Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz

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Finnish Lapphund Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz 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 Finnish Lapphund and for the Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz.

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

Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz

Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund to the Japanese Spitz 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 Finnish Lapphund Japanese Spitz
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  No Data

    *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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

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

    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 Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

  • Finnish Lapphunds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz.

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

    On the other hand, Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Japanese Spitz

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Japanese Spitz?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Japanese Spitz?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    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.

    Japanese Spitzs 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Japanese Spitz

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

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

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Lapphund or the Japanese Spitz?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    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 Japanese Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Jack Russell Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Samoyed     Finnish Lapphund versus Standard Schnauzer     Finnish Lapphund versus Chi-Poo     Finnish Lapphund versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Finnish Lapphund versus Puggle     Finnish Lapphund versus Karelian Bear Dog     Finnish Lapphund versus American Hairless Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Boykin Spaniel     Finnish Lapphund versus Dalmatian     Finnish Lapphund versus Alaskan Klee Kai     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Bernedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     Japanese Spitz versus King Shepherd     Japanese Spitz versus Tibetan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Basset Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Collie     

    Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund versus Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.