Finnish Spitz vs German Shorthaired Pointer

Non-Sporting · Medium vs Sporting · Large

Quick take
  • German Shorthaired Pointer is the larger breed at 55–70 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer has higher daily energy needs.
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitFinnish SpitzGerman Shorthaired Pointer
Group
Non-SportingSporting
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
FinlandGermany
Height (male)
17.5–20"23–25"
Height (female)
15.5–18"21–23"
Weight (male)
25–33 lbs55–70 lbs
Weight (female)
20–28 lbs45–60 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years10–12 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)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.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediumshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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.

About the German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, willing to please.

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Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy

German Shorthaired Pointer health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye conditions
  • Lymphedema