Finnish Lapphund vs Leonberger
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
Leonberger
Working 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.
Leonberger Overview
Majestic and powerful, Leonbergers combine impressive strength with gentle grace. Their distinctive lion-like mane frames a noble face with dark brown eyes expressing warmth and intelligence. Standing up to 31.5 inches at the shoulder with a muscular build, these gentle giants showcase a water-resistant double coat in shades of golden to reddish brown, often with a black mask enhancing their expressive features.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Lapphunds are less energetic than Leonbergers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Leonbergers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Leonbergers.
- Trainability: Leonbergers may be slightly easier to train due to their Leonberger's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Leonbergers 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 Leonberger, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 25-32 inches 65-80 cm |
| Weight | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg | 90-170 lbs 41-77 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Agile | Friendly, Gentle, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Leonberger Temperament
The Leonberger is characterized by being friendly, gentle, playful, 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 Finnish Lapphund and Leonberger, 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
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
Leonberger
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
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.
Leonberger Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Leonbergers 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, Leonbergers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Leonberger Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Bone Cancer
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
Leonberger
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Good guard dog instincts
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Requires extensive grooming
- Not suited for small spaces
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Lapphund and Leonberger, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.