Finnish Spitz vs Welsh Terrier
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
Welsh Terrier
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.
Welsh Terrier Overview
Welsh Terriers showcase a sturdy, compact frame with distinctive rectangular heads and dense, wiry black and tan coats. Standing 15 inches at the shoulder, these spirited terriers possess alert, dark eyes and V-shaped ears that fold forward. Their balanced proportions and confident carriage reflect their heritage as capable hunting dogs, while their intelligent expressions hint at their quick-witted nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are more energetic than Welsh Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Welsh Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Welsh Terriers.
- Trainability: Welsh Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Welsh Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Welsh Terriers 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 Welsh Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 20-20 lbs 9-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Friendly, Spirited, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Welsh Terrier Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is characterized by being friendly, spirited, intelligent, 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 Welsh Terrier, 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
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Welsh Terrier
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.
Welsh Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Welsh Terriers 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, Welsh Terriers 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
Welsh Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
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
Welsh Terrier
Pros
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Low-shedding
- Good with children
- Adaptable
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Needs regular grooming
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Welsh Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.