Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Gran Mastin de Borinquen is originated from United States but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Gran Mastin de Borinquen may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Gran Mastin de Borinquen may weigh 53 kg / 117 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Both Gran Mastin de Borinquen and Finnish Spitz has almost same life span. Gran Mastin de Borinquen may have more litter size than Finnish Spitz. Gran Mastin de Borinquen requires Low maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance

History

The Gran Mastín de Borinquen is also referred to as the Puerto Rican Mastiff or the Mastín Borincano and is actually native to Puerto Rico.

The dog seems to have originated long ago already during the 16th century. Its a dog that descends from a number of dogs, and the dog from these crosses became a huge, ferocious dog.

For centuries the Gran Mastin de Borinquen was used to protect the estates of the Spanish nobility. Today the breed is considered rare and it isn't recognized by any major kennel club as a standardized breed.

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:
Molosser dogs
Sporting dog
Origin:
United States
Finland
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
41 - 57 kg
90 - 126 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 12
3 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Mastín Borincano, Puerto Rican Mastiff
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
cream, black, brindle., Fawn
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
Short and harsh
double
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen is a large dog. He stands roughly between 56 and 71cm and weighs in at between 41 and 68kg.

He is well muscled with a large head and short floppy ears but until recently the ears have always been cropped. The nose is black, the eyes dark brown and small and he has an alert, intelligent look to him.

These days the tail is kept long and it is held low. The coat is short in length and harsh with the colour being fawn, black, cream or brindle. You'll also find some small inclusions of white on the coat.

Temperament:

Loyal and protective, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen forms a strong bond with his master, becoming aggressive with any stranger who comes too close to his owner.Its a dog that has been taught to be aggressive so he isn't the best pet to choose if you have children in the home. He isn't the best dog either for first time dog owners, particularly if the person isn't a strong, firm person around him, showing who is boss.

However there are people who have had their pet trained and socialized and who claim he makes a wonderful family pet. The way a dog is brought up can play a large role in the way he turns out.

Train and socialize your Gran Mastin de Borinquen because he is inclined to be strong-willed and for a large, aggressive type of dog, you want him to be obeying you.

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

Noble, courageous and loyal, a trained, socialized Gran Mastin de Borinquen who has learned simple commands such as sit, down, come, stay, lie-down and heel will be an absolute pleasure to have around and be a well behaved, obedient companion for you.

Your Gran Masin is a dignified, loving animal, but because of his size and his origin, bred to be aggressive, he isn’t looked upon as the first choice when you’ve got small children in the home. With the right owner – fair, firm and loving - he makes a splendid pet.

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

Your Gran Mastin de Borinquen can get to 12 years of age with good care. Mastiff-type dogs like this can be prone to eye problems as well as having to tackle joint problems such as hip dysplasia.

Other issues that can appear in this breed, but are unlikely be cancer, bloat, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s Disease which is a bleeding disorder.

Remember to do daily inspections of your Gran Mastin de Borinquen for fleas and ticks, particularly during the Summer month. Toxins introduced into the body by a tick bite for instance can make your pet seriously ill so that veterinary intervention is required.

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:

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen, with his short coat, is a relatively low maintenance breed. Brush him at least twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs. Other grooming requirements are keeping his ears clean and dry. You can ask about alcohol wipes at your local pet shop to use in his ears. Check the nails too and remember to brush his teeth a couple of times a week to avoid dental decay.

Exercise:

You won't find the Gran Mastin de Borinquen being a particularly high energy dog but he also isn't a couch potato. If you enjoy a walk every day for your own good health, include him in these walks and give him a game of ball every now and again.

Diet:

This Mastiff -type dog is large, and they tend to be fairly lazy, not using up great deals of energy. Young dogs however use up more energy and will require a diet with good quality protein.

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered as well as senior dogs will require less calories. If you buy commercially manufactured food, check the labels carefully and buy high quality food for a large breed.

Don't just feed your Gran Mastin kibble everyday but alternate it sometimes, mixing in some raw meat into his kibble or mixing in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables.

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. Perro de Presa Canario vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  2. Molossus vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  3. Sage Koochee vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  4. Perro Cimarron vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  5. Perro de Toro vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  6. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  7. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  8. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison
  10. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Danish Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  11. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  13. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  14. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  15. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  16. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cordoba Fighting Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Korean Mastiff vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  18. Samoyed vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  19. Labradoodle vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  20. Mixed vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  21. Great Pyrenees vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  22. Old English Sheepdog vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  23. Presa Canario vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  24. Labrador Husky vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - 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