Which is Better between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Spitz

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog Finnish Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds 20 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2000 $900
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $600 – $1100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are most different:

  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Finnish Spitzs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz

    The Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are most similar:

  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 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.

    Price of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    The average price of the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Finnish Spitz
    Average Price $2000 $900
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $600 to $1100

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Does the Estrela Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Finnish Spitz

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Spitz?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Spitz?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Spitz

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Spitz?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Spitz

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Are Estrela Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs and Finnish Spitzs?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • 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 Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Chorkie     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Beaglier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Berger Picard     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Chinook     

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Finnish Spitz versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Finnish Spitz versus Manchester Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Boxerdoodle     Finnish Spitz versus Tibetan Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Finnish Spitz versus Cane Corso     Finnish Spitz versus Bernedoodle     Finnish Spitz versus Bull Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Vizsla     

    Conclusion: Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.