Border Collie vs Finnish Spitz

Herding · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Medium

Quick take
  • Border Collie is the larger breed at 30–55 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Border Collie has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Finnish Spitz sheds less.
  • The Border Collie is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBorder CollieFinnish Spitz
Group
HerdingNon-Sporting
Size
MediumMedium
Origin
ScotlandFinland
Height (male)
19–22"17.5–20"
Height (female)
18–21"15.5–18"
Weight (male)
30–55 lbs25–33 lbs
Weight (female)
30–55 lbs20–28 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years13–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediummedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Border Collie

The Border Collie is the world's premier sheep herder and the most intelligent dog breed — a workaholic that needs a purpose. Originally from Scotland, this medium herding breed typically weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, smart, energetic.

About the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling. Originally from Finland, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 25–33 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, faithful, alert.

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Border Collie health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Collie eye anomaly
  • MDR1 gene mutation

Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy