Finnish Spitz vs Briard - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Finnish Spitz vs Briard - Breed ComparisonBriard is originated from France but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. Briard may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. Briard may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. Both Briard and Finnish Spitz has almost same life span. Briard may have more litter size than Finnish Spitz. Briard requires High Maintenance. But Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
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France
Finland
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
58 - 65 cm
22 - 26 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 40 kg
66 - 89 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
3 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Berger de Brie Berger Briard
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
Uniform black, fawn, grey or blue.
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
Double, wavy, long, fine
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn, Sweet
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

briardThrough myth and legend, the Briard is thought to be a very ancient dog. A French herding breed, a Briard type of dog appears in writings as early as the end of the 14th century. According to legends the Briard was owned by Napoleon, Charlemagne, Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron, the Briard came into popularity following its appearance in a Paris dog show in 1863. Bred originally to guard and herd sheep, these intelligent, independent dogs were often left on their own. Because they both guarded and herded, their size and structure as well as their personalities were different from other dogs that worked sheep. Those that herded only were fast, agile and smaller. Those that only guarded were heavier, bigger and stronger. The Briard was in-between these two types of breeds. He was well suited to any kind of farm work and guarded the crops from the sheep’s desire to eat them. They moved the sheep from one grazing area to another and then to their holding area at night. No humans had to assist the Briard in this work once they were trained.

During World War 1, the Briards were drafted into service as messengers, sentries and search dogs for lost or injured soldiers. In that time frame the breed served almost to the point of extinction. Breeding programs following the war brought them back. Today the Briard is a home companion, a police dog, as well as both military and civilian search and rescue dogs.

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

briard puppy - descriptionThe Briard is a powerful, intelligent and independent working dog. They have a straight topline and their height is almost the same as their length. They have long, large, rectangular heads with wide muzzles. Their noses are also square and jet black while their side set, large eyes can be black-brown or black. Their ears have traditionally been cropped but with more countries outlawing it, they can now have natural ears set high on the head. They have a tail that is feathered and low-cut. The feet of a Briard are round, compact and large.

The Briard is a double coated breed with a long beard and mustache. Their hair completely covers the head and the eyes so that they are not seen. They have prominent eyebrows as well.

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

briard dog - characteristicsAs mentioned previously the Briard is intelligent and independent. They are also loyal, rugged, protective and bond intensely with their humans. They are often aloof when it comes to strangers or even when new furniture is introduced into the household. They have to learn that anything new into the family environment is friendly and good. They are great with children and susceptible to separation anxiety because of their deep affection for their people. Socialization for puppies is a must. This will let them know that people and children, other dogs in general are not harmful to their families. They have great memories and once they learn something – right or wrong – it is almost impossible to change it. They were bred to be independent thinkers who acted on their own conclusions. This is still true of the breed today, making them appear to be stubborn.

They are great watchdogs, fearless and brave; willing to learn, eager to make you happy. They are basically gentle but that always runs up against their protective nature. A strong alpha leader is needed to handle this hard-working dog.

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

briard puppies - health problemsBeing a large breed, the Briard shares many of the same health concerns as other large breeds. They have a few of their own as well. Typical issues for a Briard might include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – bones don’t fit into joints.

Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration –degeneration of the photoreceptors and retina.

Hypothyroidism – disorder of the thyroid.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists.

Cancer – Number 1 killer of all dogs.

Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder.

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

Feeding

briard dogs - caringIt is best to feed the Briard smaller meals 2-3 times a day to prevent bloat. Feed 3-4 cups total for the day of a dry dog food that is high quality and made for large breeds.

Health issues

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause painful arthritis and lameness

Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark can vary from slight difficulty moving to complete inability to see in the dark.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration – Can lead to night blindness, limited or total blindness. Puppies with the disease can be blind before their first birthday.

Hypothyroidism – disorder of the thyroid.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists. Fatal if not treated quickly. Caused by eating a large meal quickly and either exercise immediately or drink a large amount of water right after eating.

Cancer – Number 1 killer of all dogs. Various types.

Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder leads to excessive bleeding. There is no cure, but it is manageable.

Exercise and games

The Briard is a working dog and as such needs a job. They excel at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, confirmation and tracking. They need exercise and make excellent service dogs for people with disabilities and therapy dogs for those in emotional need.

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