German Shepherd Dog 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.
German Shepherd Dog
Herding Group
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Shepherd Dog Overview
German Shepherd Dogs embody strength and nobility with their distinctive pointed ears, intelligent brown eyes, and powerful athletic build. Their double coat features a dense outer layer in various shades of black and tan. Standing confidently with a smooth gait, these dogs display remarkable agility and stamina. Their alert expression and muscular frame reflect their heritage as versatile working 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: German Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Shepherd Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Finnish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 50-90 lbs 23-41 kg | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Courageous, Smart | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Shepherd Dog Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog is known for being confident, courageous, smart, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 German Shepherd Dog 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
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd Dogs 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, German Shepherd Dogs 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
German Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- DM
- EPI
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
German Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Loyal
- Versatile
- Protective
- Trainable
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be overprotective
- Health issues
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 German Shepherd Dog and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.