Breed Comparison: Dogo Argentino Versus Finnish Spitz

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Dogo Argentino Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Finnish Spitz

Dogo Argentino versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz 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.

Dogo Argentino versus Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino Finnish Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 20 to 35 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2510 $900
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $600 – $1100
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 72.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 179

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Finnish Spitz is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Finnish Spitzs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs. However, Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs.
  • Dogo Argentinos 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Finnish Spitz Versus the Dogo Argentino

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 11 Finnish Spitzs.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Finnish Spitz puppy is $900. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $600 – $1100. However, the price of a Finnish Spitz can be as low as $500 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Finnish Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Dogo Argentino Finnish Spitz
    Average Price $2510 $900
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $600 to $1100

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dogo Argentino is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Spitz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Spitz is 179 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank Finnish Spitz Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 187
    2013 no data 170
    2014 no data 174
    2015 no data 178
    2016 no data 179
    2017 no data 177
    2018 no data 184
    2019 no data 183

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Finnish Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Finnish Spitz

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Finnish Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Finnish Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Finnish Spitz

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Finnish Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Finnish Spitz

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Spitz that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Finnish Spitz:

  • Bearded Collie (78 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dogo Argentino and how the Finnish Spitz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dogo Argentino and of the Finnish Spitz to other breeds:

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus French Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Lowchen     Dogo Argentino versus Saluki     Dogo Argentino versus Standard Schnauzer     Dogo Argentino versus Sussex Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Mal Shi     Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher     Dogo Argentino versus Briard     Dogo Argentino versus Shihpoo     Dogo Argentino versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Cavachon     Finnish Spitz versus Catahoula Bulldog     Finnish Spitz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Finnish Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel     Finnish Spitz versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Finnish Spitz versus Keeshond     Finnish Spitz versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Finnish Spitz versus Black Russian Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Finnish Spitz versus West Highland White Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.