Is the Berger Picard Better than the Finnish Spitz as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Berger Picard Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard or the Finnish Spitz.

Berger Picard versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Berger Picard is a large-sized dog while the Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Berger Picard 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.

Berger Picard versus Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz

Factor Berger Picard Finnish Spitz
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 20 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2600 $1500
Price Range $2400 – $2800 $1500 – $1500
Temperament Score 95.2 percent 72.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are most different:

    • Berger Picards are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Berger Picards are very easy to groom. However, Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz

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

    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are very easy to train.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Berger Picard versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz.

    Berger Picards weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Berger Picards are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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 Berger Picard versus Finnish Spitz

    The lifespan of Berger Picards is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Berger Picards 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 Finnish Spitz Versus the Berger Picard

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 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 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard has an above-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 Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz by measuring the temperaments of 21 Berger Picards and 11 Finnish Spitzs.

    Price of Berger Picard versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    The average price of the Berger Picard puppy is $2600. The price of the Berger Picard typically ranges from $2400 – $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. 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 Berger Picard 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Berger Picard versus Finnish Spitz

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Berger Picards shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Berger Picard or the Finnish Spitz

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Berger Picard or the Finnish Spitz?

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Berger Picard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    Berger Picards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

    Do Berger Picards Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Berger Picard vs. Finnish Spitz

    Berger Picards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Berger Picards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Berger Picard or the Finnish Spitz?

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Berger Picards good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Berger Picards 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 Berger Picards and Finnish Spitzs?

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Berger Picard Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Berger Picard Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Berger Picard or the Finnish Spitz?

    Berger Picards are very good for new dog owners.

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard and the Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.