Comparison: Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound Grey are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Finnish Spitz
Photo: Karelgerda. Karelgerda, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Norwegian Elkhound Grey
Photo: Dmitry Guskov, Public domain, source
Finnish SpitzNorwegian Elkhound Grey
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFinlandNorway
CategoryMediumMedium
Recognition features
  • Smaller than medium-sized, almost square spitz with bright red or golden-red coat
  • Stand-off coat with long trousers and a bushy tail
  • Tail curled tightly back and down along the hip; erect, pointed ears
  • Squarely built, compact spitz with tail tightly curled over the back
  • Grey coat with black-tipped hairs, lighter harness marking and dark mask
  • Erect, pointed ears
CoatModerately long, stand-off coat; back bright red or golden red, with lighter shades on cheeks, throat, chest and belly.Medium length, thick, coarse and abundant outer coat without curls over a soft undercoat; grey in various shades with black tips, paler on chest, belly and legs.
PurposeFinnish hunting dog that barks at game birds up in trees; the national dog of Finland.Norwegian elk hunter that tracks and bays moose; also kept as a guard and companion.

Breed page: Finnish Spitz · Breed page: Norwegian Elkhound Grey

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.