Swedish Lapphund Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Swedish Lapphund?

One fun fact about Swedish Lapphunds is that they are the oldest of the nine native breeds in this country and have earned their status as Sweden's national dog. The first official recognition of Swedish Lappies, as some call them, was back in 1903, but their lineages trace far beyond making them one of the most ancient breeds.

Around the 1950s, things got quite challenging for these hounds because they nearly reached extinction. However, breeders resumed breeding shortly after this period, but Lappies remain a rare breed worldwide.

Who are Swedish Lapphund dogs best for?

If you would like to adopt this dog breed, you might have many questions racing through your mind. For example, is the Swedish Lapphund a good fit for first-time dog owners? Or, can I adopt a Swedish Lappie when I live in an apartment?

All of these questions are warranted, and the answer to both is yes! They are a very versatile breed, and as long as you give them some time outdoors by implementing a daily exercise routine, they'll love being part of your family. Even people with other dogs can adopt this breed.

How much grooming does a Swedish Lapphund need?

This breed has a thick double coat that sheds seasonally, making it require extra tender loving care. When the dog hair starts to shed, give this breed a nice trim and groom, especially around the paws. Also, groom around its pricked ears regularly to prevent ear infections.

Most breeds require grooming when they shed heavily, so this should not be a problem for most dog owners since these requirements are not unique to the Swedish Lappie breed. However, some constant maintenance is also necessary. Brush your dog weekly and use a metal comb for the long hairs.

Do Swedish Lapphund bark much?

Many breeds, mainly those used for herding, hunting, and home security, tend to bark a lot. Unlike those breeds, Swedish Lappies bark mostly when they see something suspicious. Due to their curiosity, they might bark at things they aren't familiar with seeing in their daily lives.

As they grow older, Lappies adjust well and become a little quieter. However, they can bark a lot when left alone for hours, especially outdoors. Therefore, try to keep your pup indoors around a familiar setting to avoid excessive barking that could irritate the neighbours.

Do Swedish Lapphund bite?

During the early days of a Swedish Lapphund's life span, they chew a lot when teething. Therefore, it is not unlikely for a Lappie to chew on your hand during playtime. Thus, immediately implement bite inhibition whenever necessary.

Also, to prevent your hounds from getting used to chewing on people, buy a chewing toy they can use during their teething phase. Avoid encouraging biting and chewing on people because this could be a habit that carries on into adulthood.

Fortunately, Lappies are not naturally aggressive and wouldn't use biting as the first resort on strangers.

What is the temperament & personality of a Swedish Lapphund?

These Swedish pups' eager and curious nature contributes to an overall perfect personality. In addition, they are not temperamental, making them the right puppy for those without much experience with dogs.

These pups are very loving and thus need to be indoors with people where they can display their affection more conveniently. Also, since Lappies are used to being in larger families, they do well with other pets and children, especially if you immediately familiarize your dog with other family members when they are still a new puppy.

Swedish Lappies do not often become agitated at other dogs, even when they meet as adults.

What is the weight & size of a Swedish Lapphund?

The weight and size of Swedish Lappies classify them as small to medium dogs with an average minimum weight of 13 kg. However, your pup can reach up to 20kg at a height range of 40 cm to 50 cm.

Their size makes Lappies perfect for apartment living since they are not that large despite their use as herding dogs in some parts of the world. Try to keep your pup's weight under 20kg to prevent it from being overweight and suffering health consequences.

How much training does a Swedish Lapphund need?

Training a Swedish Lappie is a breeze because of its nimble mind and curiosity. They are eager to please their owners, making the entire process fun for both parties. You can smoothly instill obedience training in this breed's daily routine.

Many Spitz dogs are fun to train, and this dog breed is no different. Positive affirmation and reward-based training are the best techniques for the Swedish Lappie dog. Perhaps their trainability also contributed to this dog being the national breed in Sweden.

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

Swedish Lappies are an exceptionally healthy breed, but they are predisposed to conditions like many other dogs. However, this dog breed's health issues are common, like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and diabetes.

These genetic health problems can be handled or mitigated conveniently by frequent wellness visits to the veterinarian. Like other dog breeds, the Swedish Lappie does very well with a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight could do wonders for this dog breed since it can prevent conditions such as diabetes from progressing.

What is the lifespan of a Swedish Lapphund?

With a healthy routine and all medical concerns taken care of, you can have your furry best friend around for over a decade. When shown appropriate care, Swedish Lappies live for approximately 12 years. Ensure you implement a good exercise routine and get the best medical care if any chronic conditions arise.

Also, watch your dog's diet to prevent any such chronic conditions from shortening its life span.

How much should you feed a Swedish Lapphund?

This breed is energetic and can take on fun activities for a long time to burn off that energy. To match your pup's energy levels, ensure that it gets high-quality dog food, such as dry kibble or canned meals.

Ensure oral hygiene is a priority if you are feeding your Swedish Lappie wet dog food with broth or other liquids. Other than that, the dietary requirements for this breed aren't extraordinary.

What is the price of a Swedish Lapphund in Australia?

You can find the Swedish Lapphund from a reputable breeder in Australia. The average price for this breed ranges around $1,500, which is quite reasonable, especially considering it is one of the rare dog breeds. Usually, breeders vaccinate and microchip pups before offering them up for sale.

Alternatively, you can opt for adoption by contacting your local breed club and rescue groups. Ultimately, there is a chance you can find a Swedish Lapphund looking for a loving home in rescue shelters amongst other breeds.

Regardless of how you assume dog ownership of this Swedish hound, please give it a loving home and a healthy routine to try and extend its life span as much as possible.