DogMatchUp

Lapponian Herder vs Bolognese

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Lapponian Herder
Medium

Lapponian Herder

Foundation Stock Service

Bolognese
Toy

Bolognese

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Lapponian Herder Medium
Bolognese Toy

Lifespan

Lapponian Herder 10-14 years
Bolognese 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Lapponian Herder 3/5
Bolognese 2/5

Grooming Needs

Lapponian Herder 3/5
Bolognese 4/5

Breed Overview

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent

Bolognese Overview

Graceful and elegant, the Bolognese captivates with its cloud-like white coat and endearing expression. Distinguished by a compact, square-built frame and flowing pure white fur that forms loose, open ringlets, these charming companions possess a naturally dignified bearing. Their gentle, alert expression and dark round eyes reflect an intelligent and affectionate nature.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Toy
Temperament: Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Lapponian Herders are more energetic than Bologneses, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Lapponian Herders require less grooming attention compared to Bologneses.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lapponian Herders tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bologneses.
  • Trainability: Bologneses may be slightly easier to train due to their Bolognese's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Bologneses 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 Lapponian Herder and Bolognese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Lapponian Herder Bolognese
Size Medium Toy
Life Expectancy 10-14 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Foundation Stock Service Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Lapponian Herder Bolognese
Height
18-20 inches
46-51 cm
10-12 inches
25-30 cm
Weight
70-70 lbs
32-32 kg
5-9 lbs
2-4 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Infrequent

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Lapponian Herder Bolognese
Temperament Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted
Energy Level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Lapponian Herder Bolognese
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
4/5

Temperament & Personality

Lapponian Herder Temperament

Friendly Energetic Intelligent

The Lapponian Herder is known for being friendly, energetic, intelligent, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.

Bolognese Temperament

Playful Easy-Going Devoted

The Bolognese is characterized by being playful, easy-going, devoted, 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 Lapponian Herder and Bolognese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Lapponian Herder
3/5
Bolognese
3/5

Good with Children

Lapponian Herder
3/5
Bolognese
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Lapponian Herder

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Bolognese

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Lapponian Herder

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Bolognese

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Lapponian Herder

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Bolognese

Low High

Rating: 2/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Lapponian Herder

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Bolognese

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Lapponian Herder

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Bolognese

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Lapponian Herder Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Lapponian Herders 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Lapponian Herders require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Bolognese Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

2/5

Bologneses 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

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Bologneses 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

Lapponian Herder Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Allergies

Bolognese Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Problems
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Dental Issues
  • Heart Murmurs

Pros & Cons

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

Bolognese

Pros

  • Minimal shedding
  • Excellent companion dog
  • Good for apartments
  • Highly adaptable

Cons

  • Regular grooming needed
  • Can be stubborn
  • Separation anxiety prone
  • Relatively rare breed

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Lapponian Herder and Bolognese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.