Welsh Terrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Welsh Terrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Welsh Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Finnish Spitz may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Welsh Terrier. Both Finnish Spitz and Welsh Terrier are having almost same weight. Finnish Spitz may live 3 years less than Welsh Terrier. Both Finnish Spitz and Welsh Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Finnish Spitz and Welsh Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Terrier dog
undefined
Finland
United Kingdom
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
33 - 37 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
9 - 10 kg
19 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Welshie Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier • Old English Terrier • Old English Wire Haired Black-and-Tan Terrier • Welsh Black-and-Tan Rough-Coated Terrier
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
black and tan and grizzle with a black jacket
Coat:
double
The coat is double with a soft undercoat and a wiry, hard, dense outer coat with bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard.
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

welsh terrierOriginating in Wales and bred to hunt the Welsh Terrier might be the oldest dog breed from the U.K. still in existence today. They were bred to hunt badgers, rodents, and fox. Today however they are mostly bred for show and companionship.

There are only two breeds of terrier that are native to the country of Wales, the Welsh and the Black and Tan Rough Terrier. It is believed that the Welsh Terrier was descended from that Black and Tan Rough Terrier in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Welsh Terrier was separated out as a separate breed in the late 1700s.

This breed was hunting with the Otterhounds of Wales and was called a Ynysfor. At the same time their was a breed in England, the Old English Broken Haired Terrier. Both breeds were incredibly alike and once the Ynysfor or Welsh Terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. When shown together they were considered the same breed.

Even though all these dogs from Wales and England were considered to be Welsh Terriers, the breed was not recognized until 1886. It is currently on the list of threatened breeds, with only 300 puppies registered every year. They were the 45th breed to be recognized by the English Kennel Club and the AKC. They are recognized by 14 clubs and registries.

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.

welsh terrier puppy - descriptionThe Welsh Terrier is a medium sized breed that is compact and sturdy. They had docked tails in the past, but the practice is now illegal in the U.K. The dog is about as long as it is tall. The head and face are elongated with a beard and whiskers. Females are smaller than males, but both are compact and sturdy.

Eyes are almond shaped, dark brown and small. The ears are small and V shaped. They should not be thin. The muzzle is square and strong with a black nose. The lips are tight and they are also black.

They have a double coat with is rugged and wiry on top and the undercoat is insulative and softer. The coat is waterproof and protects from wind and dirt as well. The puppies are all black until about 9 months when they become black and tan. The legs, head and underbelly are tan, with a black saddle.

The Welsh Terrier has wiry hair on the legs, muzzle and quarters. The hair is very dense in the top coat. Their gait and movement is straight, effortless and free.

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.

welsh terrier dog - characteristics1Children friendliness – The Welsh Terrier is good with kids and will follow them anywhere. They do want to play with the children by tugging on them and could cause a young child to fall. They can learn to play gently with small children.

2.Special talents – they love to swim.

3.Adaptability – They do fine in smaller indoor spaces as long as they have a robust exercise routine daily. They will be active indoors.

4.Learning ability -They are very smart, independent thinkers as can been seen by their ability to learn to play gently with small children. They need plenty of socialization early in life

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

Health Problems

welsh terrier puppies - health problemsThe Welsh Terrier is a fairly healthy hunting dog, though they do have some health issues.

  • Skin irritations and allergies

• Onychodystrophy – Nails grow weak and are very brittle. They can break easily and cause pain, irritation and even infections.

• Primary lens luxation – causes secondary glaucoma which can cause blindness.

• If hunting, they are exposed to hunting injuries and should be checked over well after a field adventure, whether hunting or in field trials.

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.

welsh terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the puppies small amount 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the adult at least 2 times per day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina

4. Games and Exercises Full of energy and requiring a routine outlet for that energy, the Welsh Terrier is an active dog. Just running around a fenced yard all day will not be enough physical and mental stimulation for them. If bored they can get into trouble. They need a job or a challenge. They love to swim and they love to chase. They do well in agility, field trials and barnhunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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