Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Working Group
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog stands as a testament to ancient guardian breeding. With a muscular build, thick double coat, and imposing presence, these dogs command respect through their noble bearing. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pendant ears, and a curled tail, while their protective instincts and independent nature reflect centuries of livestock guardian heritage.
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: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Anatolian Shepherd Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Finnish Lapphunds adapt better to apartment living, while Anatolian Shepherd Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Turkey | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-29 inches 69-74 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 80-150 lbs 36-68 kg | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Independent, Reserved | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is known for being loyal, independent, reserved, 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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog 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
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 2/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 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, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Independent nature
- Weather-resistant coat
- Low grooming needs
- Loyal to family
Cons
- Strong-willed and challenging to train
- Requires extensive socialization
- Not suitable for small spaces
- Can be territorial
- Independent decision-making
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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.