Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Whippet is originated from United Kingdom. Finnish Spitz may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Whippet. Both Finnish Spitz and Whippet are having almost same weight. Finnish Spitz may live 3 years less than Whippet. Finnish Spitz may have less litter size than Whippet. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance. But Whippet requires Low Maintenance
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.
You can just see that Whippets are designed for speed with those super lean, slender bodies. They were developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers.
In open areas, they can pick up a high speed. In the 19th century in certain parts of England, they were used in races. They actually originated in England.
The Whippet is an ancient dog breed if you can go according to artwork which dates back to ancient Egyptian times.
They were also known as Snap dogs or small Greyhounds. You can say that the modern Whippet emerged in 1891. This was when the Kennel Club gave the breed official recognition. It was in 1888 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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.
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound breed standing at between 45–56cm in height and weighing anything between 6 and 13kg.
They descended from Greyhounds, resembling them in looks, just smaller. They are part of the Hound group, It’s a deep-chested dog with a long, lean head with fairy large eyes, a long neck, floppy ears and slim legs. The tail is long and slender. The coat is short and smooth and comes in many colors – tan, silver, black white, brindle and bi- or tri-colored.
The Whippet loves to run but when they’re not prancing around, they love spending time with their human family and that includes other pets as well as children.
They’re demonstrative and love showing their love for their family. They’re able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside but they will need exercising.
This is also a dog that rarely barks. They’re willful dogs so will do well with training and socialization. In fact, without proper socialization, they can become timid in unknown environments. They're intelligent so wont have problems with learning.
If you’re looking for a good watchdog and protector, you won’t find these characteristics in the Whippet.
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.
When you bring a sweet-natured Whippet into your life and home you’ll discover that apart from reveling in having a good run, their next favorite thing is to be resting quietly wherever their human companions are.
They’re docile dogs, loving to snuggle up to you, and not enjoying the cold. These quiet, gentle dogs are totally non- aggressive, just wanting to be with you, making you a splendid companion and pet.
Typically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:
The lean Whippet doesn’t have any particular health problems but it is always a good idea to be clued up on some of the more common dog diseases there are.
Buying a Whippet puppy from a responsible breeder will help with ensuring a healthier dog as dogs like these have had a good start and will have been vaccinated and dewormed.
This is when the heart of the dog beats too fast or too slow or it may even skip a beat. It is fairly common in dogs and it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
An irregular heartbeat can bring about physical weakness and even loss of consciousness. Your veterinarian will want to examine your dog and listen to the history of symptoms and events that could have led to the condition. Your vet will then discuss treatment.
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.
Whippets love running so if you’re lucky to live on a farm or at the beach, he will love those short bursts of speed in open places, chasing a ball. You can take him for a walk every day too.
Whippets are looked upon as low maintenance dogs that don't shed much. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this slender dog. The skin is vulnerable to cuts so check him over when you’re brushing him and make sure he hasn’t any sores or scrapes on the skin.
How much your adult dog eats depends on his size and his activity levels. Dogs are individuals and not all Whippets will eat the same amount of food. Puppies require 4 bowls of food a day while the adult Whippet will want 2 bowls of food.
There are excellent dry kibble dog foods on the market but your Whippet will also like some home-made food like chicken and vegetables. The quality of dog food you provide for your Whippet will make a huge difference to his health.