Finnish Lapphund Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Finnish Lapphund?

The Finnish Lapphund originates from Lapland, an Arctic Circle region where spitz breeds originated hundreds of years ago. Locals decided to breed thick-coated dogs for hunting and to herd reindeer.

These dogs had to be quick and nimble to avoid being trampled by escaping reindeer, and even today, the Lapphund still retains its "startle reflex", allowing it to quickly react to noises and movements.

A breed standard for the Lapphund wasn't created until the mid-1900s by the Finnish Kennel Club, and it didn't become a recognised breed by the American Kennel Club until 2011. It's a very popular breed in Finland, and it's still used as a reindeer herder, although not as much as it was a few centuries ago.

Who are Finnish Lapphund dogs best for?

Lapphunds are quite easy to train, making them a good choice as first dogs, as well as for experienced owners. Although they do have certain quirks, such as short attention spans, this is easy to deal with, even for new owners.

If you're an apartment dweller, the good news is that a Lapphund can live in this kind of environment, but having a yard or back garden to explore is preferable. If you do live in an apartment, it must be spacious enough, and daily walks to the dog park are essential, ideally a few times a day!

How much grooming does a Finnish Lapphund need?

The Lapphund sports a double coat, which consists of a smooth outer coat and a dense but soft undercoat. Weekly brushing will help to get rid of loose dog hair and dirt, although this may need to become daily brushing during the shedding season!

Unlike other dogs, Laphunds don't have the typical doggie odour, so bathing occasionally is normally enough. They should never be clipped or shaved either, as this will compromise their ability to stay cool in hot weather and warm in freezing weather.

As with any other breed, your Laphund's nails will need to be trimmed regularly because if they're left to grow too long, they can cause pain and problems with walking.

Do Finnish Lapphund bark much?

Finnish Lapphunds do tend to be quite noisy, especially when they're working, as barking is an important part of a herding job. However, thanks to their trainable natures, they can be taught not to bark at home.

But, if you don't keep on top of this training, you can expect your Lapphund to become increasingly vocal!

Do Finnish Lapphund bite?

Finnish Lapphunds are not known for being aggressive, and they're generally very affectionate and loving, especially towards their families. However, like many other dogs, poor or no training at all can result in biting becoming a habit.

Firm but fair obedience training from the start will ensure that you have a well-adjusted and friendly adult dog.

What is the temperament & personality of a Finnish Lapphund?

Generally, the Lapphund dog has a friendly and outgoing personality. They are devoted to their families and are usually good around children too. They're also highly intelligent, which helps them to do well in their training sessions.

The one downside to the Lapphunds' temperament is that they tend to suffer from separation anxiety. For this reason, you should never leave your Lappie alone for long as it'll get anxious, bored, and even depressed. This, in turn, can lead to them taking out their frustration on your furniture!

Lapphunds do well in homes where at least one person will be home at any given time. If that isn't possible, consider hiring a sitter or dog walker.

What is the weight & size of a Finnish Lapphund?

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with males reaching 48-50 cms at the withers and females measuring 43-45 cms. The weight of a Lapphund can range from 14-24 kgs.

How much training does a Finnish Lapphund need?

Although they're pretty easy to train, Lapphunds do have fairly short attention spans, so they'll need plenty of mental stimulation. Another thing to remember is to keep training sessions short, as your furry friend will almost certainly get bored!

The best way to approach your Lapphund's training is to keep the sessions short but effective and end them with a treat! Because of its agility, your Lappie will love having a go at dog sports, and it's a great way to maintain their fitness.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Finnish Lapphund?

Generally, Lapphunds are healthy, but as with many purebred dogs, there are some genetic health problems they may be prone to, including:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Degenerative myelopathy

• Pompe disease

• Progressive retinal atrophy

• Patellar luxation

Responsible breeders will always test their dogs for conditions that could affect the breeding. Additionally, your Lapphund's ears will need to be regularly examined for any signs of infection, and its teeth should be cleaned often too.

What is the lifespan of a Finnish Lapphund?

The average lifespan of a Lapphund is typically 12-14 years. But, this is only an average - a good diet, daily exercise, and regular vet visits can all help to prolong your dog's life.

How much should you feed a Finnish Lapphund?

Fresh, clean water should always be accessible for your Lapphund. A high-quality and balanced diet should also be given, split into two accurately weighed meals each day.

Talk to your vet about the type and amount of food your dog will need, as this will ensure you're meeting your pup's dietary needs - this can vary depending on activity level, age, and other factors.

Also, always keep the treats to a minimum to prevent weight gain - don't be tricked into giving more by those cute puppy dog eyes!

Table scraps should also be given sparingly, too and always avoid giving your dog cooked bones. Be sure to find out which human foods can safely be given to dogs and which ones you'll need to limit or avoid completely.

What is the price of a Finnish Lapphund in Australia?

The Finnish Lapphund is a stunning but quite rare breed. You'll want to steer clear of cheap dogs being offered because they're likely to have many health issues. A Finnish Lapphund puppy sourced from a responsible breeder could set you back around $2,000.

A good place to look for reputable breeders is the Finnish Lapphund breed club of New South Wales.

The only other cheap but safe route would be adoption, which would probably only cost around $300. But, since it's quite a rare breed, it may be difficult finding an adoption centre that has a Lapphund available in your local area.