Finnish Spitz vs Irish Terrier

Non-Sporting · Medium vs Terrier · Medium

Quick take
  • Finnish Spitz is the larger breed at 25–33 lbs (males) vs 27 lbs for the Irish Terrier.
  • The Irish Terrier sheds less.
  • The Irish Terrier is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitFinnish SpitzIrish Terrier
Group
Non-SportingTerrier
Size
MediumMedium
Origin
FinlandIreland
Height (male)
17.5–20"18"
Height (female)
15.5–18"18"
Weight (male)
25–33 lbs27 lbs
Weight (female)
20–28 lbs25 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years13–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
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)Low (2/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
mediumwirehaired
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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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 Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 27 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as bold, dashing, tenderhearted.

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Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy

Irish Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hyperkeratosis
  • Eye disorders