DogMatchUp

Finnish Spitz vs Transylvanian Hound

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Finnish Spitz
Small

Finnish Spitz

Non-Sporting Group

Transylvanian Hound
Medium

Transylvanian Hound

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Finnish Spitz Small
Transylvanian Hound Medium

Lifespan

Finnish Spitz 13-15 years
Transylvanian Hound 10-14 years

Exercise Needs

Finnish Spitz 5/5
Transylvanian Hound 5/5

Grooming Needs

Finnish Spitz 3/5
Transylvanian Hound 3/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively

Transylvanian Hound Overview

Majestic and athletic, the Transylvanian Hound displays a powerful build with a distinctive black coat marked by rich tan points. Standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder with a muscular frame, these dogs exhibit remarkable endurance and agility. Their expressive eyes and noble bearing reflect their hunting heritage, while their medium-length coat provides protection in varied terrain.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Courageous, Good-Natured, Determined

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are less energetic than Transylvanian Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Transylvanian Hounds.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Transylvanian Hounds.
  • Trainability: Transylvanian Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Transylvanian Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Transylvanian Hounds 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 Transylvanian Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Finnish Spitz Transylvanian Hound
Size Small Medium
Life Expectancy 13-15 years 10-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Non-Sporting Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Finnish Spitz Transylvanian Hound
Height
15-20 inches
39-51 cm
22-26 inches
56-66 cm
Weight
20-33 lbs
9-15 kg
55-55 lbs
25-25 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Unknown

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Finnish Spitz Transylvanian Hound
Temperament Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively Courageous, Good-Natured, Determined
Energy Level
5/5
5/5
Intelligence
2/5
4/5

Compatibility

Feature Finnish Spitz Transylvanian Hound
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
4/5
5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

Finnish Spitz Temperament

Friendly Good-Natured Lively

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.

Transylvanian Hound Temperament

Courageous Good-Natured Determined

The Transylvanian Hound is characterized by being courageous, good-natured, determined, which makes them great companions for families. With their remarkable intelligence, they are highly trainable and quick to learn new commands. 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 Transylvanian Hound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Finnish Spitz
3/5
Transylvanian Hound
4/5

Good with Children

Finnish Spitz
5/5
Transylvanian Hound
5/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Finnish Spitz

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

Transylvanian Hound

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Finnish Spitz

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

Transylvanian Hound

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Finnish Spitz

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Transylvanian Hound

Low High

Rating: 5/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Finnish Spitz

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Transylvanian Hound

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 4/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Finnish Spitz

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Transylvanian Hound

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

Finnish Spitz Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

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

3/5

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.

Transylvanian Hound Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

Transylvanian Hounds 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Transylvanian Hounds 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

Average Lifespan: 13-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye problems
  • Epilepsy
  • Dental issues

Transylvanian Hound Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Bloat
  • Ear Infections
  • Heart Issues

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

Transylvanian Hound

Pros

  • Excellent tracking abilities
  • Loyal companion
  • Good with family
  • Athletic and enduring

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Strong prey drive
  • Can be stubborn
  • Requires space

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Transylvanian Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.