Border Collie vs Finnish Lapphund – Which is Better?

Are you thinking about buying a dog and attempting to choose the best breed for you? If yes, you might like to learn more about the Finnish Lapphund and the Border Collie. These two breeds are well-known for having loving dispositions, intellect, and owner loyalty. However, their difference in physical traits, temperaments, and levels of energy could influence your decision.

We’ll talk about these breeds’ traits, personalities, temperaments, coats and colors, interactions with other animals and people, health problems, training needs, activity requirements and several others in the next lines.

Characteristics of Finnish Lapphund compared to Border Collie

The Border Collie is an excellent working breed that can be of great assistance to farmers. With their unlimited energy and stamina, he would gladly work all day if given the opportunity. This medium-sized canine will require a family that is hardworking and active. With the right owners, Border Collie can be a fantastic pet.

Aside from that, these dogs are attentive to what their owner’s desire, which is also due to their high intelligence.

The Finnish Lapphund is an active and alert dog who enjoys playing with his owners. He possesses numerous positive characteristics that make him an ideal family pet. That is why he is known as an all-rounder. He is a pleasant, non-aggressive dog who wants to work with his owners. He has a habit of barking. He is really simply a gigantic teddy bear with a kind, smiling face, and if you treat him well, he will shower you with his special love and dedication.

Simply put, the Border Collie and the Finnish Lapphund are two medium-sized working dogs with different yet unique characteristics. The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and active breed, suitable for owners who are hardworking and energetic. They are attentive to their owners’ desires and make excellent pets.

Meanwhile, the Finnish Lapphund is a friendly, smart, and lively dog that enjoys playing with its owners. They possess numerous positive characteristics, making them ideal family pets. Both breeds have moderate shedding and are known to be protective, loyal, and social dogs. This article will discuss various topics about these breeds, including their personality, temperament, coat, and colors, behavior with other animals and strangers, health issues, training, and exercise.

History of Breeds

Originating in Northumberland, the Border Collie was used to herd livestock. This dog is renowned for its intense gaze, which is used to control the sheep under its supervision. The term Border Collie did not appear until 1915. This was done so that the canine could be registered as a separate breed alongside other registered Collie breeds.

Since 1873, sheepdog trials have been conducted. This dog’s heritage is hinted at by its name, as the word “Collie” alludes to sheepdogs and derives from Scottish dialect. Due to this dog’s extraordinary intelligence and herding abilities, the Border Collie is currently regarded as the ideal sheepdog.

The Finnish Lapphund, also known as the Lapinkoira, Lapponian Shepherd, and Finish Lapland dog, is believed to be an ancient canine breed that dates back to 7000 B.C.

The breed originated as a reindeer herder among the Sami people, serving as both herder and guardian. The Finnish Kennel Club established the initial breed specifications for dogs in Finland in 1945. The dog was named the Lappish Herder and was later added to the herding group in 2011

Appearance of Border Collie vs Finnish Laphund

Border Collies resemble a smaller Australian Shepherd, but instead of the bobtail characteristic of the Aussie, they have this fringed tail. The ear points are drooping, giving the ears an amusing appearance.

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a thick double coat that’s usually a single color. Their undercoat is short, dense, and super soft, which makes their outer coat stand up straight. They have a broad head with gentle, friendly eyes and small to medium triangular-shaped ears. Their dark, oval-shaped eyes convey strength. The Finnish Lapphund’s muzzle is broad, straight, and slightly shorter than its skull. Their forelegs are strong and straight, with well-arched oval-shaped feet and sturdy pads.

Dog Size Comparison

At maturity, a Border Collie can weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds. Adult Border Collies stand between 18 and 22 inches tall, as measured from the top of the shoulder. The adult Finnish Lapphund, on the other hand, is heavier at 33 to 53 pounds. When completely mature, a Finnish Lapphund will stand between 17 and 20 inches in height at the shoulder.

Coats & Colors

The Border Collie can be found in any hue or any color combination or markings. There are plenty of colors and patterns that you can pick from solid-colored, bi-colored, tri-colored, merle, or sable dogs.

Smooth and rough coat Collies have dense and weather-resistant double coats, with the outer coat being either straight or wavy and rougher in texture than the inner, shorter, denser coat. The rough variant is not too short nor too long. The face, ears, feet, and front of the legs have a short, silky coat, while the forelegs, chest, and underbelly are covered in feathers. The smooth type is shorter all around than the rough one and has a rougher coat, though it may still have some feathering on the forelegs, chest, and ruff.

Sable, wolf sable, tan point, solid, and domino coat patterns can all be found in Finnish Lapphunds. Black, brown, and cream are typical for solid hues. If the dog is cream, the entire pattern will be hard to see. They sometimes appear with a white undercoat that obscures the true hue of their fur.

Personality & Temperament of Border Collie vs Finnish Lapphund

The Border Collie is an energetic breed with a can-do attitude. They have fantastic personality that is always alert and willing to take on any duty that is assigned to them. This breed is extremely bright and can quickly learn new skills. However, keeping children focused can be difficult due to their proclivity for boredom.

Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent, docile, and devoted companions. And because they probably share strong energy with kids, they make wonderful playmates.

Their outstanding herding abilities are passed down from generation to generation, which is why they are so well-known. They are responsible for herding various animals such as sheep, cows, and reindeer. When provoked, they can herd reindeer with lightning speed, fearlessness, agility, and startling startle reflex.

Family Interactions

Border Collies do well as household pets, but they require a sizable yard to go around in on a regular basis. Due to their strong herding instincts, they are best suited to active families who spend a lot of time outside (they were originally bred to gather and control sheep). Border Collies are adaptable dogs who can make ideal family pets if they have plenty of exercise and playtime.

The friendly, sociable, and family-oriented nature of Finnish Lapphund makes it a wonderful addition to any home. You just need to give them more attention in terms of physical activity, education, and hygiene.

Attitude towards Kids

Neither of these breeds varies significantly in how they act around kids. Both the Collie and the Finnish Lapphund are great with youngsters, being patient and gentle in most cases; however, as said before, temperaments can differ from dog to dog.

Other People

Introduce your Collie puppy to children or female adults if it shows signs of anxiety in front of strangers. Men with big, scary voices and threatening physiques trigger terror in these dogs. Don’t just leave them alone when with strangers. They may be the target of your Border Collie’s aggression. If you greet a person warmly, the dog will pick up on your good vibes and attempt to make friends with them.

Walk around with the individual you wish to introduce him to is another option. He’ll learn to treat them like members of the family and enjoy playing with them as a result.

The Lappie is not trained to be a guard dog. He will warn you when strangers are around, but he is not an aggressive dog. In point of fact, he belongs to a breed that is loyal, kind, and naturally pleasant.

Dogs & Other Animals

Border Collies are known to be protective and to use herding techniques such as the “eye,” barking, and nipping on both familiar and unfamiliar dogs. Animals who are used to Border Collies’ authoritative nature may not mind, but stranger dogs will certainly get defensive. To prevent them from seeing other dogs as a threat to the flock or as something to herd, Border Collies should be socialized with them from a young age.

Lapphunds prefer to remain with their pack and, if they are separated from them, they can become destructive and unruly. These canines should never be confined to a yard or left unattended for an extended period of time. If the breed is well-socialized, it gets along well with both children and other dogs, and most of the time, it doesn’t make much of a fuss when cats come to visit.

Behaviour Issues

Border Collies can develop destructive chewing and digging tendencies, as well as herding and nipping at the heels of children and adults if they are not properly trained or mentally stimulated. Border Collies, like many other breeds, can become destructive barkers if left bored or frustrated for too long.

The Finnish Lapphund is a very active dog that needs a decent amount of exercise daily. They can become destructive and nervous if they become bored. Other actions that they may resort to are digging and scratching. Therefore, in order to maintain their happiness and contentment, it is essential to take them out for appropriate physical activity, much like how you’d do it for your Border Collie.

Training & Exercise of Border Collie vs Finnish Lapphund

Making sure your Border Collie is getting plenty of exercise is crucial if you want to keep them happy and healthy. More than an hour of daily exercise is necessary for your Border Collie to stay happy and healthy. You should get ready to play lengthy games of catch and take them on long walks. They’re also great to take for a run with you.

Border Collies respond wonderfully to training, but this takes time. Because of their high intelligence, these dogs can be willful and defiant at times. If you are consistent, your Collie will eventually realize you are in charge and follow your orders.

Dogs of this breed have a high capacity for habit formation, thus potty training should go well. Similarly, simple instructions like “sit,” “stay,” and “roll over” should come easily. If you put in the time and effort, you can teach these dogs to do anything.

With Finnish Lapphund, they need at least two hours of daily exercise, some of which can come through training, dog sports, and activities. Due to their high energy levels, dogs of this breed excel at agility, canicross, man-trailing, and more.

Training will be something the Finnish Lapphund looks forward to in and of itself, and providing them with opportunities to participate in a wide range of games and activities will keep them from getting bored. Focus on building a solid recall to prevent your dog’s natural hunting and herding impulses from getting him (or you) into trouble.

Simply put, the Border Collie and the Finnish Lapphund both require at least an hour of daily exercise, with the Border Collie requiring at least an hour and the Finnish Lapphund requiring at least two hours. Both breeds react well to training, with the Border Collie being very clever but potentially stubborn, and the Finnish Lapphund enjoying training and activities to keep them entertained. Building a strong recall is essential for both breeds to avoid behavioral challenges caused by their inherent impulses.

Taking Care & Maintenance of Border Collie vs Finnish Lapphund

Because it evolved to withstand long hours of activity in any climate, the Border Collie’s double coat requires relatively little care. There are two different lengths and textures available for the top coat, however they both have good self-cleaning abilities (thus requiring fewer washes). Brushing your Border Collie once a week with a slicker brush will:

• Prevent excess shedding and matting
• Remove dirt and debris
• Promote healthy skin

Twice a year, these dogs shed the most. In such case, daily brushings will be necessary.

During regular brushing sessions, it’s important to check your dog’s coat for its shine, the length of its nails, and the health of its ears and teeth. If you hear your dog’s nails tapping on the ground, it’s time for a trim. You should also clean your dog’s ears until they’re a pale pink and check for any foreign objects or signs of movement, especially if you’ve been spending time outdoors or in tall grass.

Finnish Lapphunds need to be brushed once a week because of their double coat. Make sure to get behind their ears, behind their arms, and in their crotch to avoid mats. Fortunately, the Finnish Lapphund does not have a typical “dog” odor, so you can limit the frequency with which your Lappie receives baths and shampoo. The Finnish Lapphund is an active breed that requires daily walks and runs.

Urban and apartment life are not good for your Lappie because of the small yards that don’t allow for wandering.

Grooming

The Border Collie requires moderate grooming requirement. A trip to the groomer to have the dog’s hair cut is not required. The shedding of the dog’s coat can be minimized by regular brushing. Infections can be avoided by keeping the ears and eyes clean. Flea treatments should also be used seasonally. Trimming the dog’s nails and giving the dog a wash can be useful.

Maintaining a healthy coat and removing dead fur requires only a few minutes of brushing every few days. You’ll need to brush them regularly since the undercoat they shed doesn’t just fall to the floor but gets trapped in the longer coat. Due to its insulating properties, the coat should not be shaved.

The breed thrives in frigid conditions but struggles in the heat and humidity of the tropics and they don’t produce much of a “doggy” stench, thus bathing should be done only when necessary; more frequent bathing can cause the dog’s natural oils to dry out, leading to a stronger odor. Fur can catch grass seeds or burrs, therefore the nails and pads of the feet need to be trimmed and checked regularly. Keep your teeth clean and your ears tested on a regular basis.

Shedding

Border Collies have a lengthy, double coat, and shed heavily; twice a year, particularly in the fall and the spring. Border Collie shedding is a full-time job, according to accounts of its owners.

Their hair often gathers in clumps and disappears into the cracks of the house, under couches and carpets and even into the air.

Lapphunds, like all spitz breeds, have a thick, abundant coat that sheds periodically and needs to be brushed frequently to prevent stray hairs from blowing around the house. Every week, brush his double coat to remove dead hair and keep it clean. Brushing your hair every day will help you manage the shedding that occurs in the spring and fall.

Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Border Collie have thick coats that shed seasonally and need to be brushed frequently. While the Finnish Lapphund usually sheds in the spring and fall, the Border Collie sheds extensively twice a year. Both breeds shed hair that can gather within the home, therefore regular brushing is necessary to control shedding and stop stray hairs from growing in other places.

Health Comparison between Border Collie and Finnish Lapphund

There are inherited diseases to which both Border Collies and Finnish Lappies are predisposed. When it comes to canine health, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA is the group to turn to for up-to-date information. The OFA knows what health issues are common in each dog breed because of the detailed records it keeps. Since ‘defective’ dog parents might pass on genetic flaws to their kids, the OFA advises breeders on what kinds of health tests they should run on a particular dog breed.

Data provided by OFA revealed that the Border Collie is predisposed to more hereditary health issues than the Finnish Lapphund.

This is because the OFA recommends more Border Collie health exams than Lapphund tests. The Border Collie is suggested to undergo 13 different health checks, while the Finnish Lapphund just needs to go through 6.

Life Span

Between 12 and 15 years is a reasonable estimate for a Border Collie’s lifespan. It is commonly believed that a Border Collie can live up to 13.5 years. The average lifespan of a Finnish Lapphund is between 12 and 15 years. The average lifespan of a Finnish Lapphund is predicted to be 13.5 years. The Finnish Lapphund is about as long-lived as a Border Collie.

While both Border Collies and Finnish Lapphunds have typical lifespans of about 13.5 years, it’s important to remember that any dog’s lifespan can be influenced by a number of things, including genetics, general health, nutrition, exercise, and living conditions. A longer and better life for these cherished furry friends can be ensured by giving them the right care, nutrition, and frequent veterinary examinations.

Diet & Nutrition

Two times a day, feed your Border Collie. Depending on the dog’s weight and activity level, the daily serving size might range from 0.75 to 1 cup of dry dog food. Don’t forget to stock up on pure drinking water. As your dog ages, its nutritional requirements will shift. Talk to your vet about a plan of action if you see your dog is gaining weight. It’s possible that you’ll have to adjust the frequency, composition, or quantity of their diet.

You’ve likely heard of the rare Finnish Lapphund breed and wondered what to feed your dog. High-quality food with a wide variety of nutritious components is ideal for your Finnish Lapphund’s balanced diet. Two to three cups of dry food per day is recommended for a typical Finnish Lapphund. Depending on how hard it’s working, it may need more or less to eat.

Health Issues

The Border Collie breed is susceptible to some diseases that run in the family. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Collie Eye Anomaly
• Hip Dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis (OCD)
• Epilepsy

The Finnish Lapphund is susceptible to a number of different diseases and disorders and some of which are:

• Chronic Addison’s Disease
• Eyes: Cataracts, Glaucoma, or Retinal Dysplasia
• Heart Murmurs, Including PDA
• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing’s Disease
• Allergies
• Cancer/Tumor
• Cryptorchidism
• Epilepsy
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Teeth with an overbite, underbite, or missing premolars

Cost of Finnish Lapphund and Border Collie

There is a price range of $600 to $1,200 for a purebred Border Collie. Although it is not inexpensive by any means, the price is significantly lower than what you would pay for a puppy of show quality. Just remember to conduct your research on any breeder you’re considering working with to find out if there are any potential issues with their facilities or dogs.

The price of a Finnish Lapphund can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 when purchased from a reputable breeder. Some local animal shelters may also have purebreds available for adoption on occasion. If Finnish Lapphunds are available, their price will almost definitely be significantly lower than if they were purchased from a breeder.

Before you may adopt your puppy, there will be a one-time fee of roughly $300 required to cover the cost of his upkeep at a local animal shelter. The specific sum will be different for each shelter because of their unique needs.

Puppies

Border Collie puppies’ joints are still developing, so it’s not a good idea to make them exercise too much too soon. Many enjoyable activities, such as playing hide-and-seek with a toy, are available as an alternative. Teaching pups commands is another great way to keep their minds active.

Toys, active play, and basic training are all great ways to keep a Border Collie puppy’s mind active and engaged before it’s 12 weeks old, but it’s best to avoid formal workouts like walks.

At this stage, it’s also important to remember to give your Collie puppy plenty of downtime and rest (especially if you have some eager toddlers). They may become overtired from too much stimulus, which in turn may cause behavioral problems.

Ideally, you should begin your Finnish Lapphund’s training and socialization when it is still a puppy. Puppies might benefit from learning basic commands and social graces at an obedience school. In addition, it is important that you introduce your puppy to as many new people, canine companions, and environments as possible. Always reward good behavior during training with treats and compliments. As long as training is done in a good and enjoyable way, these dogs are quick learners. 

Breeders & Centers

Border Collies may be widely available from rescue groups and animal shelters. Border Collies demand a lot of attention and exercise, and many owners give them up because they weren’t able to do it.

The Border Collie Society of America is an excellent resource if you’re thinking about adopting a Border Collie. Their national database of breeders and rescue organizations includes resources all throughout the United States. Expect to pay more to a breeder, who may charge $700 to $2,000 for a Border Collie puppy. With adoption fees, it is only charged at a few hundred dollars.

If you’re still not sure, the safest option is to get a puppy from a reputable breeder that specializes in Finnish Lapphunds. Make sure the breeder you work with tests their dogs for genetic defects, and double-check the puppy’s medical history before you bring it home. As an added precaution, you should verify that the breeder would accept the return of any animal they have sold if the new owner is unable to keep the pet.

Conclusion: Which Is Better, Finnish Lapphund or Border Collie?

Potential owners should evaluate the attitude and temperament of the breed while thinking about getting a Border Collie or a Finnish Lapphund. Border Collies are well-known for having high intelligence and energy levels, which makes them a great choice for people who are active or for families that can give them a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Although intelligent, they may also be stubborn and difficult for novice owners to train.

On the other hand, Finnish Lapphunds are an excellent choice for families with young children or first-time dog owners because of their kind and loyal nature and moderate energy level. Although they may not be as intense as a Border Collie, they are eager to please and like training and activities.

Potential owners should be ready for this element of their care as both breeds require routine grooming to control shedding and preserve their thick coats. While both breeds’ average lifespans are about 13.5 years, there are other variables that can alter a dog’s lifespan, including genetics, health, diet, and living conditions.

In the end, a person’s lifestyle, prior dog ownership experience, and capacity to provide the chosen breed with the appropriate exercise, training, and care should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to get a Border Collie or a Finnish Lapphund.