A Detailed Comparison of the Finnish Spitz and the Lowchen.

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Finnish Spitz Versus Lowchen: Introduction

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

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

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 Lowchen

Finnish Spitz versus Lowchen: Overview

A very important difference between the Finnish Spitz and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog while the Lowchen 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 Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Finnish Spitz versus Lowchen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 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 3/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds 9 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
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 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $900 $2870
Price Range $600 – $1100 $1642 – $4500
Temperament Score 72.7 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 179 163

    *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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Lowchen

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

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

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

    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, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Finnish Spitz

    The Lowchen has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Finnish Spitz and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 11 Finnish Spitzs and 12 Lowchens.

    Price of Finnish Spitz versus Price of Lowchen

    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 reviewing the prices of 3 Finnish Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Finnish Spitz Lowchen
    Average Price $900 $2870
    Price Range $600 to $1100 $1642 to $4500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Finnish Spitz puppy or the Lowchen 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 Finnish Spitz versus Popularity of Lowchen

    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 Lowchen over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lowchen is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Spitz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 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 Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Year Finnish Spitz Popularity Rank Lowchen Popularity Rank
    2013 170 154
    2014 174 165
    2015 178 161
    2016 179 171
    2017 177 169
    2018 184 168
    2019 183 158
    2020 187 161

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Lowchen

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Lowchen

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

    Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Lowchen?

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

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

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

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens?

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

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Lowchen

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

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

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

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Lowchens?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Finnish Spitzs and Lowchens?

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

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

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

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?

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

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

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Border Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog     Finnish Spitz versus Vizsla     Finnish Spitz versus English Setter     Finnish Spitz versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Miniature Pinscher     Finnish Spitz versus Italian Greyhound     Finnish Spitz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Goldador     Finnish Spitz versus Shihpoo     

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Great Dane     Lowchen versus Cesky Terrier     Lowchen versus Gordon Setter     Lowchen versus Doberman Pinscher     Lowchen versus Carolina Dog     Lowchen versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Lowchen versus Beagle     Lowchen versus German Longhaired Pointer     Lowchen versus Papipoo     Lowchen versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     

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