Finnish Spitz vs Finnish Lapphund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting Group
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Finnish Spitz Overview
Finnish Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like appearance with their pointed ears, dense reddish-gold coat, and alert expression. Their medium-sized, square-proportioned body exhibits remarkable agility and strength. These spirited companions combine intelligence with a friendly demeanor, displaying natural hunting instincts and vocal tendencies characteristic of their heritage as bark-pointing dogs.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Spitzs are more energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Spitzs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Finnish Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Finnish Lapphunds adapt better to apartment living, while Finnish Spitzs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Finnish Spitz and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Spitz | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Finnish Spitz Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is known for being friendly, good-natured, lively, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Finnish Lapphund Temperament
The Finnish Lapphund is characterized by being friendly, alert, agile, 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 Spitz and Finnish Lapphund, 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 Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Finnish Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Spitzs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Finnish Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Finnish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Lapphunds 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, Finnish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
Finnish Spitz
Pros
- Loyal family companion
- Excellent watchdog
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Frequent barker
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Spitz and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.