Russell Terrier 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.
Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
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: Russell Terriers are more energetic than Finnish Lapphunds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russell Terriers 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 Russell Terrier and Finnish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively | Friendly, Alert, Agile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is known for being alert, inquisitive, lively, 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 Russell Terrier 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers 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 medium coat coat, Russell Terriers 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
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pros & Cons
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
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 Russell Terrier and Finnish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.