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Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Suomenlapinkoira or Little Blue Dog or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Finnish Lapphund and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Finnish Lapphund Australian Shepherd Japanese Spitz
OriginsFinland flagFinland United States flagUnited States Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank17317229
Reviews179
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz breeds.
Suomenlapinkoira
Lapinkoira
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.
37-42 pounds (17-19 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
39.5 pounds (18 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:
Female: 16–19 inches (41–47 cm), Male: 18–20 inches (46–52 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Female: 16–19 inches (41–47 cm), Male: 18–20 inches (46–52 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $600-$800 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Frequent: The Finnish Lapphund is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?
Finnish Lapphund dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?
Finnish Lapphund dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?
Finnish Lapphund dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.
Courageous
Friendly
Keen
Calm
Faithful
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz?
High: Finnish Lapphund dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Finnish Lapphund dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Finnish Lapphund is strong enough to escape from home.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Finnish Lapphund dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Finnish Lapphund is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?
The Finnish Lapphund is a playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Finnish Lapphund breed in the home.
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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?
Finnish Lapphund dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Finnish Lapphund has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Finnish Lapphund bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Finnish Lapphund: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?
Finnish Lapphunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Finnish Lapphund should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most active?
Finnish Lapphund dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Finnish Lapphund dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz?
Finnish Lapphund dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Finnish Lapphund has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy Feathered Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths?
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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or Japanese Spitz? Finnish Lapphund or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Finnish Lapphund dogs are heavy shedders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

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

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Finnish Lapphund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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.

Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?
2-9 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. 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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Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Shepherd vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Finnish Lapphund, Australian Shepherd, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

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