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

"Find similarities and differences between Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog" Compare Finnish Lapphund and Finnish Spitz. Which is better: Finnish Lapphund or Finnish Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Icelandic Sheepdog
OriginsFinland flagFinland Finland flagFinland Iceland flagIceland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank173177144
Reviews133
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog breeds.
Suomenlapinkoira
Lapinkoira
Finnish Hunting Dog
Finnish Spets
Finsk Spets
Loulou Finois
Suomalainen Pystykorva
Suomenpystykorva
Barking Bird Dog
Canis Islandicus
Friaar Dog
Iceland Dog
Islandsk Farehond
Islenskur Fjarhundur
Icelandic Spitz
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
37-42 pounds (17-19 kg) 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg) 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
39.5 pounds (18 kg) 33 pounds (15 kg) 25 pounds (11.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Finnish Lapphund or Finnish Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog height comparison:
Female: 16–19 inches (41–47 cm), Male: 18–20 inches (46–52 cm) 15-20 inches (38-51 cm) 12-16 inches (31-41 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) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 14 inches (36 cm)

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

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $500-$700 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Finnish Lapphund or Finnish Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?
Frequent: The Finnish Lapphund is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Finnish Spitz is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.

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

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Courageous
Friendly
Keen
Calm
Faithful
Playful
Independent
Happy
Intelligent
Loyal
Vocal
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
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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Finnish Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?
High: Finnish Lapphund dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Finnish Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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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Social Needs
Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Finnish Lapphund dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Finnish Spitz dogs are a social breed.
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Icelandic Sheepdog 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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The wanderlust potential of the Finnish Spitz is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
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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Finnish Spitz dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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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 vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Finnish Lapphund is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Finnish Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
The Finnish Lapphund is a playful breed.
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The Finnish Spitz is a playful breed.
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Finnish Lapphund breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Finnish Spitz breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.

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

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

Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Finnish Lapphund has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Finnish Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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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Finnish Spitz dogs have an 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.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Finnish Lapphund bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Finnish Spitz bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Finnish Lapphund: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Finnish Spitz: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 cold weather
The Finnish Spitz can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
Finnish Lapphunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Finnish Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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.
Rare
The Finnish 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog health problems comparison:
No data available Eye Problems
Joint Problems
Epilepsy
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems

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

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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: The Finnish Spitz has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

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

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

Medium

The Finnish Lapphund has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Finnish Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy Dense
Thick
Double
Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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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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.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Finnish Lapphund or Finnish Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Finnish Lapphund or Finnish Spitz or {name3 shedding:
Finnish Lapphund dogs are heavy shedders.
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Finnish Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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

Finnish Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
2-9 puppies 3-6 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Finnish Lapphund vs Finnish Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs 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 Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

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