Harrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Harrier vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonHarrier is originated from United Kingdom but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Both Harrier and Finnish Spitz are of same height. Harrier may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Harrier may live 5 years more than Finnish Spitz. Both Harrier and Finnish Spitz has almost same litter size. Both Harrier and Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance.

History

harrier - historyDeveloped 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.

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:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Finland
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Harehound
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
short, glossy coat
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. Pharaoh Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Redbone Coonhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Santal Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Podenco Canario vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Podenco Andaluz vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Podenco Galego vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Kanni vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Lithuanian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Hungarian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Hygenhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Norrbottenspets vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Sabueso Espanol vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Schillerstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Laufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Serbian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Silken Windhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Smalandsstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Harrier vs Basset Hound - 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