Finnish Lapphund vs Samoyed
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
Samoyed
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.
Samoyed Overview
Majestic and snow-white, Samoyeds captivate with their distinctive upturned mouth corners forming their famous 'Sammy smile'. Their thick double coat features a soft, woolly undercoat and straight outer coat that stands off the body, creating an impressive ruff around the neck and shoulders. Gentle yet spirited, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility, reflecting their heritage as working dogs of the Arctic.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Lapphunds are less energetic than Samoyeds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Samoyeds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Samoyeds.
- Trainability: Samoyeds may be slightly easier to train due to their Samoyed's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Samoyeds 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 Samoyed, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 19-24 inches 48-60 cm |
| Weight | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Agile | Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Samoyed Temperament
The Samoyed is characterized by being adaptable, friendly, gentle, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Finnish Lapphund and Samoyed, 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
Samoyed
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Samoyed
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
Samoyed
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
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.
Samoyed Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Samoyeds 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, Samoyeds 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
Samoyed Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Heart Issues
- Glaucoma
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
Samoyed
Pros
- Friendly and gentle temperament
- Great with children
- Low aggression levels
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Not suitable for hot climates
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Lapphund and Samoyed, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.