Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Finnish Spitz Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Finnish Spitz Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Finnish Spitz versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Finnish Spitz versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Finnish Spitzs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Finnish Spitzs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Finnish Spitz Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Portuguese Water Dog
Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
Both the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Finnish Spitz to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 | Portuguese Water Dog |
---|---|---|
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 | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Weight | 20 to 35 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
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 | 1/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
Average Price | $900 | $2860 |
Price Range | $600 – $1100 | $2500 – $3300 |
Temperament Score | 72.7 percent | 77.9 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 179 | 50 |
*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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Finnish Spitz. So, you should get the Portuguese Water 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 Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Temperament of the Finnish Spitz Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.
This is because the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Finnish Spitz and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 11 Finnish Spitzs and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Finnish Spitz versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of a Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.
Finnish Spitz | Portuguese Water Dog | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $900 | $2860 |
Price Range | $600 to $1100 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Finnish Spitz and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Finnish Spitz puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Finnish Spitz puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Portuguese Water Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Spitz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Year | Finnish Spitz Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 170 | 49 |
2014 | 174 | 52 |
2015 | 178 | 52 |
2016 | 179 | 51 |
2017 | 177 | 54 |
2018 | 184 | 50 |
2019 | 183 | 49 |
2020 | 187 | 49 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog
Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog
Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Is the Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Finnish Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Finnish Spitzs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Finnish Spitzs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Finnish Spitzs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Finnish Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Finnish Spitzs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Spitz or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Finnish Spitz and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Finnish Spitz and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Finnish Spitz versus Saint Berdoodle Finnish Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog Finnish Spitz versus Toy Poodle Finnish Spitz versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Finnish Spitz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Finnish Spitz versus Field Spaniel Finnish Spitz versus Cockalier Finnish Spitz versus Bernese Mountain Dog Finnish Spitz versus Cockalier Finnish Spitz versus Skye Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog versus Bracco Italiano Portuguese Water Dog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Schipperke Portuguese Water Dog versus English Toy Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Papipoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Saluki Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinook Portuguese Water Dog versus Japanese Spitz
Conclusion: Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.