Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Finnish Lapphund as a Pet? Answer…

Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Lapphund

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Finnish Lapphund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Lapphund

Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Lapphund: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Finnish Lapphund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Lapphund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 33 to 53 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1270 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1400 No Data
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 62.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Finnish Lapphunds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Finnish Lapphunds are good for new dog owners.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Finnish Lapphunds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Finnish Lapphunds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs. However, Finnish Lapphunds get along well with other dogs.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train. However, Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Finnish Lapphunds are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund are most similar:

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Lapphund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Finnish Lapphund

    The Fila Brasileiro has a better temperament than the Finnish Lapphund.

    This is because the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 percent while the temperament score for the Finnish Lapphund is 62.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 62.5 percent, the Finnish Lapphund has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 8 Finnish Lapphunds.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Lapphund?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Lapphund?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Lapphund?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Finnish Lapphunds?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Finnish Lapphund?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Lapphund

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Finnish Lapphunds?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Finnish Lapphunds?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Lapphund

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Lapphunds?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Finnish Lapphund

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Finnish Lapphund?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Lapphund?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Norwich Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Fila Brasileiro versus Schnoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Schnoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Australian Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Afador     Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Wolfhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Shichon     

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Finnish Lapphund versus Affenhuahua     Finnish Lapphund versus Shiranian     Finnish Lapphund versus Boxer     Finnish Lapphund versus Miniature Schnauzer     Finnish Lapphund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Finnish Lapphund versus Cane Corso     Finnish Lapphund versus Black Russian Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Canaan Dog     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Finnish Lapphund better suits you and your family.