Finnish Spitz vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonEstonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Both Estonian Hound and Finnish Spitz are having almost same height. Both Estonian Hound and Finnish Spitz are having almost same weight. Estonian Hound may live 4 years more than Finnish Spitz. Both Estonian Hound and Finnish Spitz has almost same litter size. Both Estonian Hound and Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
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Estonia
Finland
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
short, rough coat
double
Shedding:
Constant
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

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

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

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

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

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

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

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 the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

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. Estonian Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Estonian Hound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Estonian Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Estonian Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Estonian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Estonian Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Estonian Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Estonian Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Estonian Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Estonian Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison