Is the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Lapphund better for families with children?

The Finnish Lapphund tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Lapphund?

The Finnish Lapphund sheds more than the Australian Shepherd. If shedding is a concern, the Australian Shepherd is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Lapphund?

The Australian Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund bigger?

Australian Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund?

For apartment or apartment living, Finnish Lapphund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Shepherd vs Finnish Lapphund: Which Is Calmer?

Australian Shepherd vs Finnish Lapphund: full comparison

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Finnish Lapphund
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Medium
Trainability	Very High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	High	Very High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Australian Shepherd has noticeably higher energy than the Finnish Lapphund.

Size and living space

The Australian Shepherd is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Finnish Lapphund is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Australian Shepherd is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Finnish Lapphund wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Shepherd needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Finnish Lapphund needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Shepherd learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Finnish Lapphund takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Australian Shepherd announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Finnish Lapphund announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Finnish Lapphund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Finnish Lapphund has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Shepherd has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Australian Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Shepherd has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Shepherd if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want an easier dog to train, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Finnish Lapphund if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want the more child-friendly companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Lapphund better for families with children?: The Finnish Lapphund tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Lapphund?: The Finnish Lapphund sheds more than the Australian Shepherd. If shedding is a concern, the Australian Shepherd is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Australian Shepherd or the Finnish Lapphund?: The Australian Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund bigger?: Australian Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Shepherd or Finnish Lapphund?: For apartment or apartment living, Finnish Lapphund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Shepherd vs Finnish Lapphund