A Detailed Comparison of the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu.

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Finnish Lapphund versus Shih Tzu

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Finnish Lapphund Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.

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 Shih Tzu

Finnish Lapphund versus Shih Tzu

Finnish Lapphund versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
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 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2300
Average Price No Data $1820
Temperament Score 62.5 percent 77.6 percent
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
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 18

    *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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Finnish Lapphunds have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shih Tzus have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu.

    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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Finnish Lapphund

    The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Finnish Lapphund.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 62.5 percent, the Finnish Lapphund has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Finnish Lapphund and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 8 Finnish Lapphunds and 49 Shih Tzus.

    The Popularity of Finnish Lapphund versus Popularity of Shih Tzu

    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 Shih Tzu over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Lapphund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Lapphund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Finnish Lapphund

    Popularity of Finnish Lapphund

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Popularity of Shih Tzu

    Year Finnish Lapphund Popularity Rank Shih Tzu Popularity Rank
    2013 171 15
    2014 173 17
    2015 169 19
    2016 173 20
    2017 173 20
    2018 161 20
    2019 165 20
    2020 165 20

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shih Tzu

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Shih Tzu

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shih Tzu?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shih Tzu?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    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.

    Shih Tzus 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. Shih Tzu

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

    Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shih Tzu?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Finnish Lapphund versus English Cocker Spaniel     Finnish Lapphund versus Irish Setter     Finnish Lapphund versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Portuguese Water Dog     Finnish Lapphund versus Norwich Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Finnish Lapphund versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Finnish Lapphund versus Whippet     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Shiranian     Shih Tzu versus Borzoi     Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Whoodle     Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shih Tzu versus Schipperke     Shih Tzu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Kishu Ken     

    Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.