Finnish Spitz vs Great Dane
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
Great Dane
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.
Great Dane Overview
Majestic and noble, Great Danes stand tall with a powerful yet elegant build. Their smooth coat comes in various colors including fawn, brindle, and harlequin. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and well-defined muscular body, these giants possess a graceful gait despite their imposing size. Their balanced temperament combines dignity with friendliness, making them both impressive guardians and affectionate companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are more energetic than Great Danes, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require more grooming attention compared to Great Danes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Great Danes.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Great Danes 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 Great Dane, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is characterized by being friendly, patient, dependable, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Finnish Spitz and Great Dane, 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
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
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.
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes 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, Great Danes 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
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
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
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Great Dane, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.