Puli 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.
Puli
Herding Group
Lapponian Herder
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Puli Overview
Distinctive for its long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks, the Puli is a compact herding dog with remarkable agility and intelligence. The unique coat, naturally forming cords that provide protection from harsh weather, gives this breed its unmistakable appearance. Alert and nimble, Pulis possess a medium-sized, muscular frame with a proud bearing and characteristic bouncing gait.
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: Pulis are less energetic than Lapponian Herders, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pulis require more grooming attention compared to Lapponian Herders.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pulis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lapponian Herders.
- Trainability: Pulis may be slightly easier to train due to their Puli's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pulis 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 Puli and Lapponian Herder, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Puli | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Puli | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm |
| Weight | 25-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 70-70 lbs 32-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Puli | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Home-Loving | Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Puli | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Puli Temperament
The Puli is known for being loyal, smart, home-loving, 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.
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 Puli 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
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Puli
Rating: 2/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Puli
Rating: 5/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Puli Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pulis 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, Pulis require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Puli Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Deafness
- Bloat
- Allergies
Lapponian Herder Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Puli
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent and trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be stubborn
- Requires experienced owner
- Moderate exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct may need management
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 Puli and Lapponian Herder, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.