Finnish Spitz vs Wire Fox Terrier

Non-Sporting · Medium vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Finnish Spitz is the larger breed at 25–33 lbs (males) vs 17–19 lbs for the Wire Fox Terrier.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Wire Fox Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Wire Fox Terrier sheds less.
  • The Wire Fox Terrier is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitFinnish SpitzWire Fox Terrier
Group
Non-SportingTerrier
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
FinlandEngland
Height (male)
17.5–20"15"
Height (female)
15.5–18"15"
Weight (male)
25–33 lbs17–19 lbs
Weight (female)
20–28 lbs15–17 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
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)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)High (4/5)
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)Moderate (3/5)
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 Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is a confident, alert, gregarious fox-bolter — high-spirited British show ring star with a wiry white coat. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 17–19 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, gregarious.

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Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy

Wire Fox Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism