Shiba Inu 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.
Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting Group
Lapponian Herder
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shiba Inu Overview
Spirited and independent, the Shiba Inu showcases a compact, muscular build with a distinctive fox-like appearance. Their double coat features a straight outer layer and soft undercoat, typically displaying rich red, cream, or sesame coloring. Alert triangular ears, dark almond eyes, and a confident bearing reflect their ancient Japanese heritage and hunting prowess.
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: Shiba Inus are less energetic than Lapponian Herders, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shiba Inus require less grooming attention compared to Lapponian Herders.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shiba Inus tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lapponian Herders.
- Trainability: Shiba Inus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shiba Inu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu and Lapponian Herder, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shiba Inu | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-16 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shiba Inu | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-17 inches 34-42 cm | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm |
| Weight | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg | 70-70 lbs 32-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shiba Inu | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Active, Attentive | Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shiba Inu | Lapponian Herder |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shiba Inu Temperament
The Shiba Inu is known for being alert, active, attentive, 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 Shiba Inu 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
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shiba Inu
Rating: 2/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Shiba Inu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shiba Inus 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, Shiba Inus require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Shiba Inu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Lapponian Herder Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Shiba Inu
Pros
- Independent nature
- Clean and fastidious
- Minimal grooming needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Apartment-friendly size
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- May be aggressive with other dogs
- Prone to escaping
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 Shiba Inu and Lapponian Herder, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.