Miniature American Shepherd vs Finnish Lapphund
Breed Compatibility
83% Compatible
Energy Level
Miniature American Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Finnish Lapphund: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Miniature American Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Finnish Lapphund: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Miniature American Shepherd: Daily Brushing0.8
Finnish Lapphund: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Miniature American Shepherd5/5
Finnish Lapphund4/5
Good with Other Dogs
Miniature American Shepherd5/5
Finnish Lapphund3/5
Good with Strangers
Miniature American Shepherd3/5
Finnish Lapphund4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Miniature American Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision defect
Epilepsy: Neurological condition
Cataracts: Vision clouding concern
Finnish Lapphund
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
PRCD-PRA: Progressive eye condition
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
GCL: Genetic eye disorder
PHTVL/PHPV: Eye development disorder
RD: Retinal development problems
Pros & Cons Comparison
Miniature American Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent and trainable
Excellent family companion
Versatile working ability
Compact size
Strong herding instincts
Cons
High exercise needs
Regular grooming required
Can be vocal
Strong herding instinct may need management
Requires consistent training
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
Miniature American Shepherd Fun Fact
Despite their small size, they retain all the working abilities of their larger Australian Shepherd ancestors!
Finnish Lapphund Fun Fact
Finnish Lapphunds can herd reindeer using subtle body movements and barking patterns unique to the breed.
Heritage & Purpose
Miniature American Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in California during the 1960s as a smaller version of Australian Shepherds, these dogs were bred specifically for herding smaller livestock and companion work.
Finnish Lapphund
Origin:
Developed by the Sami people in Lapland during the 1940s, these dogs expertly herded reindeer across vast Arctic territories, using their agility and intelligence to manage large herds.
Special Considerations
Miniature American Shepherd
Needs regular grooming to maintain coat condition. Requires substantial exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Finnish Lapphund
Regular brushing needed during heavy shedding seasons. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.