Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

14-24 kg

Height

48-50 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Finnish Lapphund

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Finnish Lapphund – a breed that’s fairly unheard of, which is a shame as these adorable dogs are super smart, affectionate, and make great family pets. If you’re looking for a dog that’s beautiful, unique, and full of personality, a Finnish Lapphund could be exactly what you’re looking for.

In this breed guide, we’ll cover all aspects of owning this breed, including grooming and shedding advice, feeding, and training. We’ll also explore the history of the breed so you’ll know all about your new furry family member and where they came from.

If you’re considering giving a home to a Finnish Lapphund, or you just want to know more about this adorable breed, keep scrolling to find out more!

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.

What is a Finnish Lapphund Breed?

A tough reindeer herder from North Finland, the Finnish Lapphund is a weatherproof breed. It’s also one of the friendliest dogs you’re likely to meet – once it’s happy that you’re not rustling reindeer!

Lapphunds have luxurious coats and adorable spitz-shaped faces that make them immediately recognisable as Nordic dogs. These medium-sized herding dogs come in a variety of markings and colours, including wolf sable, black and tan, solid black, and red sable. The dense coat also offers excellent insulation against extreme Finnish weather.

They have small triangular-shaped ears and sweet oval-shaped eyes, some of which have markings that are known as “spectacles”. This is an alert and agile breed that’s capable of sprinting at high speeds. However, they’re also known for being very affectionate and friendly dogs.

Who is a Finnish Lapphund 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!

Finnish Lapphund Grooming & Shedding

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 Lapphunds bark a lot?

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!

What is the average weight & height of a Finnish Lapphund dog?

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

Are Finnish Lapphunds easy to train?

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.

How do Finnish Lapphunds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Finnish Lapphund have any common health issues?

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

Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to pain and potential arthritis. Regular screening can help with early detection.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause discomfort and mobility issues. It is also inherited and should be monitored.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive spinal disease that affects coordination and mobility, leading to eventual paralysis. Genetic testing can help identify risk.
Pompe Disease: A rare genetic disorder affecting muscle function, it can lead to muscle weakness and other health issues. Awareness of family history is important.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This hereditary eye condition causes gradual vision loss. Regular veterinary eye exams are recommended for early detection.
Patellar Luxation: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing discomfort and difficulty walking. It can be managed with veterinary care and sometimes surgery.

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 does a Finnish Lapphund need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Finnish Lapphund FAQs

Is a Finnish Lapphund ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes, the Finnish Lapphund would be a great choice for first-time owners. This is thanks to its trainability and affectionate nature. Despite this, firm, fair, and consistent training will be needed to prevent behavioural problems.

If you’re a first-time owner and you’re not sure when to start, dog training classes are highly recommended. There, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge about how to give your dog the best training and education.

Can a Finnish Lapphund live outside?

Although their thick, dense coats provide excellent protection from the weather, your Lapphund should never be kept outside. These are very sociable and loving dogs who get very anxious if they’re kept on their own – they do best when they live with their family.

Will a Finnish Lapphund get along with cats?

Lapphunds don’t have very strong prey drives, so they tend to get along well with other animals, including cats. As well as this, for thousands of years, they mixed with cats on the farms they were bred on.

As long as they’re introduced slowly to each other, there’s no reason why your Lapphund can’t live with your cats.

Can a Finnish Lapphund swim?

Although they’re not known to be water-loving dogs, your Lapphund’s temperament will determine how much he loves the water. Some Lappies hate even getting their paws wet, whilst others will happily jump into the sea or an inviting swimming pool on a hot day.