Lapponian Herder vs Hokkaido
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lapponian Herder
Foundation Stock Service
Hokkaido
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
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.
Hokkaido Overview
Hokkaido dogs showcase a powerful, agile build with a dignified bearing characteristic of ancient Japanese breeds. Their double coat features a dense undercoat and straight, harsh outer coat, typically seen in colors like sesame, brindle, red, black, or white. Alert ears, keen eyes, and a curled tail complement their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame, reflecting their heritage as hunting companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lapponian Herders are less energetic than Hokkaidos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lapponian Herders require less grooming attention compared to Hokkaidos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lapponian Herders tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hokkaidos.
- Trainability: Hokkaidos may be slightly easier to train due to their Hokkaido's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hokkaidos 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 Hokkaido, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm |
| Weight | 70-70 lbs 32-32 kg | 44-66 lbs 20-30 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent | Dignified, Alert, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lapponian Herder Temperament
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.
Hokkaido Temperament
The Hokkaido is characterized by being dignified, alert, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Lapponian Herder and Hokkaido, 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
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 1/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lapponian Herder Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
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
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.
Hokkaido Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hokkaidos need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Hokkaidos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lapponian Herder Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies
Hokkaido Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
- Dental Disease
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
Hokkaido
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent guard dog capabilities
- Strong hunting instincts
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lapponian Herder and Hokkaido, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.