Finnish Spitz vs Boerboel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting Group
Boerboel
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Boerboel Overview
Powerful and muscular, the Boerboel exhibits a distinctive blocky head, strong bone structure, and imposing presence. Their short coat comes in various shades including fawn, red, and brindle. Despite their intimidating size, these dogs display remarkable intelligence and calm confidence, showing deep loyalty to their families while maintaining a naturally protective instinct.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are more energetic than Boerboels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require more grooming attention compared to Boerboels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boerboels.
- Trainability: Boerboels may be slightly easier to train due to their Boerboel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Boerboels 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 Finnish Spitz and Boerboel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 9-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 150-200 lbs 68-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Confident, Intelligent, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Finnish Spitz Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is known for being friendly, good-natured, lively, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Boerboel Temperament
The Boerboel is characterized by being confident, intelligent, calm, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Finnish Spitz and Boerboel, 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
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Boerboel
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Finnish Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Spitzs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Finnish Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Boerboel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boerboels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boerboels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Boerboel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
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
Boerboel
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent
- Calm temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Requires extensive training
- Not suitable for small spaces
- High food costs
- May be too powerful for inexperienced owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Boerboel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.