Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pomeranian Versus Finnish Lapphund: Introduction
- Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund: Overview
- Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
- The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
- Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund
- Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
- Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund
- Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Finnish Lapphund
- The Popularity of Pomeranian versus Popularity of Finnish Lapphund
- Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund
- Do Pomeranians shed more than Finnish Lapphunds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund?
- Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
- Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Finnish Lapphund?
- Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund
- How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Finnish Lapphunds?
- Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Lapphund?
- Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Finnish Lapphund
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pomeranian Versus Finnish Lapphund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Pomeranian and for the Finnish Lapphund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund.
Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund: Overview
A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pomeranian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Finnish Lapphund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pomeranian to the Finnish Lapphund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
| Factor | Pomeranian | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 7 pounds | 33 to 53 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2150 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 62.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 22 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Finnish Lapphund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Finnish Lapphund, we still believe that the Pomeranian is a better pet than the Finnish Lapphund.
This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
The Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund.
The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Finnish Lapphund weighs 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. The Finnish Lapphund is 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund
Pomeranian Colors
The Pomeranian comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Merle (Blue)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Pomeranian comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brindle
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Apricot / Beige
Finnish Lapphund Colors
The Finnish Lapphund comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
The Finnish Lapphund comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund
The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of the Finnish Lapphund is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Finnish Lapphund is 13.5 years.
The Pomeranian live longer than the Finnish Lapphund.
Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Finnish Lapphund
The Pomeranian has a better temperament than the Finnish Lapphund.
This is because the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 percent while the temperament score for the Finnish Lapphund is 62.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the Pomeranian has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 62.5 percent, the Finnish Lapphund has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 8 Finnish Lapphunds.
The Popularity of Pomeranian versus Popularity of Finnish Lapphund
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pomeranian is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Lapphund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pomeranian is 22 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Lapphund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pomeranian
Popularity of Finnish Lapphund
| Year | Pomeranian Popularity Rank | Finnish Lapphund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 171 |
| 2014 | 20 | 173 |
| 2015 | 21 | 169 |
| 2016 | 22 | 173 |
| 2017 | 22 | 173 |
| 2018 | 23 | 161 |
| 2019 | 24 | 165 |
| 2020 | 23 | 165 |
| 2021 | 24 | 168 |
Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Finnish Lapphund is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Pomeranian.
6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 6 tests are recommended for the Finnish Lapphund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Finnish Lapphunds.
Pomeranian Health Problems
Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pomeranians for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians here.
Finnish Lapphund Health Problems
Finnish Lapphunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Finnish Lapphund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Finnish Lapphund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Finnish Lapphund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Finnish Lapphunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Finnish Lapphunds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pomeranians and Finnish Lapphunds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pomeranian Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Pomeranian ranks 1 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1542 Pomeranians, 456 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pomeranians, and how common these diseases are in Pomeranians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Finnish Lapphund Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Finnish Lapphund ranks 74 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 Finnish Lapphunds, 3 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Finnish Lapphunds, and how common these diseases are in Finnish Lapphunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pomeranian and in Finnish Lapphund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund:
| Disease | Pomeranian Rank | Finnish Lapphund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 1 out of 145 dog breeds | 74 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 49 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 75 out of 198 dog breeds | 119 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 89 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 171 out of 182 dog breeds | 90 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 86 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund
Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.
Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.
Do Pomeranians shed more than Finnish Lapphunds?
Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund?
Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund?
Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.
Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Finnish Lapphunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Finnish Lapphund?
Pomeranians are very easy to train.
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund
Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.
Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Finnish Lapphunds?
Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Finnish Lapphunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Lapphund?
Pomeranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.
Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Finnish Lapphund
Pomeranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Lapphund?
Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.
Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Finnish Lapphund?
Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.
Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.
Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Finnish Lapphund. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:
Pomeranian versus Affenpinscher Pomeranian versus Dogo Argentino Pomeranian versus Valley Bulldog Pomeranian versus Schipperke Pomeranian versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Pomeranian versus Bedlington Terrier Pomeranian versus Scottish Deerhound Pomeranian versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Pomeranian versus Black Mouth Cur Pomeranian versus Boxer Pomeranian versus Mudi Pomeranian versus Afador Pomeranian versus Cairn Terrier Pomeranian versus American Staffordshire Terrier Pomeranian versus English Toy Spaniel Pomeranian versus Labrador Retriever Pomeranian versus Miniature Schnauzer
Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Pomeranian and the Finnish Lapphund better suits you and your family.