Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic is originated from Croatia. Finnish Spitz may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic. Finnish Spitz may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic. Both Finnish Spitz and Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic has almost same life span. Finnish Spitz may have less litter size than Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance. But Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
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Finland
Croatia
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
43 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
43 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
12 - 27 kg
26 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
12 - 27 kg
26 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Istrian wire-haired or short-haired scenthound
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
White with orange markings
Coat:
double
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, 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.

istarski ostrodlaki gonicThe Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic, also referred to as the Istrian wire-haired or short-haired scenthound is a very ancient dog breed. Apparently the dog has been found in paintings that go way back to the early 1700s.

The dog can either have a short, smooth coat or a rough, wiry longer coat. He has always been popular with hunters, used for hunting rabbits and fox.

An interesting fact with this dog is the correlation between the Dalmatian dog and the Istrian short-haired hound. According to veterinary investigations, there are strong likenesses between the two breeds.

The truth is, the origin of the Istrian has been a matter of dispute for some time but in 2003 the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed as hailing from Croatia.

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.

istarski ostrodlaki gonic puppy - descriptionMedium in size, the Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic stands at roughly 43 to 60cm at the withers and weighs roughly 12 to 27kg. The chest of the dog is broad and deep, the skull slightly rounded while the muzzle is strong and rectangular shaped. The nose is dark brown or black.

The ears are floppy and are nearly always in the orange color while the tail is long and is carried low. The coat of the rough haired dog is of medium length. In fact the coat can either be short and smooth or longish and wiry with a woolly undercoat. The color of the coat is white with orange markings.

Temperament:

This breed of dog is sought after for his cheerful personality. He is loyal to his human family and is a social dog, loving to spend time around his family.

He is energetic, confident and strong-willed and this is why, as with most other dogs, he will benefit from training and socialization, as this makes him obedient and responsive to his owner. He is evenly tempered, being gentle and docile.

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.

istarski ostrodlaki gonic dog - characteristicsThe Istrian Wire-haired Scenthound or Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic as he is also referred to is a strong, well built hound which is elegant in appearance.

He has a remarkably striking coat - bright white with orange markings. He has always been an excellent hunting dog, even to this day. This background hunting of his will require that he receives ongoing exercise as well as mental stimulation.

Treat this beautiful dog well - exercise him, groom him, feed him well and love him and you will be rewarded with the loyal and devoted friendship of an amazing dog.

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

Dental Disease:

istarski ostrodlaki gonic puppies - health problemsThere are people who don’t take dental disease seriously in dogs as they think that it simply affects the teeth, when in fact dental disease can affect the dog’s entire body.

Dental- and gum disease is to be regarded with concern as it can be painful and even life threatening. It affects many dogs, and unfortunately your Istarski is also likely to have problems with his teeth. Tartar build-up and infection of the gums can lead to tooth loss but also damage to the kidneys, heart and joints.

Dogs need to have their teeth attended to regularly and if this is something new to you, speak to your vet and find out about special canine toothpaste and toothbrush and how to use them.

Infections:

Dogs can be susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as rabies, distemper and parvo, and that is why visits to your vet are so important. These life-threatening diseases for your Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic are preventable through vaccinations.

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.

istarski ostrodlaki gonic dogs - caringTaking care of an Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic dog is much like caring for a child – doing everything you can to keep him healthy and happy, after all, he is a member of your family.

You want to be watching his diet and making sure that it is the best quality there is, full of vitamins and minerals to keep his eyes bright, his nose wet and his tail wagging.

There are excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market today and the best ones ensure excellent nutrition for your dog to keep him in optimal condition through each stage that he goes through. Try to include some home-made food into this kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables and it can be to his benefit to just to include some raw meat from time to time.

Make sure your Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic is well exercised, that you check his teeth and ears to ensure there are no infections and to call the vet immediately you suspect something is wrong. Make sure you have him examined as a puppy and that he gets his necessary injections as there are diseases that can kill your dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Finnish Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Finnish Spitz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Finnish Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Finnish Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Finnish Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Finnish Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Finnish Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Finnish Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Finnish Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Finnish Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Finnish Spitz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Finnish Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Finnish Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Finnish Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Finnish Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Finnish Spitz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Finnish Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Finnish Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Finnish Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Finnish Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison