Differences and Similarities between the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart.

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Finnish Spitz Versus Hovawart: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart.

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 Hovawart

Finnish Spitz versus Hovawart: Overview

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

Finnish Spitz versus Hovawart: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Height 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 29 inches
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds 55 to 110 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
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 12.0 years
Average Price $900 No Data
Price Range $600 – $1100 No Data
Temperament Score 72.7 percent 91.7 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 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125.

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

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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart

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

  • Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs. However, Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Hovawarts are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart

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

  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Hovawart

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

    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, Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Finnish Spitz

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 72.7 percent, the Finnish Spitz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Finnish Spitz and the Hovawart by measuring the temperaments of 11 Finnish Spitzs and 24 Hovawarts.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Hovawart

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Hovawart

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Hovawart?

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

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Hovawart?

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Hovawart?

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Hovawart?

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

    Hovawarts 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.

    Do Finnish Spitzs shed more than Hovawarts?

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

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Hovawart

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

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

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Hovawarts?

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

    Hovawarts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Finnish Spitzs and Hovawarts?

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

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Hovawarts?

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

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend 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 Hovawart vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Spanish Mastiff.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Finnish Spitz versus Beaglier     Finnish Spitz versus Chihuahua     Finnish Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Finnish Spitz versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Finnish Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Finnish Spitz versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Finnish Spitz versus Cane Corso     Finnish Spitz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Gordon Setter     Hovawart versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Hovawart versus Shiba Inu     Hovawart versus Kai Ken     Hovawart versus Pomsky     Hovawart versus Bloodhound     Hovawart versus Harrier     Hovawart versus Irish Water Spaniel     Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     

    Conclusion: Finnish Spitz versus Hovawart. 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 Hovawart better suits you and your family.