Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix

The Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Finnish Spitz and the Old English Sheepdog. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Finnish Spitz is known for being intelligent, happy, and independent. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Finnish Spitz or the Old English Sheepdog? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Finnish Spitz History

The exact origin of the Finnish Spitz is not really known, however, it obviously came from Finland. Similar dogs have been used to hunt game in that area of the world for hundreds of years. The hypothesis is that this type of dog was brought to Finland from Russia thousands of years ago. Like most dogs that migrated with people over time they were good all-purpose hunting dogs. Being that there weren’t really any other influences on them, they developed without a whole lot of influence from other breeds. As people were able to migrate back and forth and move dogs, breeding with other dogs was happening more often. So much cross-breeding occurred that the breed was virtually extinct.
Two fellas from Helsinki - Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos - were on a hunting trip and ran into the Spitz. They realized how special they were and they set out to save them. It is still not a common breed, but is the national dog of Finland.

Old English Sheepdog History

The Old English Sheepdog comes from a breed of dog that originates in England. Names that are now obsolete for this breed include Shepherd’s Dog and Bob-Tailed Sheep-Dog.

The Old English Sheepdog was historically a drover which means it helped farmers drive cattle and sheep to the market. Today, they are more of companion dog than anything. They make great family pets are adaptable, intelligent, and very easy-going.

All around, the Old English Sheepdog is friendly; and although they are larger dogs, they would be as happy in an apartment as in a home. As long as they are with family, they would do well in most environments. Being not only kid and stranger-friendly, they are also dog-friendly.

The exact origin of an Old English Sheepdog is not known. There were dogs there were similar to the Old English Sheepdog, but there were no records that were kept. There is a small dog that looks similar to an Old English Sheepdog in a painting by Gainsborough in 1771 that many believe could be an earlier type of Old English Sheepdog. Then in the early 19th Century there was a dog called a Smithfield or Cotswold Cor that could have been an ancestor as well. The Bearded Collie is agreed to be among the original stock that was used in creating todays breed. Some think the Russian Owtchar was part of the ancestor list as well.

When the Old English Sheepdog was called the Shepherd’s Dog, it was first exhibited in 1873 in Birmingham, England. The breed was exposed to the United States in the 1880s, and by the 20th Century, the breed has been bred by five of the ten wealthiest American families.

Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix Size and Weight

Finnish Spitz
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 15 - 29 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years

Old English Sheepdog
Height: 20 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 60 - 100 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix Personality

The Finnish Spitz and the Old English Sheepdog are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Finnish Spitz mixed with the Old English Sheepdog might be prone to joint dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Finnish Spitz Old English Sheepdog Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Finnish Spitz Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in