Finnish Spitz vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison

Circassian Orloff Wolfhound is originated from Russia but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may grow 26 cm / 11 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Both Circassian Orloff Wolfhound and Finnish Spitz has almost same life span. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may have more litter size than Finnish Spitz. Both Circassian Orloff Wolfhound and Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
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Russia
Finland
Height Male:
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
68 - 73 cm
26 - 29 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 40 kg
59 - 89 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
3 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Hare hound
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
is dark fawn or black
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
thick and long
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful
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

Very little is known of the history and development of the Circassian Orloff Wolfhound. It is suspected that it is related to the Hare Hound, Deerhound and the Greyhound. They were taken from Siberia to the Circassian southern mountains to hunt hare and small prey. The breed is also like the Borzoi but more intelligent and it is much faster than the other sighthounds.

The color and some other minor characteristics have evolved over the centuries to be different from the Siberian that was originally brought to the mountains. All the historical data suggests that the original parents of all these sighthounds was the Celtic Greyhound

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

The Circassian Orloff Wolfhound had many of the characteristics of any sighthound. He has strong straight legs and they are longer than most sighthounds which allows the Circassian to run amazingly fast. The head is long, the muzzle is wide, and the eyes are large and dark. They have a deep chest and medium tail. They also have a graceful and aristocratic demeanor.

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

Fun and games are right in this breeds wheelhouse. They love to run. They need to run. Their activity level is very high, and they need lots of space and regular exercise. They are very intelligent and need mental stimulation as well. They are great at lure coursing and they love racing of course

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

Again, little is known about the health of this ancient breed, except to propose that it faces many of the same challenges as the Greyhound. This would include skin irritation, bloat, osteosarcoma and esophageal achalasia.

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer.

Esophageal achalasia is rare and affects the esophagus’ muscles. The upper muscles can’t relax and that causes the lower muscle or sphincter not to open and no food can get to the stomach.

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

This dog is a lean running machine. Do not overfeed. It is also better to feed him two to three times a day in smaller portions rather than one large meal.

Health issues

They tend to be allergic to insecticide and anesthesia. It’s best not to treat your yard for insects if your Circassian Orloff Wolfhound will be out in it.

Exercise and games

Fun and games are right in this breeds wheelhouse. They love to run. They need to run. Their activity level is very high, and they need lots of space and regular exercise. They are very intelligent and need mental stimulation as well. They are great at lure coursing and they love racing of course.

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