German Shepherd Dog vs Lapponian Herder
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
Lapponian Herder
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Lapponian Herder Overview
Lapponian Herders are medium-sized Nordic dogs with distinctive thick double coats suited for harsh Arctic conditions. Their strong, muscular build combines agility with endurance, featuring pricked ears and a curved tail carried over the back. Alert and keen-eyed, they display the classic spitz-type appearance with a wedge-shaped head and deep chest, embodying their herding heritage through both physical form and attentive demeanor.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Lapponian Herders, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Shepherd Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Lapponian Herders.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lapponian Herders.
- Trainability: Lapponian Herders may be slightly easier to train due to their Lapponian Herder's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Shepherd Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Lapponian Herders typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and Lapponian Herder, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm |
| Weight | 50-90 lbs 23-41 kg | 70-70 lbs 32-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Courageous, Smart | Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lapponian Herder Temperament
The Lapponian Herder is characterized by being friendly, energetic, intelligent, 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 German Shepherd Dog and Lapponian Herder, 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
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 1/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
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.
Lapponian Herder Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lapponian Herders 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, Lapponian Herders 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
Lapponian Herder Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
German Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Loyal
- Versatile
- Protective
- Trainable
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be overprotective
- Health issues
Lapponian Herder
Pros
- Excellent herding abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent and trainable
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct
- Not suited for hot climates
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Shepherd Dog and Lapponian Herder, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.