Finnish Spitz vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Coton De Tulear - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Coton De Tulear is originated from Madagascar. Finnish Spitz may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Coton De Tulear. Finnish Spitz may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Coton De Tulear. Finnish Spitz may live 5 years less than Coton De Tulear. Both Finnish Spitz and Coton De Tulear has same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But Coton De Tulear requires Low maintenance

History

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.

coton de tulear - historyThese cute little Coton de Tulear dogs originate from Madagascar and have in fact been named the ‘official dog of Madagascar’.

The Coton de Tulear actually takes his name from the seaport city of Tulear. In the 1970s a Frenchman brought a puppy to France, with the idea of establishing them as a breed. It was also at this time that the dogs were brought to North America.

This small fluffy white dog was also found on the island of Malta, becoming known as the Maltese. They were mated with other dogs such as the Barbet, a curly haired dog and other coat colors exist such as apricot, black and white and fawn. Other breedings led to the Barbichon family of dogs which includes the Bichon Bolognese and the Bichon Teneriffe. The modern day breeds are the Maltese and the Coton de Tulear.

As with many dog breeds, there are different tales about the origin of the dogs and one version is that the white cotton-ball type of dog survived a shipwreck off the Madagascar coast.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Finland
Madagascar
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Cotie, Coton
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
fawn, black and white, apricot, White
Coat:
double
Medium to long - can be straight , wavy or curly
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

coton de tulear puppy - descriptionThese little dogs make perfect companions. They stand about 25–30cm with the female sometimes being slightly smaller. They weigh anything between 3 – 6kg. They’re robust little canines and can live up to 19 years or so when looked after well.

If you want puppies, you can expect yours to deliver between 4 – 6 puppies.

The Coton de Tulear is easily recognized because of his soft, fluffy coat. Many people take their dogs to the dog salon to have him washed and his hair trimmed. His legs are short and straight as well as being muscled under the hair. The ears are floppy and the tail of the Coton de Tulear is carried straight or slightly curved.

Temperament:

The Coton de Tulear is a friendly, affectionate dog who has a gentle, cuddly side to him. They are social dogs and get on well with their human family and with the children in the home, loving the games they provide.

He will also get on well with other pets in the home and becomes amicable, relaxed and obedient with socialization and training. Small though he is, he makes a great watchdog too and is full of tricks, making him an entertaining pet to have around.

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.

coton de tulear dog - characteristicsThe Coton de Tulear just wants to please his human family and spend unforgettable moments with them, hating to be separated from them. He is such an adaptable little dog and will fit well into city- as well as country life.

He is smart, comical, playful, independent and fun to have around as he is known for his clownish personality. Treat him well and he’ll repay you with plenty of love and loyalty.

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

coton de tulear puppies - health problemsWith proper care, your Coton can reach a ripe old age of 15 – 20 years of age. However, even this robust little dog will need to be watched, as he can fell prey to some common dog ailments -

Dental Disease:

Bad Breath with your pet can be a sign of dental decay. Dental plaque for instance, caused by bacteria, can give your pet a terrible breath. It is important to brush your pet’s teeth 2 or 3x a week. Your vet can provide tips on how to brush your pet’s teeth with a special canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Other things to look out for are hip dysplasia and chronic allergies. Allergies can cause itchy and dry skin as well as ear infections because of so much hair being in the ear canal. Speak to your vet about how to clean your pet's ears to avoid ear infection.

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:

coton de tulear dogs - caringCoton de Tulears will need some exercise if you want him to remain lean and fit. It is important to provide exercise and games for your dog to prevent boredom. Activity levels for any dog, including the Coton, will depend on his age and health.

A walk every day and some ball games will keep your pet happy and prevent him from resorting to destructive behavior from sheer boredom and frustration.

Grooming

The long coat will require some careful grooming and you will need to be on the lookout for excess hair around the paws and in the ears.

He is not a great shedder and brushing twice a week will remove loose hairs and provides the perfect opportunity to check for fleas and ticks.

Just like any other dog, your Coton de Tulear will need a warm, dry place to sleep. If you haven’t already invested in a doggy basket or dog bed, you can use a cardboard box for now, before making up your mind what you want for your pet.

Training:

A well behaved, obedient dog is a pleasure for everyone, and training and socialization is important, even for a small dog. Your dog will understand simple commands such as ‘sit’, ‘down’ and ‘come’ and also know how to walk well on a leash.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  5. Finnish Spitz vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  6. Finnish Spitz vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  7. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  13. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  14. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  26. Mal-Shi vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  27. Coton De Tulear vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  28. Coton De Tulear vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  29. Japanese Spitz vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  30. Malti-Pom vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  31. PekePoo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  32. Schipperke vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  33. Fruggle vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweenie vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  35. Lhasapoo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  36. Meliteo Kinidio vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  37. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  38. Prazsky Krysarik vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  39. Pugalier vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  40. Kyi-Leo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  41. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  42. Muggin vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  43. Pomeranian vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltese vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  45. Pug vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  46. Maltipoo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  47. Dachshund vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  48. Jack Russell Terrier vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Schnauzer vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds