German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Deutscher Spitz or Finnish Hunting Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz" Compare German Shepherd and German Spitz. Which is better: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	German Spitz	Finnish Spitz
Origins	Germany	Germany	Finland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	344	177
Reviews	19	2	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Deutscher Spitz	Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen Pystykorva Suomenpystykorva Barking Bird Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	Large	Small Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, German Shepherd or German Spitz or German Spitz? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz weight comparison:	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)	31-35 pounds (14-16 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)	33 pounds (15 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz height comparison:	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)	15-20 inches (38-51 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)	17.5 inches (44.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? Which is more expensive?	$800-$2000	$800-$1000	$500-$700
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Frequent: The Finnish Spitz is easier than average to get.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz intelligence:	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz trainability comparison.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz behavior/temperament comparison:	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable	Playful Independent Happy Intelligent Loyal Vocal
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Finnish Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Finnish Spitz is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz playfulness comparison:	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The German Spitz is a playful breed. See more.	The Finnish Spitz is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Finnish Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Finnish Spitz breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Average: Finnish Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Finnish Spitz dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Finnish Spitz bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Finnish Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz mouthiness comparison:	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.	Finnish Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems	Eye Problems Joint Problems Epilepsy
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Finnish Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, German Spitz and Finnish Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Finnish Spitz: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Finnish Spitz can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz energy level comparison:	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Finnish Spitz dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Finnish Spitz dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Finnish Spitz dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Finnish Spitz has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz coat comparison:	Fuzzy	Dense Straight	Dense Thick Double
Colors What are the original German Shepherd, German Spitz and Finnish Spitz color?	Black Tan Red Silver	Black White Orange Tricolor	Red Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz grooming comparison:	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Finnish Spitz requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? German Shepherd or German Spitz or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.	Finnish Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Finnish Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Finnish Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.	Finnish Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Finnish Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Finnish Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Finnish Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Finnish Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Finnish Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Finnish Spitz is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Finnish Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or German Spitz or Finnish Spitz? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Finnish Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can German Shepherd and German Spitz and Finnish Spitz have?	6-10 puppies	2-4 puppies	3-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

German Shepherd vs German Spitz vs Finnish Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service	American Kennel Club Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club

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