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German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutscher Spitz or Canis Islandicus or Suomenlapinkoira? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund" Compare German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is better: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund?
 
 
 
Name German Spitz Icelandic Sheepdog Finnish Lapphund
OriginsGermany flagGermany Iceland flagIceland Finland flagFinland
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank344144173
Reviews231
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund breeds.
Deutscher Spitz Canis Islandicus
Friaar Dog
Iceland Dog
Islandsk Farehond
Islenskur Fjarhundur
Icelandic Spitz
Suomenlapinkoira
Lapinkoira
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is the largest?
Small
Medium
Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg) 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) 37-42 pounds (17-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 25 pounds (11.5 kg) 39.5 pounds (18 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund height comparison:
Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm) 12-16 inches (31-41 cm) Female: 16–19 inches (41–47 cm), Male: 18–20 inches (46–52 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) 14 inches (36 cm) Female: 16–19 inches (41–47 cm), Male: 18–20 inches (46–52 cm)

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund?
Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Finnish Lapphund is easier than average to get.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is easiest to train?
German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is most alert?
German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is most protective?
German Spitz dogs are average defenders.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs are average defenders.
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German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Devoted
Lively
Attentive
Trainable
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Courageous
Friendly
Keen
Calm
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund?
Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Finnish Lapphund dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund social needs comparison:
German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Finnish Lapphund is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Finnish Lapphund is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is most playful?
The German Spitz is a playful breed.
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
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The Finnish Lapphund is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Finnish Lapphund breed in the home.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Finnish Lapphund dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Finnish Lapphund has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which uses mouth most during play?
German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Finnish Lapphund bite force: Ordinary.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Finnish Lapphund: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Finnish Lapphund can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has fewer health issues?
German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Finnish Lapphunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Finnish Lapphund should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund health problems comparison:
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Dental Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
No data available

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which breed is most active?
German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Finnish Lapphund dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Finnish Lapphund dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund?
German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Finnish Lapphund dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Finnish Lapphund's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. What colors are available?
Black
White
Orange
Tricolor
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
Black
Tan
Cream
Brown
Sable
Wolf
Blonde
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which drools least?
The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Finnish Lapphund is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Finnish Lapphund has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Straight
Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Fluffy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund? German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
German Spitz dogs shed above average.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Finnish Lapphund dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is best with kids?
German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Finnish Lapphund dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Finnish Lapphund dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund? Which dog is more friendly?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Finnish Lapphund dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Finnish Lapphund dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog or Finnish Lapphund?
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Finnish Lapphund dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund?
Yes
German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Finnish Lapphund dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Finnish Lapphund is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Finnish Lapphunds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Finnish Lapphund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 4-8 puppies 2-9 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Finnish Lapphund. Which has most recognition?
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
No data available

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