Swedish Lapphund vs Afghan Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Afghan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Swedish Lapphund Overview
Swedish Lapphunds possess a distinctive spitz-like appearance with a thick double coat in solid black. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame supports an agile and athletic build, complemented by erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Known for their keen intelligence and lively disposition, these dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with a friendly, alert temperament. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reflect their attentive nature.
Afghan Hound Overview
Afghan Hounds possess a regal bearing with their distinctive long, silky coat and proud head carriage. Their elegant frame combines strength and agility, featuring a deep chest, prominent hipbones, and a curved tail. These aristocratic sighthouds display a unique combination of speed, power, and grace in their movement, with their flowing coat creating a striking spectacle as they run.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Afghan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Afghan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Afghan Hounds.
- Trainability: Afghan Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Afghan Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Afghan Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Swedish Lapphund and Afghan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Dignified, Profoundly Loyal, Aristocratic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is known for being playful, intelligent, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Afghan Hound Temperament
The Afghan Hound is characterized by being dignified, profoundly loyal, aristocratic, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Swedish Lapphund and Afghan Hound, 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
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Lapphunds 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, Swedish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Afghan Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Afghan Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Afghan Hounds require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Afghan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Chylothorax
Pros & Cons
Swedish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong prey drive
Afghan Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Independent nature
- Low shedding coat
- Athletic ability
- Loyal to family
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Challenging to train
- Strong prey drive
- Expensive upkeep
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Lapphund and Afghan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.