Rat Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Finnish Lapphund has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Calm
Faithful
Keen
Courageous
Friendly

Rat Terriers are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Finnish Lapphunds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Rat Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose a Finnish Lapphund if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

spitz, wolf

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
AKC = American Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

1800s

1900s

Terrier (AKC:2013 & UKC)

Herding (AKC:2011)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Finnish Lapphund can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

While the Rat Terrier breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Finnish Lapphunds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Rat Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Finnish Lapphund has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Rat Terriers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Finnish Lapphunds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Rat Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Finnish Lapphund dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Rat Terrier dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

While Finnish Lapphund dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

Hike, Walk

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Finnish Lapphunds have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Finnish Lapphund has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Rat Terriers make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Finnish Lapphunds can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Rat Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Finnish Lapphunds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Rat Terriers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Finnish Lapphunds are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Rat Terriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Finnish Lapphunds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Rat Terriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Finnish Lapphunds are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Rat Terriers are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Finnish Lapphunds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.