Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Dane Versus Finnish Lapphund: Introduction
- Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund: Overview
- Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
- The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
- Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund
- Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
- Lifespan of Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund
- Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Finnish Lapphund
- The Popularity of Great Dane versus Popularity of Finnish Lapphund
- Health Problems of Great Dane versus Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund
- Do Great Danes shed more than Finnish Lapphunds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund?
- Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
- Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Finnish Lapphund?
- Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund
- How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Finnish Lapphunds?
- Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Lapphund?
- Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Finnish Lapphund
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Dane Versus Finnish Lapphund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund.
Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Great Dane belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
| Factor | Great Dane | Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 33 to 53 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 10 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 8.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 81.5 percent | 62.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 15 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 Great Dane is 73 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 Great Dane is a better pet than the Finnish Lapphund.
This is because Great Danes are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Great Dane will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Great Dane :-). We are for the Great Dane. So get a Great Dane!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
The Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund.
The Great Dane weighs 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Great Dane is 26 to 34 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 Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund
Great Dane Colors
The Great Dane comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Merle (Red)
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
The Great Dane comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Golden
- Merle (Blue)
- Harlequin
- Brindle
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 Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund
The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is 8.5 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 Finnish Lapphund live longer than the Great Dane.
Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Finnish Lapphund
The Great Dane has a better temperament than the Finnish Lapphund.
This is because the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 8 Finnish Lapphunds.
The Popularity of Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Great Dane is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Lapphund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Great Dane is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Lapphund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Great Dane
Popularity of Finnish Lapphund
| Year | Great Dane Popularity Rank | Finnish Lapphund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 | 171 |
| 2014 | 15 | 173 |
| 2015 | 15 | 169 |
| 2016 | 14 | 173 |
| 2017 | 14 | 173 |
| 2018 | 16 | 161 |
| 2019 | 17 | 165 |
| 2020 | 15 | 165 |
| 2021 | 17 | 168 |
Health Problems of Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 more genetic health problems than the Great Dane.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Finnish Lapphund than for the Great Dane.
4 health tests are recommended for Great Dane while 6 tests are recommended for the Finnish Lapphund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Danes and in Finnish Lapphunds.
Great Dane Health Problems
Great Danes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Dane 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 Great Dane puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Dane 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 Great Danes for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Danes 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 Great Danes 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 Great Dane Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Great Dane ranks 4 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 183 Great Danes, 10 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Danes, and how common these diseases are in Great Danes 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 Great Dane and in Finnish Lapphund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund:
| Disease | Great Dane Rank | Finnish Lapphund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 4 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 33 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 35 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 40 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 42 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 59 out of 182 dog breeds | 90 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 75 out of 144 dog breeds | 86 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 92 out of 198 dog breeds | 119 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 130 out of 145 dog breeds | 74 out of 145 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: Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.
Do Great Danes shed more than Finnish Lapphunds?
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund?
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund?
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Finnish Lapphunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Finnish Lapphund?
Great Danes are very easy to train.
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Finnish Lapphunds?
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Finnish Lapphunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Lapphund?
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Lapphunds?
Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Finnish Lapphund
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Lapphund?
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Finnish Lapphund?
Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.
Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Great Dane compares to other breeds aside from the Finnish Lapphund. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:
Great Dane versus Curly-Coated Retriever Great Dane versus Irish Wolfhound Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier Great Dane versus Harrier Great Dane versus Fila Brasileiro Great Dane versus Cesky Terrier Great Dane versus Bull Terrier Great Dane versus Frenchton Great Dane versus German Shepherd Dog Great Dane versus Clumber Spaniel Great Dane versus Lhasa Apso Great Dane versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Great Dane versus Akbash Great Dane versus Saint Bernard Great Dane versus Sussex Spaniel Great Dane versus Weimaraner Great Dane versus Australian Terrier Great Dane versus Saint Berdoodle Great Dane versus Pug
Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Finnish Lapphund better suits you and your family.