Finnish Spitz vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonAlaskan Malamute is originated from United States but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Alaskan Malamute may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Alaskan Malamute may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Alaskan Malamute may live 4 years more than Finnish Spitz. Both Alaskan Malamute and Finnish Spitz has almost same litter size. Alaskan Malamute requires High Maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
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United States
Finland
Height Male:
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Mal and Mally
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
gray, white, black
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
double
double
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

alaskan malamuteAlaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

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

alaskan malamute puppy - descriptionAverage weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

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

alaskan malamute dog - characteristicsAlaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

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

alaskan malamute puppies - health problemsUsually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

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 Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute dogs - caringFeeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

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

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