Irish Red and White Setter vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Irish Red and White Setter vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Irish Red and White Setter is originated from Ireland. Finnish Spitz may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Irish Red and White Setter. Finnish Spitz may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Irish Red and White Setter. Finnish Spitz may live 3 years less than Irish Red and White Setter. Finnish Spitz may have less litter size than Irish Red and White Setter. Both Finnish Spitz and Irish Red and White Setter requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
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Finland
Ireland
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Irish R&W Setter, IRWS
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Creamy white and red
Coat:
double
Shortish, smooth with feathering
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

finnish spitzThe “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.

Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.

However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.

irish red and white setterClassified as a gun dog in the UK for hunting game birds, and as a sporting dog in the USA, the Irish Red and White Setter was available with his red and white coat. Breeders however, started focusing essentially on the red variety so that the red-and-white setter all but disappeared.

Fortunately, the breed was revived and considered a separate breed from the Irish Setter. He has gained recognition with all the major kennel clubs.

Description

finnish spitz puppy - descriptionThe Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.

irish red and white setter puppy - descriptionThe Irish Red and White Setter is a large dog standing at between 56 – 61cm, both male and female, and weighing at around 25 to 34kg.

Always used as a gun dog for its speed and scent, its head is carried high and its long feathery tail is held out level with its back and then it ‘sets’ into a pose, giving its handler a clue where the bird is hiding.

The Irish Red and White Setter has a lean, muscled body which is well proportioned, being slightly more heavily built than the Irish Setter. He also has a broader head.

The coat is shortish but it has those long silky fringes which are known as feathering around the tail, chest and legs. The Irish Red and White Setter is red and white but you may find some freckling around the legs and muzzle. The ears are usually red and they are long, silky and floppy.

Temperament:

As gun dogs, the Irish Red and White Setter is a loyal and devoted family pet who can become a good friend of children too as they love to play. He is a lithe dog and bounding in energy, and he will therefore require a reasonably sized garden.

He will need to be trained and socialized and once trained he makes an obedient and reliable companion.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

finnish spitz dog - characteristicsVery child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.

Special talents

They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.

Adaptability

Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.

Learning ability

They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.

irish red and white setter dog - characteristicsThe Irish Red and White Setter is every bit as beautiful as the Red- or Irish Setter even though he may not be as well known.

Setter lovers are thrilled that this beautiful, playful, well tempered dog has been saved from extinction. He has plenty of stamina to be an excellent sporting dog.

He is intelligent too and easily trained. He is an affectionate, loyal, gentle, devoted family dog and he has also got good looks on his side.

Give him the right kind of food, a warm, dry place to sleep, lots of exercise and games and your love and attention, and you’ve got a friend for life.

Health Problems

finnish spitz puppies - health problemsTypically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:

  • Elbow dysplasia – Can cause arthritis
  • Patellar luxation – movement in the knee joints can cause lameness
  • Epilepsy – seizures can be controlled with medication
  • Hip dysplasia – Just like elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis

Chronic Allergies:

irish red and white setter puppies - health problemsDogs like the Setter can get chronic allergies if they’re exposed to the same food over and over again. Setters are prone to chronic allergies when exposed to a food such as soy. That is why if you’re unsure, rather speak to a dog expert about what to feed a Setter and what to avoid.

Heart Disease:

Feed your Setter foods rich in taurine to avoid heart disease. Taurine is found in chicken and red meat. You can see how important the right food is for your setter as the wrong food can cause a host of illnesses.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

finnish spitz dogs - caringDon’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.

Feeding the adult

The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.

Games and Exercises

Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.

Grooming:

irish red and white setter dogs - caringGrooming your beautiful Irish Red and White Setter isn’t going to be a difficult task, and a good brush twice a week will ensure he stays looking his best.

Because he has long ears, these should be checked, especially if the dog loves to swim. Water, dust, debris and wax can build up and cause an ear infection.

His nails will also need to be trimmed if they get too long and don’t naturally wear down.

Exercise:

This is a beautiful dog that offers ruggedness and endurance, and essentially he needs to be a country dog or live in a home where there is a good sized garden. He loves being on the go, and is a dog that will gladly join you on your hikes, cycling trips or swimming – you can count him in.

Diet:

Irish Red and White Setters are an active breed and are naturally lean and lithe, being fast runners. Make sure to give them the right food so that they maintain this muscle mass.

If in any doubt, speak to your vet to find out what is essential for a dog like this. Protein for instance is vitally important as are fats. These dogs need high amounts of energy. Vitamins and minerals are also very important for keeping a dog healthy and strong.

Try and include some nutritious home-made food into his kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables as well as some raw meat occasionally. These dogs can develop horrible skin allergies if they don’t get in some raw meat from time to time.

Fresh, cool water should be constantly available to your pet.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Finnish Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Finnish Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Finnish Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Finnish Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Finnish Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Finnish Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Finnish Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. Finnish Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Finnish Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Finnish Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Finnish Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  23. Finnish Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
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  25. Finnish Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Irish Red and White Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Red and White Setter vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Irish Red and White Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Irish Red and White Setter vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Red and White Setter vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Red and White Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Red and White Setter vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Irish Red and White Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Red and White Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Irish Red and White Setter vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Red and White Setter vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Red and White Setter vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Red and White Setter vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Red and White Setter vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Red and White Setter vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Red and White Setter vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Red and White Setter vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Red and White Setter vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Red and White Setter vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Red and White Setter vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Irish Red and White Setter vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Red and White Setter vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Irish Red and White Setter vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Irish Red and White Setter vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Irish Red and White Setter vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison