Which is Better between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund? A Very Detailed Review.

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Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Finnish Lapphund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Estrela Mountain Dog and for the Finnish Lapphund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Lapphund

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Lapphund: Overview

A very important difference between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large-sized dog while the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are Herding Dogs. This means both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Lapphund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela Mountain Dog to the Finnish Lapphund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Estrela Mountain Dog Finnish Lapphund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds 33 to 53 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2000 No Data
Price Range $2000 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Estrela Mountain Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Finnish Lapphund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Finnish Lapphund. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund

    Below is a list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are most different:

  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Finnish Lapphunds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Finnish Lapphunds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Finnish Lapphunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund

    The Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are most similar:

  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Lapphund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Finnish Lapphunds weigh 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Lapphunds are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Finnish Lapphund is prone to more genetic health problems than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Finnish Lapphund than for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    4 health tests are recommended for Estrela Mountain Dog while 6 tests are recommended for the Finnish Lapphund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Estrela Mountain Dogs and in Finnish Lapphunds.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Estrela Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Estrela Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Estrela Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Estrela Mountain Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs here.

    Finnish Lapphund Health Problems

    Finnish Lapphunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Finnish Lapphund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Finnish Lapphund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Finnish Lapphund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Finnish Lapphunds for:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Finnish Lapphunds here.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Lapphund?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Does the Estrela Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Lapphund?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Finnish Lapphunds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Finnish Lapphund

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Finnish Lapphunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Lapphund?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Lapphund?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Lapphund

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Lapphund?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Finnish Lapphund

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Lapphunds?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Finnish Lapphunds?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Finnish Lapphund?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Are Estrela Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Finnish Lapphunds?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Finnish Lapphunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Estrela Mountain Dogs and Finnish Lapphunds?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Finnish Lapphunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Lapphund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Finnish Lapphund:

  • American Eskimo Dog (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Estrela Mountain Dog and how the Finnish Lapphund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog and of the Finnish Lapphund to other breeds:

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shiba Inu     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Estrela Mountain Dog versus American Foxhound     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shihpoo     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Kishu Ken     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Mudi     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shih Tzu     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Greyhound     

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Kai Ken     Finnish Lapphund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Shichon     Finnish Lapphund versus Shiba Inu     Finnish Lapphund versus German Longhaired Pointer     Finnish Lapphund versus Kuvasz     Finnish Lapphund versus Boston Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Great Pyrenees     Finnish Lapphund versus Finnish Spitz     Finnish Lapphund versus Welsh Terrier     

    Conclusion: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Finnish Lapphund. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund better suits you and your family.