Petzlover
Elo 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.
Developed 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.
The “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.
As 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.
The 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.
Having 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.
Very child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.
They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.
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.
They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.
At 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
Typically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:
The 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.
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.
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.
Don’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.
The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.
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.
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.