Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Border Terrier |  Finnish Lapphund |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in the Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland in the eighteenth century to work with foxhounds, running with the hunt and then going to ground to bolt the fox. The breed standard still describes a dog built for that job. | Finland |
| Group | Terrier | Pastoral |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Coat | Harsh, wiry double coat in red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan | Thick, profuse double coat, weatherproof |
| Weight | 5.1 to 7.1 kg | 15 to 24 kg |
| Height | 28 to 40 cm | 41 to 52 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
| Exercise need | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Barking | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Trainability | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 8/10 | 4/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 2/10 |
| Shedding | 4/10 | 8/10 |
| Flat fit | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Running cost | €142 / month | €89 / month |
Border Terrier verdict
The easy-going terrier with an otter head and a working heart.
Get one if
- · First-time terrier owners who want character without the sharpest edges
- · Active singles, couples and families who walk properly every day
- · Households with considerate children; the breed is sturdy and good-natured
Think again if
- · Homes with rabbits, guinea pigs or other small pets in reach
- · Gardens that cannot be made escape-proof
- · Owners wanting a reliably off-lead dog around wildlife
Finnish Lapphund verdict
The friendly reindeer herder
Get one if
- · Active families wanting a friendly northern breed
- · Owners interested in agility, obedience or herding
- · Cold-climate households
Think again if
- · Homes needing a quiet dog
- · Low-activity households
- · Allergy sufferers