Finnish Spitz vs Skye Terrier

Non-Sporting · Medium vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Skye Terrier is the larger breed at 35–45 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 Skye Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitFinnish SpitzSkye Terrier
Group
Non-SportingTerrier
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
FinlandScotland
Height (male)
17.5–20"10"
Height (female)
15.5–18"9.5"
Weight (male)
25–33 lbs35–45 lbs
Weight (female)
20–28 lbs25–35 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
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)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
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)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
mediumlong
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 Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a courageous, canny, fearless Scottish island terrier — once Queen Victoria's favorite, now rare. Originally from Scotland, this small terrier breed typically weighs 35–45 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, canny, fearless.

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Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy

Skye Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hyperthyroidism