Greek Harehound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Greek Harehound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Greek Harehound is originated from Greece. Both Finnish Spitz and Greek Harehound are having almost same height. Both Finnish Spitz and Greek Harehound are having almost same weight. Both Finnish Spitz and Greek Harehound has almost same life span. Both Finnish Spitz and Greek Harehound has almost same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance. But Greek Harehound requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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Finland
Greece
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
47 - 20 kg
103 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Hellenic Hound
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Black with tan markings
Coat:
double
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, 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
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

greek harehoundKnown also as the Hellenic Hound, the Greek Harehound is an ancient breed, and it is a dog which has come down through the ages with very little change to the way he looks.

The ancestors of the Greek Harehound go back thousands of years and are believed to be the ancient ‘Laconikoi’ dogs of the Peloponnese.

In was in 1996 that the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the Hellenic Hound. The Greek Harehound was also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.

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.

greek harehound puppy - descriptionThese dogs have a short, dense coat which is black and tan in color. He is a medium sized, well proportioned, deep chested dog standing at roughly 47 – 55cm in height and weighing between 17–20kg.

His legs are straight, well boned and strong. The skull of the dog is fairly flat, the eyes are brown while the ears are set high and are floppy. The tail is long, tapering down to a tip.

Temperament:

Lively and outgoing, the Greek Harehound is a skilled, brave hunter. These are active dogs and will require quite a bit of exercise if you get one as a pet. He becomes devoted to his owner, making a good, all-round family pet.

He has always been used in the past to hunt in packs so he gets on well with any other dogs in the family.

As a scenthound, the Greek Harehound is an independent, stubborn, strong-willed dog that will respond well to a firm, strong owner. His stubborn, strong-willed nature means it will be important to have him trained and socialized so that he becomes a well-rounded, obedient pet.

If you're looking for a true around-the-house family pet, this isn't the ideal choice as he is essentially a hunting dog, wanting to be running off on a hunt as opposed to lying quietly indoors. He is therefore better suited to life in the country than being cooped up in a small city property.

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.

greek harehound dog - characteristicsFast, courageous, smart, playful, independent and strong willed, the Greek Harehound is a slow maturing breed and he will require training and socialization to make him obedient and not so stubborn.

Once trained he becomes a truly wonderful companion, being affectionate, loyal and outgoing. He makes a good friend of children too.

He is friendly and non-aggressive, though he still makes a good watchdog. He is a low maintenance pet too, and even though he is essentially a hunting dog, he can make anyone 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

greek harehound puppies - health problemsThe Greek Harehound is a healthy dog breed with no particular genetic defects. But like other dogs with floppy ears, they are more prone to infections and the insides of the ears will need to be cleaned frequently. Always do this with the utmost care to avoid damaging your pet's ears.

He is a deep chested dog and this puts him at risk of gastric dilation and volvulus which is commonly referred to as bloat. Its a life threatening health issue where the stomach can twist. The stomach is sealed off as a result and gas builds up. The dog can go into organ failure.

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.

Exercise:

greek harehound dogs - caringThe Greek Harehound is happiest when he senses he is free to follow scents and run. This is why this particular dog breed isn’t suited for life in the city where he has a small garden. He requires large pieces of ground to run free. If you own one of these dogs, he should be taken on daily walks and be involved in lots of sporting activities and games. If you’re a jogger or cyclist, this dog will be thrilled to join you.

Grooming:

Dog owners love that this dog is a low maintenance breed. The short coat simply requires a brush twice a week to rid him of loose hairs and to also keep his coat shiny and healthy.

Vaccinations:

Every new puppy will require a series of vaccinations in his first year to make sure he doesn't develop some of the serious dog diseases there are such as distemper, parvo-virus and rabies among others.

Diet:

Dogs are carnivores and without human interference have always eaten fresh meat in the wilds. For convenience many people feed their dogs commercially manufactured food.

There are some excellent brands. Choose the best one for your pet and mix in raw meat from time to time as well as cooked rice, chicken and vegetables.

Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  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