Sealyham Terrier 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.
Sealyham Terrier
Terrier Group
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Sealyham Terrier Overview
Sealyham Terriers showcase a distinctive white coat and muscular build, standing 10.5 inches at the shoulder. Their powerful jaws and strong neck reflect their hunting heritage, while their long, broad head features dark eyes and folded ears. These sturdy terriers combine an alert, outgoing personality with a charming sense of humor, making them both capable workers and delightful companions.
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: Sealyham Terriers are less energetic than Finnish Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Sealyham Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Finnish Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Sealyham Terriers 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: Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier and Finnish Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-11 inches 27-27 cm | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm |
| Weight | 23-24 lbs 10-11 kg | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Outgoing, Sense Of Humor | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Sealyham Terrier Temperament
The Sealyham Terrier is known for being alert, outgoing, sense of humor, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Sealyham Terrier 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
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Sealyham Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sealyham Terriers 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, Sealyham Terriers 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
Sealyham Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Lens Luxation
- Hip Issues
- Allergies
- Deafness
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Pros & Cons
Sealyham Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Requires experienced handling
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 Sealyham Terrier and Finnish Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.