A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Shepherd and for the Finnish Spitz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Spitz.

Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Finnish Spitz belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Finnish Spitz based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz

FactorAustralian ShepherdFinnish Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Easy To Groom1/52/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners2/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
General Health2/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things2/53/5
Low Prey Drive2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/52/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds20 to 35 pounds
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1210$1500
Price Range$800 – $1500$1500 – $1500
Temperament Score82.2 percent72.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		• No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)4243

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Finnish Spitz. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Finnish Spitz is a better pet than the Australian Shepherd. So, you should get the Finnish Spitz!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz

    The Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Finnish Spitzs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Finnish Spitzs is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Finnish Spitz

    The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Finnish Spitz is 72.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 72.7 percent, the Finnish Spitz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 11 Finnish Spitzs.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Finnish Spitz puppy is $1500. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Finnish Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Finnish Spitz is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Finnish Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Finnish Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Finnish Spitz puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Intelligence of the Australian Shepherd versus the Intelligence of the Finnish Spitz

    `
    Australian Shepherd Finnish Spitz
    Intelligence Rank 42 out of 130 dog breeds 43 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Australian Shepherd has an obedience intelligence rank of 42 out of 130 dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Australian Shepherds tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Finnish Spitz has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Finnish Spitz belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Finnish Spitzs tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Australian Shepherd is more intelligent than the Finnish Spitz.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Spitz

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Spitz?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Finnish Spitzs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Finnish Spitz

    Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Finnish Spitzs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Finnish Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Spitz?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Finnish Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Finnish Spitzs?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Spitz?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Shepherd and the Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.