German Shepherd has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Finnish Spitz has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Obedient
Confident
Curious
Loyal
Watchful

Happy
Intelligent
Playful
Independent
Loyal
Vocal

German Shepherds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Finnish Spitzs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Choose a German Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Finnish Spitzs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Germany

Finland

Shepherding Dog, Wolf-type Dog

northern spitz

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

1800s

ancient times

Herding (AKC:1908, UKC)

Non Sporting (AKC:1988)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Black
Gray
Red
Silver
Sable
Fawn

Red

German Shepherds have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Finnish Spitzs have medium-length coats.

A German Shepherd can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Finnish Spitz can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

German Shepherds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Finnish Spitzs have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

German Shepherd has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Finnish Spitz has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

German Shepherds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Finnish Spitzs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

German Shepherd dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Finnish Spitz dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

German Shepherd dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

While Finnish Spitz dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

German Shepherds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Finnish Spitzs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Shepherd, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Finnish Spitz, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most German Shepherds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Finnish Spitzs usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 65-90 pound (29 - 41 kg) German Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 25-33 pound (11 - 15 kg) Finnish Spitz feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a German Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Finnish Spitz is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a German Shepherd is between $55 - $77. This makes an average of $660 - $924 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Finnish Spitz is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

German Shepherd is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Finnish Spitzs are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Finnish Spitzs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

German Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

The Finnish Spitz is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

German Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Finnish Spitzs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

German Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Finnish Spitzs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

German Shepherds are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Finnish Spitzs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

German Shepherds are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Finnish Spitzs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

German Shepherds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Finnish Spitzs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.