Swedish Lapphund vs Schapendoes
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
Schapendoes
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Schapendoes Overview
Schapendoes are distinctive Dutch herding dogs with a shaggy, long-haired coat and expressive eyes. Their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame supports an athletic build ideal for agile movement. Known for their friendly and watchful nature, these dogs combine intelligence with a lively spirit. Their most striking feature is their abundant coat, which forms a natural mane around their face and neck.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Schapendoess, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Schapendoess.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Schapendoess.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schapendoess 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 Schapendoes, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg | 26-55 lbs 12-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Friendly, Watchful, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Schapendoes Temperament
The Schapendoes is characterized by being friendly, watchful, lively, 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 Swedish Lapphund and Schapendoes, 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
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
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.
Schapendoes Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schapendoess 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, Schapendoess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Schapendoes Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Dental 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
Schapendoes
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Lapphund and Schapendoes, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.