English Cocker Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

The “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.

The English Cocker Spaniel has a rich history that dates back to at least the 14th century in England. Originally bred as a bird hunting dog, the breed's name "Cocker" comes from their specialization in hunting the woodcock bird.

Early spaniels, including the Cocker, were used as gun dogs to flush out and retrieve game. Over time, they were developed into a smaller, more agile hunter, distinct from other spaniels like the English Springer Spaniel.

By the 19th century, breeders in England focused on enhancing the breed's stamina, agility, and hunting instincts, while also fostering a gentle temperament. The English Cocker Spaniel became recognized as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel in the early 20th century. Though originally bred for fieldwork, the breed’s affectionate nature and beautiful, silky coat led to its growing popularity as a companion dog.

Today, the English Cocker Spaniel is cherished both as a working dog and a family pet, known for its friendly, playful, and loyal personality.

The 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.

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, elegant, and compact dog known for its beautiful coat and gentle nature. With a graceful, athletic build, it has a slightly wavy, silky coat that is longer on the ears, legs, chest, and belly, giving the dog a refined appearance.

Their large, expressive eyes and long, floppy ears add to their charming look. Typically, they stand between 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm) tall and weigh between 26 to 34 pounds (12 to 15.5 kg), with males being slightly larger than females.

This breed is known for its friendly, affectionate nature, making it a beloved family companion. The English Cocker Spaniel is also energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation, and is well-suited for active families.

Originally bred as a bird hunting dog, they have a strong instinct for retrieving and a keen sense of smell. Despite their hunting background, they are also social and adaptable, getting along well with other pets and children.

Their eager-to-please attitude makes them trainable, though they do require consistency. Overall, the English Cocker Spaniel is a loving, playful, and loyal dog that thrives in a family environment.

Children friendliness

Very 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.

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, graceful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. Standing between 15 to 17 inches tall and weighing between 26 to 34 pounds, they have a silky, slightly wavy coat with longer feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and belly, giving them an elegant appearance.

Their large, expressive eyes and long, floppy ears further enhance their charm. These dogs are gentle, playful, and social, forming strong bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets. Energetic and active, they enjoy regular exercise like walks, playtime, and sometimes swimming.

Smart and eager to please, they are relatively easy to train, though they may show a bit of independence at times. Loyal and loving, they seek companionship and attention from their owners. While generally healthy, English Cocker Spaniels can be prone to certain health issues like ear infections, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Overall, they make excellent companions for active families or individuals due to their affectionate, energetic, and loyal temperament.

Typically, 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

The English Cocker Spaniel is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues: Ear Infections: Their long ears can trap moisture, leading to infections. Regular cleaning is essential. Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition causing progressive vision loss.

Cataracts: Cloudiness in the lens of the eye, common in older dogs. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Heart Issues: Mitral valve disease in older dogs. Obesity: Prone to weight gain if not properly exercised or fed. Regular vet visits, proper diet, and exercise help manage these conditions.

Feeding the puppy

Don’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.

Caring for an English Cocker Spaniel involves meeting their physical, emotional, and grooming needs. They are an active breed, so it’s important to provide daily exercise—a walk or play session for about 30 to 60 minutes will keep them happy and healthy. Mental stimulation is equally important, so be sure to provide toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their mind engaged.

Grooming is essential for this breed, as their long, silky coat needs to be brushed 2–3 times a week to prevent matting, especially around the ears and legs. Regular ear cleaning is also important to avoid infections, and they should be bathed every 4–6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo.Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks and teeth brushing a few times a week will help maintain their overall health.

Their diet should consist of high-quality food tailored to their age, size, and activity level, with fresh water always available. Regular vet visits for vaccinations and health check-ups are crucial, and you should be vigilant for any signs of illness like ear infections or limping. Additionally, early socialization and positive reinforcement training will ensure they grow into well-rounded, obedient companions. By providing consistent care and attention to their physical and emotional needs, your English Cocker Spaniel will thrive as a loyal and loving member of the family.