Finnish Spitz vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Argentine Dogo - Breed ComparisonArgentine Dogo is originated from Argentina but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Argentine Dogo may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Argentine Dogo may weigh 30 kg / 67 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Both Argentine Dogo and Finnish Spitz has almost same life span. Both Argentine Dogo and Finnish Spitz has almost same litter size. Argentine Dogo requires Low Maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
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Argentina
Finland
Height Male:
60 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
60 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Argentinian Mastiff, Argentine Mastiff, Dogo
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
White
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
Short and smooth
double
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

argentine dogoKnown also as the Argentinian Mastiff, this large dog breed from Argentina is a descendant of the extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba. People were looking for a fearless, companionable dog, and a man, Martinez from Argentina, began a selective breeding program to get a breed that wasn’t essentially geared to fighting.

A number of breeds were mixed to achieve the desired characteristics in the Argentine Dogo breed.

It is unfortunate that the dog has been used for fighting and that it comes across as a dangerous dog so that today it is banned in several countries.

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.

Description

argentine dogo puppy - descriptionThe Argentine Dogo is a striking looking dog, large, muscular and powerful looking. He stands at about 60 – 68cm and weighs about 35 – 45kg.

He has a pure white coat. The coat is short and smooth. The ears are high set and most times cropped and erect.The Dogo’s tail is long and hangs naturally.

Temperament

The Argentine Dogo is a companion dog today who can be loving and loyal towards his human family. He is a strong willed dog with a distrust of strangers and other animals.

He will most certainly require training and socialization if you want him to behave well among people and animals. With proper training and socialization, he can make a good family pet.

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.

Characteristics

argentine dogo dog - characteristicsThis big, muscular white dog with his short white coat was once a hunting dog so he is active and energetic. He is also intelligent and courageous, loving his human family and wanting to protect them being a strong characteristic of his.

The Argentine Dogo is social, strong, loyal and devoted and just wants to be part of his human family and all their activities. It is important that he is trained and socialized at an early age because then he is obedient and relaxed around people and pets in the home.

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.

Health Problems

argentine dogo puppies - health problemsThe Argentine Dogo can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age if he is looked after well, however about 10% of Argentine Dogos suffer from pigment-related deafness in one or both ears.

Dogs with white coats often have to contend with deafness.

Deafness in Dogs:

A dog can lose it’s hearing because of an ear infection. That is why it is so important to watch your pets ears and make sure that the ears aren’t red and that your pet isn't continually scratching his ears.

The most common cause of congenital deafness with a dog is pigment-related. Dogs with white coats are often affected by deafness and you commonly see deafness in dogs with white pigmented skin because they carry the piebald gene – the white coat and often blue eyes. Without a particular stem cell, the white dog’s body isn’t able to make a special layer of hearing cells.

Hip Dysplasia:

There is a high rate of hip dysplasia with these dogs and more than 40% of Argentine Dogos have malformed hips. This isn’t a dog ailment to take lightly as it can lead to pain, discomfort and even lameness for your pet.

Skin- and Eye Diseases:

Skin diseases such as red, itchy allergies are also common with these dogs as well as eye diseases.

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

Caring The Pet

Brushing and Grooming:

argentine dogo dogs - caringWith his short coat, the Argentine Dogo is a low maintenance dog, requiring a good brush twice a week. Its a pure white dog, and wiping him down with a damp cloth can keep his coat looking dazzling white and clean.

Grooming your dog like this gives you a good chance to also check your pet for fleas and ticks and to ensure the skin is free from infection or dryness. You will find that he sheds a bit more in the hotter seasons, but during the colder months it will be wise to bring your pet indoors.

Other areas to consistently check with your dog are his nails – to keep them trimmed, to clean his teeth 2 or 3 times a week with proper canine toothbrush and toothpaste and to check his ears for infection.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  10. Finnish Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Argentine Dogo vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Argentine Dogo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Argentine Dogo vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Argentine Dogo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Argentine Dogo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Argentine Dogo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Argentine Dogo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Argentine Dogo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Argentine Dogo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Argentine Dogo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Argentine Dogo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Argentine Dogo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Argentine Dogo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Argentine Dogo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Argentine Dogo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Argentine Dogo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Argentine Dogo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Argentine Dogo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Argentine Dogo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Argentine Dogo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Argentine Dogo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Argentine Dogo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Argentine Dogo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Argentine Dogo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Argentine Dogo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison