Dutch Shepherd 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.
Dutch Shepherd
Miscellaneous Class
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dutch Shepherd Overview
Dutch Shepherds showcase a muscular, well-proportioned build with distinctive brindle coats in varying lengths. Their alert, wedge-shaped heads feature upright ears and expressive dark eyes. Standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall, these athletic herders possess remarkable agility and stamina. Their intelligent expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs.
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: Dutch Shepherds are more energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dutch Shepherds require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dutch Shepherds 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: Finnish Lapphunds adapt better to apartment living, while Dutch Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-62 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 42-75 lbs 19-34 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 | Dutch Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Lively, Athletic | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dutch Shepherd Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is known for being intelligent, lively, athletic, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Dutch Shepherd 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
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Dutch Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dutch Shepherds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dutch Shepherds 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
Dutch Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Goniodysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
Dutch Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Versatile working ability
- Athletic and agile
- Strong protective instincts
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong herding drive
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be territorial
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 Dutch Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.