MyDogBreeds
Posavac Hound is originated from Croatia but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Posavac Hound may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Both Posavac Hound and Finnish Spitz are having almost same weight. Posavac Hound may live 3 years more than Finnish Spitz. Both Posavac Hound and Finnish Spitz has almost same litter size. Posavac Hound requires Low maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance
The Posavac Hound originates from Croatia and is believed to have descended from the Molossian.
The name Posavac Houndare or Posavac Hound was a name bandied about and the name was officially recognized in 1969 by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
The dog was categorized as a Scent hound. The breed is unrecognised by any of the UK or US Kennel Clubs.
The “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.
Although the Posavac Hound is a rare dog breed, people who have owned the dog say it should be far better known as it is a gem of a dog.
The Possie as he is fondly referred to as, is a solidly built dog resembling the Beagle. He stands at between 43 - 59 cm and weighs 16 - 20 kg.
He has long, floppy ears and a kind, gentle expression on his face. The coat is short and smooth, being slightly longer on the stomach and around the back of the legs. The coat color is a wheaten, cream shade. He has bright brown eyes and a long tail, often with a white tip.
The Posavac may look gentle, but in character he is happy and enthusiastic. He makes the most wonderfully faithful, loving dog. He likes to be busy too, game for all kinds of activities but he is intelligent as well. He responds well to training and socialization.
People who have owned this dog say he has a truly amazing temperament, being eager to please his human owner. You’ll find him getting along well with children and other pets in the home.
The 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.
People who have kept the Posavac as a pet say he has wonderful features which make him a sought after canine friend.
He has always been a working dog and he is confident and assured, independent, social and friendly. He makes a great friend of children and gets on well with other pets in the house.
He thrives on activities and doesn't want to be left to just lie around ignored. He becomes frustrated and destructive. It wont be the dogs fault but the owners. If you're looking for a lively, friendly, loving dog, you’ll find the Posavac a great addition to your home.
Very child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.
They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.
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.
They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.
You won’t find many health disorders linked to this lovely dog. He can reach 11 – 14 years of age fairly easily if well taken care of. Of course, his floppy ears pose a bit of a problem.
It is quite difficult to keep the inside of the ears dry and clean, and this means dirt, wax and moisture can cause bacteria and ear infections.
Because he is also a deep chested dog, he can be prone to bloat. Bloat is when gas collects in the stomach and it twists. You will notice your pet’s abdomen swollen and hard. He will require immediate veterinary attention.
Typically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:
Your Posavac Hound is going to need lots of exercise. He’s used to being a working dog and being kept busy. A good walk will delight him, but it won’t be enough. If you go cycling or riding on a horse, you can count him in to run alongside you. He will also plunge into the swimming pool with you.
While he can adapt to life in the city, he is essentially a country living dog, loving to get outside and be active.
Because of the short, smooth coat, and being an average shedder, the Posavac will only require a brush twice a week, so he is fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming.
Check for signs of an ear infection – redness inside the ear and your pet scratching at his ear can be signs,
Trim his nails.
Check inside his mouth for teeth problems. Bad teeth can create a host of problems.
Provide your dog with an excellent diet. It needs to be nutritious food if you’re going with a commercially manufactured dog food. High quality dry kibble can be excellet for your pet, but break the monotony by mixing in some home made food occasionally. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, swee pototatoes, carrots and spinach, al chopped up and mixed in twice week with the drykibble can be awaited twice a week with yur pet. Raw meat added in sometimes can also contibute to your pets health. Feeding a dog doesnt have to be complicated. Dos thrive on consistency and simplicity and this diet will have him healthy ad hapy Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.
Don’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.
The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.
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.
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.