Finnish Spitz vs Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small
Finnish SpitzMedium
A friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling.
Weight: 25–33 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Shiba InuSmall
An alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme.
Weight: 23 lbsLifespan: 13–16 years
Quick take
- • Finnish Spitz is the larger breed at 25–33 lbs (males) vs 23 lbs for the Shiba Inu.
- • The Shiba Inu typically lives longer (13–16 years).
- • The Finnish Spitz sheds less.
- • The Finnish Spitz is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Finnish Spitz | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Finland | Japan |
Height (male) | 17.5–20" | 14.5–16.5" |
Height (female) | 15.5–18" | 13.5–15.5" |
Weight (male) | 25–33 lbs | 23 lbs |
Weight (female) | 20–28 lbs | 17 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–15 years | 13–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | medium | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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 Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.
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Finnish Spitz health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Epilepsy
Shiba Inu health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Allergies