Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Finnish Spitz as a Pet? Answer…

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Spitz

Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Finnish Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 20 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1270 $900
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $600 – $1100
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 72.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz

Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Finnish Spitzs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs. However, Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Finnish Spitzs are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Finnish Spitz

    The Fila Brasileiro has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 11 Finnish Spitzs.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Fila Brasileiro Finnish Spitz
    Average Price $1270 $900
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $600 to $1100

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Spitz

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Finnish Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Spitz

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Finnish Spitz

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Norwegian Lundehund     Fila Brasileiro versus Standard Poodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Great Pyrenees     Fila Brasileiro versus Standard Schnauzer     Fila Brasileiro versus Korean Jindo Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Boxerdoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Stabyhoun     Fila Brasileiro versus Carolina Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Coton de Tulear     Fila Brasileiro versus Dachshund     

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Finnish Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Finnish Spitz versus Akbash     Finnish Spitz versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Finnish Spitz versus German Pinscher     Finnish Spitz versus Mudi     Finnish Spitz versus Maltese     Finnish Spitz versus Australian Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Finnish Spitz versus Redbone Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.