Finnish Spitz vs Elo - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Finnish Spitz vs Elo - Breed ComparisonElo is originated from Germany but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Elo may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Elo may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Elo may live 5 years more than Finnish Spitz. Elo may have more litter size than Finnish Spitz. Both Elo and Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Sporting dog
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Germany
Finland
Height Male:
46 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
43 - 58 cm
16 - 23 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 35 kg
48 - 78 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 16 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Elo Dog
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, All colors, red, or gray spots
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
double fluffy top coat medium and short
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

eloDeveloped in Germany in 1987, the Elo is a fairly new breed and there are some unique situations surrounding its development. For one thing the Elo Breeding and Research Association has trademarked the breed name, Elo. The use of the name is supervised by the Elo Breeding and Research Association. Secondly, the goal in developing the Elo is the make the best possible pet for a family. The Elo is bred for behaviors rather than appearances, for companionship rather than work.

The Elo was developed when Marita and Heinz Stories crossed Old English Sheepdogs (Bobtails) with their Eurasiers. They believed that these two breeds were similar in type and development. They were looking to breed a great household pet. The litters from these original crosses were then bred again with Eurasiers or Chow, Dalmatians, and Samoyeds. This expanded the donor base and they continued to breed for character using just the Eurasier, Chow and Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog). Currently there are about 3000 dogs and 60 breeders of Elos. The breed is not really known outside of Germany but that is slowly changing.

finnish spitzThe “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

elo puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned the Elo is bred for behaviors not appearance and not work. Therefore, the appearance of any one dog can vary greatly. There is a breed standard but there is also a lot of diversity in the breed. The Elos’ body is longer than it is tall and it tail is full and furry. He carries his tail over his back in a curve. The Elo has furry, slightly rounded, wide set ears. The undercoat is dense, and the top coat length can be medium or short.

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

elo dog - characteristicsHaving been bred to be a companion animal, the Elo loves children, is loyal, playful, obedient and calm. They love to and need to be with their people. These are not independent, think on their own dogs. They depend on their people in order to be happy and well behaved. He is outgoing and friendly with people.

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

elo puppies - health problemsAt this point in time the Elo breed is very young and has a very small population, so the breeding group is small and probably inbred. This can lead to hereditary diseases and the Elo is not immune. However, they are a healthy breed and it seems the major issue is Disticha – an eye disease that causes corneal damage. It causes corneal ulcers, inflammation, scarring and tearing. There are a variety of treatments including surgery

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

Feeding

elo dogs - caringThe Elo is a non-working family dog so do not over feed them. Use a high quality dry food made for a medium size dog.

Health issues

As mentioned previously the Elo breed is so young as a breed that there have been very few health studies and the only inherited issue at this time besides the Disticha.

Exercise and games

Even though the Elo is a non-working dog, they do require a substantial amount of exercise daily. They need outdoors space to run and play as they are very playful with their family. He loves to go on walks, to run, play and dig. Yes, he can be a digger if he is not provided with appropriate and alternative exercise. Without exercise the Elo can be irritable and display behavior issues.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Finnish Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Finnish Spitz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Finnish Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Finnish Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Finnish Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Finnish Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Finnish Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Finnish Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Finnish Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Finnish Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Finnish Spitz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Finnish Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Finnish Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Finnish Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Finnish Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Finnish Spitz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Finnish Spitz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Finnish Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Finnish Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Finnish Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Finnish Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Elo vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Elo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Elo vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Elo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Elo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Elo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Elo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Elo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Elo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Elo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Elo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Elo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Elo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Elo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Elo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Elo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Elo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Elo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Elo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Elo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Elo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Elo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Elo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Elo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Elo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison