Swedish Lapphund vs Belgian Tervuren
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
Belgian Tervuren
Herding 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.
Belgian Tervuren Overview
Belgian Tervuren dogs showcase elegant proportions with a proud carriage and alert expression. Their distinctive long, straight double coat features rich fawn to russet mahogany coloring with black overlay. Square-built and muscular, they possess a refined yet powerful frame, complemented by their characteristic black mask and erect triangular ears.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Belgian Tervurens, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Tervurens.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Belgian Tervurens.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervuren, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Courageous, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Belgian Tervuren Temperament
The Belgian Tervuren is characterized by being courageous, alert, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Swedish Lapphund and Belgian Tervuren, 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
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
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.
Belgian Tervuren Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervurens 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, Belgian Tervurens 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
Belgian Tervuren Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
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
Belgian Tervuren
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working dog
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and agile
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intensive grooming required
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Lapphund and Belgian Tervuren, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.