Finnish Spitz vs Dunker - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Finnish Spitz vs Dunker - Breed ComparisonDunker is originated from Norway but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Both Dunker and Finnish Spitz are having almost same height. Both Dunker and Finnish Spitz are having almost same weight. Dunker may live 4 years more than Finnish Spitz. Dunker may have more litter size than Finnish Spitz. Dunker requires Low Maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
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Norway
Finland
Height Male:
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norwegian Hound
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
Blue or black dappled
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
Straight and dense
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

dunkerKnown as the Norwegian Hound, the Dunker hails from Norway. Bred and named after breeder Wilhelm Dunker to be a robust scenthound, Norwegian Scenthounds were crossed with a Russian Harlequin Hound because this particular dog was an excellent scent trailer and it could stand up to the freezing conditions of Norway.

The Dunker become popular in the mid-19th century in other Scandinavian countries. Hunters liked its intelligence, its robustness and its speed and strength. In 1902 a club was founded for the breed and in the same year the Norwegian Kennel Club recognized the Dunker.

The Dunker started dying out after the war, and in the late 1980s breeders of the Dunker petitioned to allow them to cross the remaining Dunkers with scenthounds. Today the dog is known in Norway but is uncommon outside Scandinavia.

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

dunker puppy - descriptionThe Dunker is a medium sized dog which stands at between 50-55cms with females being slightly smaller at 47-52cms. They usually weigh between 11-18kg and look similar to other scenthounds, being muscular and athletic.

The ears of the Dunker are floppy, the tail is long and carried straight with a bit of a curve, the nose is large and black as well as the eyes, but some dogs have light eyes which can even be blue.

The coat of the Dunker is straight and dense and this coat of his is well known for the unique color of the coat – blue or black dappled, while some dogs will have black, tan and white markings. White faces are preferred but you will find dogs with black masks.

Temperatment:

This is a non-aggressive dog and can become quite friendly when trained and socialized.

They are dogs that form strong bonds with their owners, being particularly good around children. They get on well with dogs and other pets in the home.

They’re intelligent dogs and are are easy to train. In fact, training and socialization is recommended for this dog as he does tend to be a bit stubborn.

Training ensures he is relaxed and obedient. He is an active dog and will certainly require some exercise each day. He’ll respond willingly if you call him to join you in your jogging- or cycling outings.

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

dunker dog - characteristicsThe Dunker is such a good tempered dog and he will be happy to settle in the city or the countryside with his owner.

When you look at his history, he is a hunting dog, used for hunting rabbits. Being an active breed, he is better suited to living in a home where there is at least a fair sized garden.

He isn’t a high maintenance dog either, so no special attention to grooming is required. Being a fairly healthy breed, he isn’t likely to develop any serious health issues too. This low-maintenance, undemanding Norwegian Hound makes a splendid pet.

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

dunker puppies - health problemsThe Dunker dog can live to reach a ripe age of 12 to 15 years. There are some health issues he may face -

Partial or Complete Loss of Hearing:

Partial or complete hearing loss can come about because of dirt or wax build-up in the ear canals. It can be because of an untreated ear infection, an injury or even old age.

Your veterinarian can examine your dog’s ear canal. Certain dog breeds such as the Dunker and others are more predisposed to deafness and you’ll find your dog responding slowly to your voice or he may be totally startled when woken.

Your vet will determine the type of treatment for your dog if an ear infection for instance is suspected. Treatment in this case may involve cleaning wax out of the ears or getting rid of overgrown ear hair.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition with your dog where bone rubs against other bone. Your Dunker dog will be in pain and his movement could be limited and he may even become lame. Get your pet to the vet because there are a number of treatment options.

Eye Problems:

Take a look at your pet’s eyes so that you’re aware of cloudiness, inflammation, discharge, a change in eye color or red eyelid lining. Take him to the vet if you suspect something serious, but in the meantime you can also gently wipe over your pet’s eyes to remove any discharge.

If you do need to bath your pet, make sure to protect his eyes before applying any lotion.

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

Exercise:

dunker dogs - caringThe Dunker is a dog with stamina and energy and he will need a walk every day as well as some other forms of vigorous exercise. The idea is to involve a dog like this in all your activities, whether you go running, swimming or cycling.

Grooming:

The Dunker isn’t going to require you to spend a lot of money on maintenance for him. A good brush-down twice a week will be adequate as he is a fairly heavy shedder and brushing him will get rid of all those loose hairs. It is also time to check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Other grooming aspects to check will include nail trimming, checking the inside of the dog’s ears for excess wax build-up and dirt.

Dental care is of major concern because teeth left unattended can result in mouth bacteria. This bacteria enters the blood stream and results in systemic infection. Sometimes the bad teeth can be so painful that a dog no longer wants to eat.

It is imperative to brush your pet’s teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste.

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. Dunker vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Dunker vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Dunker vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Dunker vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  18. Dunker vs Afghan Hound - 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