Is the Finnish Spitz or the Hokkaido Ken better for families with children?

Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hokkaido Ken are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Finnish Spitz or the Hokkaido Ken?

The Finnish Spitz and Hokkaido Ken shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Finnish Spitz or the Hokkaido Ken?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Finnish Spitz or Hokkaido Ken bigger?

Finnish Spitz and Hokkaido Ken are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Finnish Spitz or Hokkaido Ken?

Finnish Spitz tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Hokkaido Ken is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Finnish Spitz or Hokkaido Ken?

For apartment or apartment living, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Finnish Spitz vs Hokkaido Ken: Which Is Quieter?

Finnish Spitz vs Hokkaido Ken: full comparison

Trait	Finnish Spitz	Hokkaido Ken
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Very High	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Finnish Spitz has noticeably higher barking than the Hokkaido Ken.

Size and living space

The Finnish Spitz is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Hokkaido Ken is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Finnish Spitz needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Hokkaido Ken needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Finnish Spitz wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Hokkaido Ken wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Finnish Spitz is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and gets on with children when raised around them. The Hokkaido Ken is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Finnish Spitz will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Hokkaido Ken is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Finnish Spitz and Hokkaido Ken are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Finnish Spitz has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Finnish Spitz and Hokkaido Ken are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Finnish Spitz if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Hokkaido Ken on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Hokkaido Ken if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Finnish Spitz or the Hokkaido Ken better for families with children?: Both the Finnish Spitz and the Hokkaido Ken are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Finnish Spitz or the Hokkaido Ken?: The Finnish Spitz and Hokkaido Ken shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Finnish Spitz or the Hokkaido Ken?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Finnish Spitz or Hokkaido Ken bigger?: Finnish Spitz and Hokkaido Ken are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Finnish Spitz or Hokkaido Ken?: Finnish Spitz tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Hokkaido Ken is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Finnish Spitz or Hokkaido Ken?: For apartment or apartment living, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Finnish Spitz vs Hokkaido Ken