Miniature American Shepherd vs Finnish Spitz
Breed Compatibility
92% Compatible
Energy Level
Miniature American Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Finnish Spitz: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Miniature American Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Finnish Spitz: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Miniature American Shepherd: Daily Brushing0.8
Finnish Spitz: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Miniature American Shepherd5/5
Finnish Spitz5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Miniature American Shepherd5/5
Finnish Spitz4/5
Good with Strangers
Miniature American Shepherd3/5
Finnish Spitz3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Miniature American Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision defect
Epilepsy: Neurological condition
Cataracts: Vision clouding concern
Finnish Spitz
Hip dysplasia: joint malformation
Patellar luxation: kneecap issues
Eye problems: progressive conditions
Epilepsy: neurological disorder
Dental issues: periodontal disease
Heart defects: cardiac concerns
Pros & Cons Comparison
Miniature American Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent and trainable
Excellent family companion
Versatile working ability
Compact size
Strong herding instincts
Cons
High exercise needs
Regular grooming required
Can be vocal
Strong herding instinct may need management
Requires consistent training
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 American Shepherd Fun Fact
Despite their small size, they retain all the working abilities of their larger Australian Shepherd ancestors!
Finnish Spitz Fun Fact
Finnish Spitz are known as 'Barking Bird Dogs' due to their unique hunting style of alerting hunters with their voice.
Heritage & Purpose
Miniature American Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in California during the 1960s as a smaller version of Australian Shepherds, these dogs were bred specifically for herding smaller livestock and companion work.
Finnish Spitz
Origin:
Developed in Finland during the 1800s, these dogs served as specialized hunting companions, using their distinctive barking technique to track and tree game birds.
Special Considerations
Miniature American Shepherd
Needs regular grooming to maintain coat condition. Requires substantial exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Finnish Spitz
Regular brushing during shedding seasons, consistent exercise to manage energy levels, and early socialization to control barking tendencies are essential.