Finnish Spitz vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Finnish Spitz may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Estrela Mountain Dog. Finnish Spitz may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Finnish Spitz and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Finnish Spitz and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Both Finnish Spitz and Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate 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.

estrela mountain dog - historyAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Finland
Portugal
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
double
Short or long - coarse and thick
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate 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.

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

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.

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your family.

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

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

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.

Diet:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  7. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  8. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  9. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  26. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  30. Finnish Spitz vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  31. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  35. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  36. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  37. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  38. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  39. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  40. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  41. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  42. Slovakian Hound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  43. Small Munsterlander vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  44. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  45. Kooikerhondje vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds