Swedish Lapphund vs Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison

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.

This feisty little dog was developed in England a couple of centuries ago. He has a well documented history. An interesting aspect with this dog is that the very name ‘Jack Russell’ became a common name for predominantly white terriers after the death of clergyman Jack Russell.

The Russell Terrier was developed from Jack Russell working terrier strains that were used in the 19th century for hunting fox. The dog has been standardized by Kennel Club recognition. The Fedédération Cynologique Internationale also recognizes the breed.

It was in the early 1970s that the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was formed.

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.

Temperament:

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 Russell Terrier has a weatherproof coat that is mainly white with patches of tan or black or maybe even both. You get the smooth haired type, the broken type- as well as the rough haired Russell Terrier. All these coats shed.

He is a small dog standing at between 20-35cm in height and weighing between 7 and 12kg.

Temperament:

Your Russell Terrier is a jaunty, fearless, confident little dog with a powerful personality. The bright face with alert eyes are constantly telling you that he is just ready to spring into action when you’re ready.

He just loves games and sports and you won’t have to ask him twice to join in. Happy and energetic, you could say it's his desire to hunt as well as his high energy levels that make it necessary for him to be trained and socialized It is of particular importance because he is so strong willed. Super smart, you won't have any trouble teaching him some basic commands.

He also makes a good watch dog and while he can be aggressive towards other dogs, he is prepared to get along with children in the house who have been disciplined and who know how to treat animals with respect and kindness.

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.

It is true that this very active, very 'in-your-face' dog may not be everybody’s cup of tea. He will be discontent if not given the chance to run and be active.

If you’re a super active family who loves swimming, going on hikes or you enjoy sports such as cycling and horse riding, you can count the Russell Terrier in every time.

These dogs make a loving, loyal companion. They'll make you smile and be amused by their antics, bringing you lots of joy and entertainment.

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.

Diabetes Mellitus:

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.

The Russell Terrier is a robust little dog who can lead a good, healthy life of 13, 14 or 15 years if well cared for. There are however, a number of common dog ailments that he can succumb to. Some of these are cataracts, deafness and myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis:

This disorder is caused by a breakdown of the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles can’t contract and the dog becomes weak. It’s a disease that can be an inherited congenital defect, and the Russell Terrier is at risk of getting this disease. Symptoms do vary from dog to dog but a common symptom is muscle weakness.

Diet:

●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.

General Care:

●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.

● Provide your pet with a warm, dry, quiet sleeping place.

● Brush his coat twice a week. Check inside his ears and inside his mouth for redness and infection.

Exercise:

This little dog needs plenty of exercise, and being lazy yourself and not exercising him will lead to him becoming destructive through no fault of his.

He will need walks every day as well as runs in the park off his leash. Ball- and frisbee games fill him with delight and he gives chase every time. Even though he is small, he isn’t recommended for life in the city and small properties as he is a small dog with high energy needs and requires a lot of room to run.

Grooming:

The weatherproof coat isn’t going to require much grooming apart from a brushing twice week. Regular checking of the teeth, checking the eyes, looking inside the ears and checking for lumps will be required. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

Provide him with nice, warm, dry place to sleep.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date and get him to a vet if you see his is lethargic, miserable and in pain.

Provide him with top quality food, whether it is commercially manufactured food or homemade food.

Your Russell Terrier will be relying on you for good food. Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the kibble twice a week which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

You can add everything together in one big pot -chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

Simple and tasty, your Russell Terrier will love tasty treats like this. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.