Wire Fox Terrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Wire Fox Terrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonWire Fox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Wire Fox Terrier may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Finnish Spitz. Wire Fox Terrier may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Finnish Spitz. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Finnish Spitz has almost same life span. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Finnish Spitz has same litter size. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance.

History

wire fox terrier - historyThe wire fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts. They wanted a feisty dog that could chase foxes down their burrows.

It is thought that the dog descended from the rough-coated black and tan working terriers of Wales.

The dog wasn’t popular as a pet until the 1930s when its appearance in certain films gave it a popularity-boost.

finnish spitz - historyThe “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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Finland
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
black and tan, White
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
Medium length, wiry
double
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

wire fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 and 9kg and stands between 35 and 39cm at the withers.

The dog’s double coat is essentially white with brown or tan markings and can be medium length and wiry, tending to be curly too.

He is a light shedder. The face is long, without much shape and eyes appear to be fairly close together. The ears are fairly small and they fold forward toward the cheeks. The tail is docked and is held high.

Temperament:

This really is an intelligent dog and can’t tolerate being bored. It’s essentially a companion dog too and doesn't want to be separated from his owners for too long.

As a companion dog he is going to want a lot of attention. They’re independent and strong-willed and will benefit from training and socialization.

They are great around children but they do need to be supervised as they are inclined to nip, especially when highly excited. They also bark quite a bit and the owner might have to do something to stop this yapping, especially when the dog is bored.

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

wire fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wire Fox Terrier is such a canine friend, ready to be with you no matter what you’re doing. They are social dogs and love being involved with their human companions.

He is independent but still social and enthusiastic and you can describe him as the ideal family dog.

He is a bundle of energy, and when you bring him into your home, you’re going to get a family member who is playful, joyful, loving and loyal – your very best friend.

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

wire fox terrier puppies - health problemsThese are healthy dogs, and if you get your dog from a responsible breeder, he will have been checked for health conditions such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are a problem with the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light and it should be crystal clear. A cataract obscures vision. Sometimes the cataract can be very small but other times it can grow to the size of the lens and then it can cause blindness.

Most times, dogs with cataracts can still see, and even though a dog may experience some confusion with a cataract, they don’t hurt the dog. They don’t go away on their own and will need to be removed surgically. If you see your dog has a cataract, consult your vet to get their opinion on the matter.

Allergies:

Your dog may be licking and scratching a lot and it may just be that your dog has a frustrating and irritating skin problem. This itching isn’t a disease but rather a cause of some disease.

There could be so many things that are causing your pet to scratch and it could be a skin disease, parasites or allergies. It can be terrible seeing the frustration it causes your pet and he will certainly need to see the vet.

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

Grooming:

wire fox terrier dogs - caringThis dog will need to be brushed regularly. Some people hand-strip their dogs. Most people prefer just to take their pets to a professional groomer to have them professionally clipped. The groomers will simultaneously clip his nails, clean the inside of his ears and also clean his teeth.

Diet:

The Wire Fox Terrier will expect you to supply him with high-quality dog food if you opt to use commercially manufactured dog food. These foods can be wonderfully convenient but you want the food to be packed with natural ingredients and be high in vitamins and minerals.

Any diet should also be appropriate to the dog’s age, his size, and his activity levels. Some homemade foods can also be a treat but this needs to be simple with no heavy spicing. Things such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables can be an excellent choice.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

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

  1. Wire Fox Terrier vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Wire Fox Terrier vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  3. Wire Fox Terrier vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  4. Wire Fox Terrier vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Wire Fox Terrier vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Wire Fox Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Wire Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  9. Wire Fox Terrier vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  10. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. Wire Fox Terrier vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Wire Fox Terrier vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Wire Fox Terrier vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  15. Wire Fox Terrier vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  16. Wire Fox Terrier vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Wire Fox Terrier vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Wire Fox Terrier vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Wire Fox Terrier vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  21. Wire Fox Terrier vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  22. Wire Fox Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Wire Fox Terrier vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Wire Fox Terrier vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Finnish Spitz vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. Finnish Spitz vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds