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

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Finnish Lapphund Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian

Finnish Lapphund versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog while the Shiranian 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 Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Finnish Lapphund versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
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 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $925 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1230
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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiranian is not better or worse than the Finnish Lapphund. So, you can get the Shiranian or 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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian

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

  • Finnish Lapphunds are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shiranians are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Finnish Lapphunds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Finnish Lapphunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train. However, Shiranians are not easy to train.
  • Finnish Lapphunds have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shiranians have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Shiranian are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Shiranian

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

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shiranian

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Shiranian

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Shiranians?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiranian?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Shiranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Shiranian?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiranian?

    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.

    Shiranians 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. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

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

    Shiranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Shiranians 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:

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiranian

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

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Shihpoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Sheepadoodle     Finnish Lapphund versus Boykin Spaniel     Finnish Lapphund versus Goldendoodle     Finnish Lapphund versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Finnish Lapphund versus Kishu Ken     Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog     Finnish Lapphund versus Pomsky     Finnish Lapphund versus Schipperke     Finnish Lapphund versus Berger Picard     Finnish Lapphund versus Skye Terrier     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiranian versus Boykin Spaniel     Shiranian versus Fila Brasileiro     Shiranian versus Lhasapoo     Shiranian versus Standard Poodle     Shiranian versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiranian versus Boerboel     Shiranian versus Greyhound     Shiranian versus Vizsla     Shiranian versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

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