Dachshund vs Swedish Lapphund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dachshund
Hound Group
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dachshund Overview
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, embody a perfect blend of charm and determination. Their smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats come in various colors, complementing their alert, intelligent expressions and paddle-shaped paws. Standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact hounds possess muscular bodies designed for tracking prey into burrows, while their long, tapered muzzles and powerful jaws reflect their hunting heritage.
Swedish Lapphund Overview
Swedish Lapphunds possess a distinctive spitz-like appearance with a thick double coat in solid black. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame supports an agile and athletic build, complemented by erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Known for their keen intelligence and lively disposition, these dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with a friendly, alert temperament. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reflect their attentive nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Dachshunds are less energetic than Swedish Lapphunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dachshunds require less grooming attention compared to Swedish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dachshunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Swedish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Dachshunds adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dachshund and Swedish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dachshund | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dachshund | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-9 inches 13-23 cm | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm |
| Weight | 11-32 lbs 5-15 kg | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dachshund | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Spunky | Playful, Intelligent, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dachshund | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund Temperament
The Dachshund is known for being friendly, curious, spunky, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is characterized by being playful, intelligent, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Dachshund and Swedish 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
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dachshund
Rating: 4/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dachshund
Rating: 2/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Dachshund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds 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, Dachshunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish 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, Swedish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Dachshund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- IVDD
- PRA
- Obesity
- Patella
- Heart
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Pros & Cons
Dachshund
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Prone to back problems
- May be vocal
- Can be challenging to housebreak
Swedish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Dachshund and Swedish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.