Meliteo Kinidio vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Meliteo Kinidio is originated from Greece. Finnish Spitz may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Meliteo Kinidio. Finnish Spitz may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Meliteo Kinidio. Finnish Spitz may live 4 years less than Meliteo Kinidio. Both Finnish Spitz and Meliteo Kinidio has almost same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance. But Meliteo Kinidio requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Companion dog
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Finland
Greece
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
white or black, Beige, blonde
Coat:
double
Long- and short-haired
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. It is an ancient dog breed. The dog has always been a skillful hunter of small game and birds.

It is believed that the dog breed originated from Malta, explaining its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion.

There are efforts to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a separate and unique Greek dog breed but no formal breed clubs exist so far today. The dog also hasn’t been recognized by any reputable registry. Today these common dogs are found in high numbers throughout most of Greece.  

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.

The Meliteo Kinidio is a deep chested small sized dog which weighs about 3 to 8kg and stands at about 23 – 32cm in height.

The dog has a bright, fox shaped face, floppy ears and a tail which curls over the back and which is feathery or plumed. The body is longer than being tall.

He is available with two coat types – long- and short-haired, with the long haired one being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the long-haired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weatherproof, silky and wavy.

The coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, with there being no standardization with color.

Temperament:

These Greek dogs are no pushover and in fact they are fairly fearless dogs, possessive of the human family, wanting to protect them and therefore being territorial as well. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

He has always been a hunting dog so he loves to be busy, making a good dog to have on the farm. They are even tempered and gentle, but have a loud, robust bark for their size.

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.

These feisty Small Greek Domestic Dogs are loving, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family but who don’t mind spending some time on their own either.

They’re dogs which are in tune with their owners and they’re intelligent too so they learn easily. You can expect to a have a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home.

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

This dog breed enjoys good longevity and can live to be about 12 to 15 years of age with good care.

One thing you have to be careful of with a dog like this is that because he is active he loves to running around and jumping. However, with his long back, jumping off a fairly high bed for instance, can lead to injury and should be discouraged rather. Apart from ear infections, other health issues can be dental.

Dental Issues:

Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs loose their teeth with dental issues. Plaque that is left on the surface of the tooth is detrimental to the dog’s immune system, starting an inflammatory response. Without good oral hygiene, other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes can become a factor.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful.

Scratching at the ear with head shaking is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection as well as the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear needs to be gently cleaned with ear cleanser, but many people don’t like to do this, fearing they may damage the ear. Then it becomes important for your vet or professional groomer to do it for you.

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.

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is easy to groom and the coat which sheds moderately will simply require brushing twice a week to keep it silky and vibrant.

Diet:

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is sleek lean and muscular and you want to keep him like that at all costs and avoid obesity. To keep him happy and fit feed him two smaller meals as opposed to one. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality one as the lower quality foods have inferior ingredients devoid of minerals and vitamins. When you have bought the best quality kibble, treat your dog to some home-made food from time to time – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta and cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in occasionaly is also excellent. Feeding your dog a simple but nutritious meal like this will ensure your dog is healthy, content and free of stomach problems. Fresh, cool water must be availabe around the clock.

Comparison with other breeds

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