Finnish Spitz vs Irish Setter
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
Irish Setter
Sporting 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.
Irish Setter Overview
Majestic and graceful, the Irish Setter showcases a stunning mahogany red coat that flows elegantly with their athletic movement. Their refined head features a long, lean muzzle, dark eyes expressing intelligence and warmth, and long feathered ears. Standing tall with a balanced, athletic build, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with sporting ability, displaying both power and finesse in their fluid gait.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are less energetic than Irish Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Irish Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Setters.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Irish Setter Temperament
The Irish Setter is characterized by being active, outgoing, sweet-natured, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Finnish Spitz and Irish Setter, 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
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
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.
Irish Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Setters 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, Irish Setters require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
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
Irish Setter
Pros
- Affectionate and friendly
- Athletic and energetic
- Good with families
- Beautiful appearance
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not ideal for apartments
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Irish Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.