Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Gran Mastin de Borinquen is originated from United States. Finnish Spitz may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Finnish Spitz may weigh 53 kg / 116 pounds lesser than Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Both Finnish Spitz and Gran Mastin de Borinquen has almost same life span. Finnish Spitz may have less litter size than Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance. But Gran Mastin de Borinquen requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Molosser dogs
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Finland
United States
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
41 - 57 kg
90 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
2 - 12
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Mastín Borincano, Puerto Rican Mastiff
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
cream, black, brindle., Fawn
Coat:
double
Short and harsh
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
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.

The Gran Mastín de Borinquen is also referred to as the Puerto Rican Mastiff or the Mastín Borincano and is actually native to Puerto Rico.

The dog seems to have originated long ago already during the 16th century. Its a dog that descends from a number of dogs, and the dog from these crosses became a huge, ferocious dog.

For centuries the Gran Mastin de Borinquen was used to protect the estates of the Spanish nobility. Today the breed is considered rare and it isn't recognized by any major kennel club as a standardized breed.

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.

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen is a large dog. He stands roughly between 56 and 71cm and weighs in at between 41 and 68kg.

He is well muscled with a large head and short floppy ears but until recently the ears have always been cropped. The nose is black, the eyes dark brown and small and he has an alert, intelligent look to him.

These days the tail is kept long and it is held low. The coat is short in length and harsh with the colour being fawn, black, cream or brindle. You'll also find some small inclusions of white on the coat.

Temperament:

Loyal and protective, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen forms a strong bond with his master, becoming aggressive with any stranger who comes too close to his owner.Its a dog that has been taught to be aggressive so he isn't the best pet to choose if you have children in the home. He isn't the best dog either for first time dog owners, particularly if the person isn't a strong, firm person around him, showing who is boss.

However there are people who have had their pet trained and socialized and who claim he makes a wonderful family pet. The way a dog is brought up can play a large role in the way he turns out.

Train and socialize your Gran Mastin de Borinquen because he is inclined to be strong-willed and for a large, aggressive type of dog, you want him to be obeying you.

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.

Noble, courageous and loyal, a trained, socialized Gran Mastin de Borinquen who has learned simple commands such as sit, down, come, stay, lie-down and heel will be an absolute pleasure to have around and be a well behaved, obedient companion for you.

Your Gran Masin is a dignified, loving animal, but because of his size and his origin, bred to be aggressive, he isn’t looked upon as the first choice when you’ve got small children in the home. With the right owner – fair, firm and loving - he makes a splendid pet.

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

Your Gran Mastin de Borinquen can get to 12 years of age with good care. Mastiff-type dogs like this can be prone to eye problems as well as having to tackle joint problems such as hip dysplasia.

Other issues that can appear in this breed, but are unlikely be cancer, bloat, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s Disease which is a bleeding disorder.

Remember to do daily inspections of your Gran Mastin de Borinquen for fleas and ticks, particularly during the Summer month. Toxins introduced into the body by a tick bite for instance can make your pet seriously ill so that veterinary intervention is required.

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.

Grooming:

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen, with his short coat, is a relatively low maintenance breed. Brush him at least twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs. Other grooming requirements are keeping his ears clean and dry. You can ask about alcohol wipes at your local pet shop to use in his ears. Check the nails too and remember to brush his teeth a couple of times a week to avoid dental decay.

Exercise:

You won't find the Gran Mastin de Borinquen being a particularly high energy dog but he also isn't a couch potato. If you enjoy a walk every day for your own good health, include him in these walks and give him a game of ball every now and again.

Diet:

This Mastiff -type dog is large, and they tend to be fairly lazy, not using up great deals of energy. Young dogs however use up more energy and will require a diet with good quality protein.

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered as well as senior dogs will require less calories. If you buy commercially manufactured food, check the labels carefully and buy high quality food for a large breed.

Don't just feed your Gran Mastin kibble everyday but alternate it sometimes, mixing in some raw meat into his kibble or mixing in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables.

Comparison with other breeds

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