Australian Shepherd vs Finnish Lapphund
Complete side-by-side comparison of Australian Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Australian Shepherd
Size
Medium (25-50 lbs)
Lifespan
12-15 years
Price
$800-$2,000
Finnish Lapphund
Size
Medium (25-50 lbs)
Lifespan
12-15 years
Price
$1,500-$2,500
Quick Verdict
Finnish Lapphund wins this comparison!
Finnish Lapphund edges out Australian Shepherd in our comparison, scoring better in 3 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
| Height | 18-23" | 16-21" |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs | 33-53 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type | Double | Double |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Regular - 2-3x/week | Regular - 2-3x/week |
| Exercise (min/day) | 90 min | 60 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800-$2,000 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year | $1,400/year |
Health Considerations
Australian Shepherd
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Finnish Lapphund
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund better for families?
Both Australian Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund are equally good with families, both scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness. Your choice should depend on other factors like size, energy level, and living space.
Which costs more to own, a Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund?
A Finnish Lapphund costs approximately $1400/year while a Australian Shepherd costs about $1500/year. Finnish Lapphund is the more affordable option.
Which is easier to train, a Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund?
Australian Shepherd is generally easier to train, scoring 5/5 for trainability compared to 4/5 for Finnish Lapphund.
Do Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
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