Chihuahua vs Finnish Spitz
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
Finnish Spitz Overview
Finnish Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like appearance with their pointed ears, dense reddish-gold coat, and alert expression. Their medium-sized, square-proportioned body exhibits remarkable agility and strength. These spirited companions combine intelligence with a friendly demeanor, displaying natural hunting instincts and vocal tendencies characteristic of their heritage as bark-pointing dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chihuahuas are less energetic than Finnish Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chihuahuas require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chihuahuas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Spitzs.
- Trainability: Finnish Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chihuahuas adapt better to apartment living, while Finnish Spitzs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chihuahua and Finnish Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chihuahua | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chihuahua | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chihuahua | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Graceful, Sassy | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chihuahua | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is known for being charming, graceful, sassy, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Finnish Spitz Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is characterized by being friendly, good-natured, lively, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chihuahua and Finnish Spitz, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Finnish Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Spitzs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Finnish Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Pros & Cons
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
Finnish Spitz
Pros
- Loyal family companion
- Excellent watchdog
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Frequent barker
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chihuahua and Finnish Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.