Finnish Spitz vs Old English Sheepdog

Non-Sporting · Medium vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed at 60–100 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Finnish Spitz has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Finnish Spitz sheds less.
  • The Old English Sheepdog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitFinnish SpitzOld English Sheepdog
Group
Non-SportingHerding
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
FinlandEngland
Height (male)
17.5–20"22–24"
Height (female)
15.5–18"21–23"
Weight (male)
25–33 lbs60–100 lbs
Weight (female)
20–28 lbs60–100 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years10–12 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
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)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

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 Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is an adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes. Originally from England, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as adaptable, smart, gentle.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy

Old English Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Deafness