Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Finnish Lapphund Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Popularity of Finnish Lapphund versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Finnish Lapphund Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd are Herding Dogs. This means both the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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.
Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 33 to 53 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 16.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 168 | 178 |
*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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Finnish Lapphund is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
The Popularity of Finnish Lapphund versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Finnish Lapphund is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Finnish Lapphund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Finnish Lapphund
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
| Year | Finnish Lapphund Popularity Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 171 | 169 |
| 2014 | 173 | 178 |
| 2015 | 169 | 176 |
| 2016 | 173 | 176 |
| 2017 | 173 | 180 |
| 2018 | 161 | 181 |
| 2019 | 165 | 182 |
| 2020 | 165 | 182 |
Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
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 Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Finnish Lapphund than for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
6 health tests are recommended for Finnish Lapphund while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Finnish Lapphunds and in Pyrenean Shepherds.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Finnish Lapphunds here.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Finnish Lapphunds and Pyrenean Shepherds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Finnish Lapphund Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Finnish Lapphund ranks 74 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 Finnish Lapphunds, 3 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Finnish Lapphunds, and how common these diseases are in Finnish Lapphunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Finnish Lapphund and in Pyrenean Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Finnish Lapphund and the Pyrenean Shepherd:
| Disease | Finnish Lapphund Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 74 out of 145 dog breeds | 72 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 86 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 90 out of 182 dog breeds | 44 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 119 out of 198 dog breeds | 71 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 24 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 27 out of 159 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
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.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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: Finnish Lapphund vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Lapphunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Lapphunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Lapphunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Lapphund or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Finnish Lapphund and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Finnish Lapphund and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Finnish Lapphund versus Siberian Husky Finnish Lapphund versus Komondor Finnish Lapphund versus Papipoo Finnish Lapphund versus Affenhuahua Finnish Lapphund versus Goldendoodle Finnish Lapphund versus Kooikerhondje Finnish Lapphund versus Shiloh Shepherd Finnish Lapphund versus Kuvasz Finnish Lapphund versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Finnish Lapphund versus Whoodle
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet Pyrenean Shepherd versus Weimaraner Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bordoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dogue de Bordeaux Pyrenean Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer
Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.