaal Terrier stands at roughly 30 – 36cm and weighs up to about 16kg. Another interesting aspect with this dog is that it can take up to 4 years to reach maturity.

The head of this muscular dog is large, the ears are half erect, and while the tail has always been traditionally docked, it is often left long. The double coat of the dog is soft with the undercoat but he has a wiry outercoat. The color of the coat is essentially wheaten, tan or blue. The coat doesn’t shed much but some Glen owners strip excess hair a few times during the years.

Temperament:

Glen of Imaal terriers are energetic, easygoing and they make splendid pets for any family. He is more than happy to give up lying around for games and activity just to lie at his owner’s feet. He is an intelligent dog too and even though he is somewhat stubborn, he responds well to training and socialization. In fact training and socialization is important for every dog breed to prevent negative behavior and to ensure your pet is obedient.

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.

Characteristics

glen of imaal terrier dog - characteristicsThe Glen of Ismaal Terrier is more docile than other terrier breeds, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t feisty. He loves to play and is an adventurous dog, always on the lookout for exciting opportunities and to chase prey.

He is a good natured pet and he gets on well with adults, children and pets in the home. He can adapt well to life in the city or in the countryside so long as he is with his family members.

He isn’t a couch potato dog though, and wherever he lives, he will need a good amount of exercising. Treat him with the love and respect he craves, and you’ll have a wonderful canine companion.

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.

Health Problems

glen of imaal terrier puppies - health problemsThe Glen of Imaal Terrier is a feisty, healthy breed, particularly when he gets the best food there is, then he is not likely to get ill easily.

However, just like other dogs, he can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia. When a dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, the socket part of the joint is poorly developed, so that is causes abnormal friction.

Inflammation and pain can be the result and your dog can become lame. Unfortunately, rapid weight gain with puppies can put more stress on the hips, and diets without the right balance of vitamins and minerals can be bad for good bone development.

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

Caring The Pet

glen of imaal terrier dogs - caringCaring for a Glen of Imaal isn’t going to be a huge job. This is what makes him such a wonderful pet as he is a straightforward pet, requiring little more than a brush to avoid the hair matting.

Check his ears, teeth and nails from time to time to ensure he is always in tip top condition.

Diet:

If you intend making use of the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods, the top quality one will provide you with balanced nutrition for your Glen and you can mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken from time to time.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small-breed dog and, he should be offered dog food that has been specially formulated for small, energetic dog breeds. You can also add in a little bit of raw meat into his kibble as a treat as this is important for keeping him free of skin allergies.

Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool drinking water.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Ireland
Finland
Height Male:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
3 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Wicklow Terrier, Glen
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
tan, Wheaten, blue
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
Medium length and wiry
double
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Jack Russell Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Patterdale Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwich Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Norfolk Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Parson Russell Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Russell Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Manchester Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  19. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  21. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Finnish Spitz vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. Finnish Spitz vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds