Toy Fox Terrier vs Swedish Lapphund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Group
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Toy Fox Terrier Overview
Toy Fox Terriers embody elegance and agility in a compact frame, featuring a distinctive V-shaped head, erect ears, and a sleek, muscular body. Their short, smooth coat comes primarily in tricolor or white with black and tan markings. Alert and spirited, these diminutive terriers combine the refined grace of a toy breed with the bold, fearless nature of their terrier heritage.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Toy Fox Terriers are more energetic than Swedish Lapphunds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Toy Fox Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Swedish Lapphunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Toy Fox Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Swedish Lapphunds.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terrier and Swedish Lapphund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Toy Fox Terrier | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Toy Fox Terrier | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm |
| Weight | 3-7 lbs 2-3 kg | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Toy Fox Terrier | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent | Playful, Intelligent, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Toy Fox Terrier | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Toy Fox Terrier Temperament
The Toy Fox Terrier is known for being friendly, alert, intelligent, 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.
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is characterized by being playful, intelligent, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Toy Fox Terrier and Swedish 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
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Toy Fox Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Toy Fox 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, Toy Fox Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish 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, Swedish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Toy Fox Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Heart Murmurs
- Lens Luxation
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Pros & Cons
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good for apartment living
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Not ideal with very young children
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Toy Fox Terrier and Swedish Lapphund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.