Pumi vs Finnish Lapphund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pumi
Herding Group
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pumi Overview
Pumi dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and expressive face with semi-erect ears, creating their signature whimsical appearance. Medium-sized with a square build, they move with agile grace and purpose. Their alert, intelligent expression reflects their keen herding heritage, while their muscular build enables swift, efficient movement. The breed's spiral-curled coat forms corkscrews over their athletic frame.
Finnish Lapphund Overview
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized herding dogs with thick double coats in various colors, featuring distinctive spitz-like characteristics including a bushy tail and pointed ears. Their expressive faces showcase alert, dark eyes and a gentle, friendly expression. Muscular yet agile, they move with effortless grace, displaying the stamina that made them excellent reindeer herders.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pumis are more energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pumis require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pumis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Finnish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis adapt better to apartment living, while Finnish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pumi and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pumi | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pumi | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pumi | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pumi | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pumi Temperament
The Pumi is known for being energetic, lively, ready to work, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Finnish Lapphund Temperament
The Finnish Lapphund is characterized by being friendly, alert, agile, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Pumi and Finnish Lapphund, 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
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pumi
Rating: 2/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Pumi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pumis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pumis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Finnish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Lapphunds 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, Finnish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
Pumi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Adaptable
- Low-shedding coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires mental stimulation
- Strong herding drive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pumi and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.