MyDogBreeds
Swedish Lapphund is originated from Sweden but Briard is originated from France. Swedish Lapphund may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Briard. Swedish Lapphund may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Briard. Both Swedish Lapphund and Briard has almost same life span. Both Swedish Lapphund and Briard has almost same litter size. Swedish Lapphund requires Moderate maintenance. But Briard requires High maintenance
This is a Spitz type of dog from Sweden. It is Sweden’s national dog.The dog has always been used for herding and guarding livestock such as reindeer for the Sami people.
The dog is much the same as the Finnish Lapphund, and some even believe that it might be one and the same. The American Kennel Club recognizes them as two separate breeds.
It is one of the oldest Swedish dog breeds and also one of 3 Lapphund breeds.The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the Lapphund as a distinct breed in 1903.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized this dog in 1944, and the United Kennel Club in 2006.
Through myth and legend, the Briard is thought to be a very ancient dog. A French herding breed, a Briard type of dog appears in writings as early as the end of the 14th century. According to legends the Briard was owned by Napoleon, Charlemagne, Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron, the Briard came into popularity following its appearance in a Paris dog show in 1863. Bred originally to guard and herd sheep, these intelligent, independent dogs were often left on their own. Because they both guarded and herded, their size and structure as well as their personalities were different from other dogs that worked sheep. Those that herded only were fast, agile and smaller. Those that only guarded were heavier, bigger and stronger. The Briard was in-between these two types of breeds. He was well suited to any kind of farm work and guarded the crops from the sheep’s desire to eat them. They moved the sheep from one grazing area to another and then to their holding area at night. No humans had to assist the Briard in this work once they were trained.
During World War 1, the Briards were drafted into service as messengers, sentries and search dogs for lost or injured soldiers. In that time frame the breed served almost to the point of extinction. Breeding programs following the war brought them back. Today the Briard is a home companion, a police dog, as well as both military and civilian search and rescue dogs.
The Swedish Lapphund is a medium to large sized dog standing at between 40 to 51cm in height and weighing between 19 and 21kg.
The head is wedge shaped and the ears erect. He has a thick double coat with fairly straight, silky hair that stands out from the body. Colors can be brown or black and sometimes there can be white markings. He sheds quite a bit, with some heavier seasonal shedding.
When you get one of these Spitz type dogs as your pet, you can be sure that you’re going to have an excellent pet and companion.
They’re independent dogs with strong wills and like to do their own thing. Training and socialization can change that and make him easy, well mannered and obedient.
They’re lively dogs and intelligent too. He is versatile, loving to be outdoors and being energetic with the children but being able to enjoy some quiet time indoors too. He is simply an excellent family pet and watchdog.
The Briard is a powerful, intelligent and independent working dog. They have a straight topline and their height is almost the same as their length. They have long, large, rectangular heads with wide muzzles. Their noses are also square and jet black while their side set, large eyes can be black-brown or black. Their ears have traditionally been cropped but with more countries outlawing it, they can now have natural ears set high on the head. They have a tail that is feathered and low-cut. The feet of a Briard are round, compact and large.
The Briard is a double coated breed with a long beard and mustache. Their hair completely covers the head and the eyes so that they are not seen. They have prominent eyebrows as well.
The Swedish Lapphund has always been a hardworking dog, herding reindeer for the Sami people.
Today the Lapphund is a people-loving dog and wants to be constantly with his human family. He is intelligent, strong, independent, loyal, bold and loving. If you’re looking for an excellent family companion, this is it.
Do him a favor and don’t leave him outside without human companionship as he will become run-down and possibly destructive through no fault of his own. Bring him into your family and make him part of it and then he’s happy.
As mentioned previously the Briard is intelligent and independent. They are also loyal, rugged, protective and bond intensely with their humans. They are often aloof when it comes to strangers or even when new furniture is introduced into the household. They have to learn that anything new into the family environment is friendly and good. They are great with children and susceptible to separation anxiety because of their deep affection for their people. Socialization for puppies is a must. This will let them know that people and children, other dogs in general are not harmful to their families. They have great memories and once they learn something – right or wrong – it is almost impossible to change it. They were bred to be independent thinkers who acted on their own conclusions. This is still true of the breed today, making them appear to be stubborn.
They are great watchdogs, fearless and brave; willing to learn, eager to make you happy. They are basically gentle but that always runs up against their protective nature. A strong alpha leader is needed to handle this hard-working dog.
The Swedish Lapphud is a healthy dog breed, but even so he can get one of the many common dog illnesses there are.If you choose a puppy, make sure to get your pet from a reputable breeder to avoid more serious dog illnesses.
Diabetes Mellitus is a disease you might have to watch out for with this dog breed.
This is a disease of the pancreas. This organ has two groups of cells – one produces enzymes for proper digestion and the other produces the hormone insulin which regulates the level of glucose in the bloodstream.
Diabetes is when the pancreas fails to regulate blood sugar. Your dog will have increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and increased appetite.
Type I diabetes mellitus results from destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells, which is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. Dogs with this type of diabetes require insulin injections to stabilize blood sugar. Type II diabetes is more likely in older, obese dogs.
Dogs with diabetes mellitus will require insulin each day. If canine diabetes mellitus is properly regulated, prognosis for the dog is good.
Being a large breed, the Briard shares many of the same health concerns as other large breeds. They have a few of their own as well. Typical issues for a Briard might include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration –degeneration of the photoreceptors and retina.
●The Swedish Lapphund is an active dog and will require a high quality dog food. If you buy commercially manufactured dog food it should be appropriate to your dog’s age and activity levels.
Home-made food like boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach and sweet potatoes will do your pet the world of good, and chopped up, it can be added a couple of times a week to the dog’s dry kibble.
Try and feed some raw met occasionally as well. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
●The Lapphund is an active dog and he is going to reguire daily exercise that will keep him mentally and physically fit. Having a dog like this requires you being active yourself, and your Lapphund is going to love going on long walks or hikes. He will never get enough games with the children – he just loves the rough and tumble.
● Have his vaccines attended to. There are training classes as well as boarding kennels that won’t accept your dog unless his vaccines are up to date.
● Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dogs to have puppies.
● Brush his coat twice a week. Check inside his ears and inside his mouth for redness and infection.
It is best to feed the Briard smaller meals 2-3 times a day to prevent bloat. Feed 3-4 cups total for the day of a dry dog food that is high quality and made for large breeds.
Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark can vary from slight difficulty moving to complete inability to see in the dark.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration – Can lead to night blindness, limited or total blindness. Puppies with the disease can be blind before their first birthday.
Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists. Fatal if not treated quickly. Caused by eating a large meal quickly and either exercise immediately or drink a large amount of water right after eating.
Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder leads to excessive bleeding. There is no cure, but it is manageable.
The Briard is a working dog and as such needs a job. They excel at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, confirmation and tracking. They need exercise and make excellent service dogs for people with disabilities and therapy dogs for those in emotional need.