Finnish Lapphund vs American Leopard Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
American Leopard Hound
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Leopard Hound Overview
American Leopard Hounds possess a muscular, well-proportioned build with distinctive spotted or brindle coats. Standing 21-27 inches at the shoulder, these agile hunters showcase remarkable endurance and athleticism. Their expressive eyes and keen sense of smell complement their intelligent, sociable nature, while their medium-sized frame combines strength with surprising agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Lapphunds are less energetic than American Leopard Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to American Leopard Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American Leopard Hounds.
- Trainability: American Leopard Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American Leopard Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Leopard Hounds 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 Finnish Lapphund and American Leopard Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | American Leopard Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | American Leopard Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm |
| Weight | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | American Leopard Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Agile | Sociable, Energetic, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | American Leopard Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Finnish Lapphund Temperament
The Finnish Lapphund is known for being friendly, alert, agile, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
American Leopard Hound Temperament
The American Leopard Hound is characterized by being sociable, energetic, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Finnish Lapphund and American Leopard Hound, 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
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
American Leopard Hound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
American Leopard Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
American Leopard Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
American Leopard Hound
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
American Leopard Hound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Finnish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Lapphunds 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, Finnish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Leopard Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Leopard Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Leopard Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
American Leopard Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
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
American Leopard Hound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- May be too energetic for apartments
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Lapphund and American Leopard Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.