Yorkshire 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.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
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: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Finnish Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Finnish Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Finnish Spitzs.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier and Finnish Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, 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 Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire 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, Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
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 Yorkshire Terrier and Finnish Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.