Finnish Lapphund vs Dalmatian
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
Dalmatian
Non-Sporting Group
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.
Dalmatian Overview
Dalmatians are distinctive spotted dogs with muscular, athletic builds and graceful proportions. Their short, dense coat features unique black or liver-colored spots against a pure white background. Standing proudly with a level topline and deep chest, these dogs possess a dignified bearing and alert expression, complemented by their characteristic spotted ears and tapered tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Lapphunds are less energetic than Dalmatians, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Dalmatians.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Dalmatians.
- Trainability: Dalmatians may be slightly easier to train due to their Dalmatian's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Dalmatians 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 Dalmatian, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Dalmatian |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Dalmatian |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 19-24 inches 48-61 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 | Frequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Dalmatian |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Agile | Dignified, Smart, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Dalmatian |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Dalmatian Temperament
The Dalmatian is characterized by being dignified, smart, outgoing, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Finnish Lapphund and Dalmatian, 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
Dalmatian
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Dalmatian
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Dalmatian
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
Dalmatian
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Dalmatian
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.
Dalmatian Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dalmatians 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, Dalmatians 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
Dalmatian Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Deafness
- Urinary stones
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Eye problems
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
Dalmatian
Pros
- Distinctive appearance
- Athletic and energetic
- Loyal companion
- Good watchdog
- Excellent endurance
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Frequent shedding
- Prone to deafness
- Requires consistent training
- Special dietary needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Lapphund and Dalmatian, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.