Differences and Similarities between the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Finnish Spitz Versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier? 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 Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Finnish Spitz and for the Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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

Finnish Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog while the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Glen of Imaal Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Finnish Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Finnish Spitz Glen of Imaal Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds Up to 35 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $900 No Data
Price Range $600 – $1100 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 179 168

    *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 Finnish Spitz 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Glen of Imaal Terrier is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a better pet than the Finnish Spitz. So, you should get the Glen of Imaal Terrier!

    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 Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are most different:

  • Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.
  • Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    The Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, Glen of Imaal Terriers weigh Up to 35 pounds when fully grown. Glen of Imaal Terriers are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    The Popularity of Finnish Spitz versus Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    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 Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Spitz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Spitz is 179 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Year Finnish Spitz Popularity Rank Glen of Imaal Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 170 167
    2014 174 162
    2015 178 168
    2016 179 180
    2017 177 158
    2018 184 174
    2019 183 168
    2020 187 169

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Spitz or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to train.

    Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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.

    Do Finnish Spitzs shed more than Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Finnish Spitzs and Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Spitz or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    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 Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier:

  • Australian Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Australian Terrier.
  • Silky Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Silky Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Greyhound     Finnish Spitz versus Boerboel     Finnish Spitz versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Finnish Spitz versus French Bulldog     Finnish Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel     Finnish Spitz versus Golden Retriever     Finnish Spitz versus Bich Poo     Finnish Spitz versus Cairn Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Shiranian     Finnish Spitz versus Belgian Sheepdog     

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Kuvasz     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Collie     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Brittany     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Mudi     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Affenpinscher     

    Conclusion: Finnish Spitz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Finnish Spitz and the Glen of Imaal Terrier better suits you and your family.