Finnish Spitz vs Portuguese Pointer
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
Portuguese Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Portuguese Pointer Overview
Portuguese Pointers showcase a noble bearing with their athletic build and distinctive tan coat. Medium-sized with well-proportioned features, they exhibit strong hunting instincts through their alert expression and muscular frame. Their intelligent eyes and expressive face reflect their keen hunting heritage, while their balanced structure combines elegance with functionality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are more energetic than Portuguese Pointers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require more grooming attention compared to Portuguese Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Pointers.
- Trainability: Finnish Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Pointers 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 Portuguese Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 14-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 21-22 inches 52-56 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 35-59 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Portuguese Pointer Temperament
The Portuguese Pointer is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, 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 Portuguese Pointer, 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
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
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.
Portuguese Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Pointers 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, Portuguese Pointers 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
Portuguese Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Allergies
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
Portuguese Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Highly trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- May be too energetic for apartments
- Requires consistent training
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Portuguese Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.