Leonberger vs Finnish Spitz
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Leonberger
Working Group
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Leonberger Overview
Majestic and powerful, Leonbergers combine impressive strength with gentle grace. Their distinctive lion-like mane frames a noble face with dark brown eyes expressing warmth and intelligence. Standing up to 31.5 inches at the shoulder with a muscular build, these gentle giants showcase a water-resistant double coat in shades of golden to reddish brown, often with a black mask enhancing their expressive features.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Leonbergers are less energetic than Finnish Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Leonbergers require more grooming attention compared to Finnish Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Leonbergers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Finnish Spitzs.
- Trainability: Finnish Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Finnish Spitzs adapt better to apartment living, while Leonbergers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Leonberger and Finnish Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Leonberger | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 9-9 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Leonberger | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 65-80 cm | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm |
| Weight | 90-170 lbs 41-77 kg | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Leonberger | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Gentle, Playful | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Leonberger | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Leonberger Temperament
The Leonberger is known for being friendly, gentle, playful, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Finnish Spitz Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is characterized by being friendly, good-natured, lively, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Leonberger and Finnish Spitz, 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
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Leonberger
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Leonberger Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Leonbergers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Leonbergers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Finnish Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Spitzs 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, Finnish Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Leonberger Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Bone Cancer
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Pros & Cons
Leonberger
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Good guard dog instincts
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Requires extensive grooming
- Not suited for small spaces
- High food costs
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Leonberger and Finnish Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.