Finnish Lapphund vs Scottish Deerhound
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
Scottish Deerhound
Hound 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.
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Lapphunds are less energetic than Scottish Deerhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds require more grooming attention compared to Scottish Deerhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Scottish Deerhounds.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds 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 Scottish Deerhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 8-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Agile | Gentle, Dignified, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is characterized by being gentle, dignified, polite, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 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 Scottish Deerhound, 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
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
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Lapphund and Scottish Deerhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.