Spitz vs Harrier - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Spitz vs Harrier - Breed ComparisonHarrier is originated from United Kingdom but Spitz is originated from Russia. Harrier may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Spitz. Harrier may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Spitz. Both Harrier and Spitz has same life span. Harrier may have less litter size than Spitz. Both Harrier and Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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United Kingdom
Russia
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
21 - 70 cm
8 - 28 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
20 - 65 cm
7 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
2 - 40 kg
4 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
2 - 37 kg
4 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
7 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
4 - 19
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Harehound
numeroud breeds
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
all
Coat:
short, glossy coat
double coated undercoat is coarser
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Cheerful, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

harrierDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

spitzA spitz is not a breed of dog, but rather a “group or family” of dogs that has its roots in Germany. Within this family there are a variety of breeds that were bred for very specific purposes by people in many different parts of the world. The spitz family can be toy dog size up to vey large. Examples run from the Pomeranian to the Canadian Eskimo Dog.

The Spitz family dogs share the look of thick, long fur and pointed muzzles, ears and curly tail. Despite their German name, they are thought to originally be of East Asia or Artic descent. Most of today’s spitz are from Siberia’s Artic region, first described in 1788 and in English in 1792. Spitz have been bred for three types of jobs depending upon where they were developed. These jobs included pulling, herding and hunting.

There are very powerful and large Spitz breeds that pull or hunt large game. Examples of these breeds are the Swedish Elkhound, the Akita Inu, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog. The smaller sized breeds like the Samoyed hunted small mammals and birds, while the Finnish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, and Swedish Lapphund herded, hunted and pulled small sleds.

The three largest spitz also pulled sleds throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In most places the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Alakan Malamute and the Greenland dog were used in sled racing and fur trapping while in Canada and Alaska the Siberian Husky was used for the same things.

Recently there have been genetic tests that show a large number of dogs that are considered Spitz type so share many strong ancestral ties and DNA similarities with wild wolves. It is now believed that a lot of these breeds were intentionally mated with wolves and some were accidental. Both domestic and wild dogs are included in this history.

Most spitz are made for cold weather, even today’s lapdogs, like the Pomeranian, do not do well in hot climates.

Description

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

spitz puppy - descriptionMost of the spitz breeds share a “look” that includes erect ears, stocky heavy, usually double coats, a pointed muzzle, thick, fluffy ruffs and a heavy curled tail carried high over the body. Build for northern climates they are insulated by a undercoat that is waterproof and dense and a less dense topcoat. Their ears are small to prevent frostbite and their paws have thick fur to protect them in the frigid, icy terrain.

Many still have wolf-like looks and tendencies. Some are very difficult to train to be companions – the Akita, Chow and especially the Karelian Bear Dog – fall into this category. Many mixed breed dogs are also considered members of the Spitz family. These dogs are easy to recognize as spitz because of these physical characteristics

Characteristics

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

Characteristics

spitz dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness excellent with almost all the breeds. Be careful of size. Smaller breeds may not be as friendly and larger may knock down small children.

2.Special talents stamina

3.Adaptability excellent

4.Learning ability excellent

Health Problems

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

spitz puppies - health problemsIt is a little harder to characterize the health issues of a family of dogs than it is a .will overheat in hot climates due to their double coats. Here are some propensities of dogs in the Spitz family.

  • Haemolytic anemia – heritary anemia can be mild to life threatening.

• Thrombopathia bleeding disorder with the risk of a hemorrhage, platets don’t clot.

  • Epilepsy – medication can manage this well.
  • Cancers for different types.

• Larger breeds are affected by Elbow and Hip dysplasia that can cause arthritis and lameness.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

spitz dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy The Spitz family has high energy needs but in a slow-release so they need protein more than grain. Puppies should be fed 3-4x a day in small meals. Don’t overfeed them.

2.Feeding the adult – The Spitz type dog stores their energy to use in extended periods when working or playing. They will become obese if overfed or if they don’t get enough exercise. Feed 2-3X a day in small or medium sized meals, even the larger breeds because of their storage of calories.

3.Points for Good Health endurance and stamina

4. Games and Exercises – Having been bred for endurance and stamina most Spritz breed need plenty of exercise, lots of space and lots of play. They love to run, jog, or play games. They are outdoors types who love to hike, and run or walk for long times over long distances. They are great in cold, wet weather but not so good in the heat. How much exercise they need depends on the size and history of the specific breeds. Most love to play with other dogs, so dog parks and dog day care can both be good choices for most of them. Agility, barnhunt, field trials, pulling games are all good choices.

Comparison with other breeds

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