Finnish Spitz vs Miniature Schnauzer
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
Miniature Schnauzer
Terrier 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.
Miniature Schnauzer Overview
Miniature Schnauzers possess a distinctive beard and eyebrows framing their alert, dark eyes. Their sturdy, square-built frame carries a harsh double coat in salt-and-pepper, black, or black-and-silver. Standing 12-14 inches at the shoulder, these spirited terriers combine intelligence with a friendly, outgoing nature, making them exceptional family companions while maintaining their ancestral ratting abilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are more energetic than Miniature Schnauzers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Miniature Schnauzers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Miniature Schnauzers.
- Trainability: Finnish Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 12-14 inches 30-36 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 11-20 lbs 5-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Friendly, Smart, Obedient |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Miniature Schnauzer Temperament
The Miniature Schnauzer is characterized by being friendly, smart, obedient, 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 Miniature Schnauzer, 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
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
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.
Miniature Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature Schnauzers 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, Miniature Schnauzers 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
Miniature Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Pancreatitis
- Cataracts
- Urolithiasis
- Myotonia
- Entropion
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
Miniature Schnauzer
Pros
- Intelligent and easily trainable
- Good with families
- Minimal shedding
- Alert watchdog
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Regular professional grooming needed
- Can be vocal
- May chase small animals
- Stubborn streak
- Requires consistent training
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Miniature Schnauzer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.