American Water Spaniel vs Finnish Lapphund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
American Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
American Water Spaniel Overview
American Water Spaniels showcase a distinctive curly brown coat and muscular build, standing 15-18 inches at the shoulder. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame reflects their sporting heritage, while their expressive eyes and alert ears convey intelligence. These versatile dogs combine eager enthusiasm with a charming personality, displaying both working ability and companionable traits.
Finnish Lapphund Overview
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized herding dogs with thick double coats in various colors, featuring distinctive spitz-like characteristics including a bushy tail and pointed ears. Their expressive faces showcase alert, dark eyes and a gentle, friendly expression. Muscular yet agile, they move with effortless grace, displaying the stamina that made them excellent reindeer herders.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: American Water Spaniels are less energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: American Water Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, American Water Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Finnish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Water Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Finnish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the American Water Spaniel and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | United States | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-18 inches 38-46 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 25-45 lbs 11-20 kg | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Eager, Happy, Charming | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | American Water Spaniel | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
American Water Spaniel Temperament
The American Water Spaniel is known for being eager, happy, charming, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Finnish Lapphund Temperament
The Finnish Lapphund is characterized by being friendly, alert, agile, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the American Water Spaniel and Finnish Lapphund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
American Water Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
American Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Water Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Water Spaniels require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Finnish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Lapphunds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Finnish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
American Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
American Water Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent water retrievers
- Versatile hunting companions
- Good family dogs
- Moderate size
- Smart and trainable
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- Needs lots of exercise
- May be reserved with strangers
Finnish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather resistant
- Adaptable
Cons
- Heavy seasonal shedding
- Can be vocal
- Needs regular exercise
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the American Water Spaniel and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.