Finnish Lapphund
FriendlyCalmFaithful
Finland · 12–15 years
About the Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a beautiful spitz-type herding breed developed by the Sami people of Lapland (northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway) for herding reindeer. They are one of the most popular breeds in Finland but remain relatively unknown internationally. Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, luxurious double coat, a friendly expression, and a gentle, even-tempered personality unusual for a working herding breed. They combine the beauty and plush coat of a companion breed with the intelligence and work ethic of a herding dog. Their calm, friendly nature makes them one of the most approachable herding breeds.
Breed stats
- Height
- 16–21 in
- Weight
- 33–53 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Herding
- Coat
- Thick, profuse, double coat with long outer coat and dense undercoat
- Origin
- Finland
Coat colors
- Black
- Brown
- Tan
- Cream
- Wolf Sable
- Any color with lighter undercoat
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Glycogen storage disease
- Pompe disease
Not every Finnish Lapphund will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Finnish Lapphunds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Finnish Lapphunds were originally developed by the Sami people specifically for herding reindeer in the Arctic regions of Lapland. They are one of the few breeds purpose-bred for reindeer herding. Their herding style combines circling, barking, and gentle nipping to move reindeer across vast Arctic terrain. They needed to be hardy enough to withstand extreme cold (-40°F), agile enough to work on snow and ice, and brave enough to confront reindeer that can weigh 10 times the dog's weight. Some Finnish Lapphunds still work with reindeer in northern Scandinavia today.
- Finnish Lapphunds are outstanding family dogs — one of the best herding breeds for families. They are gentle, patient, and excellent with children. Their calm, friendly nature makes them welcoming to visitors and reliable with kids of all ages. They get along beautifully with other dogs and even cats. Their moderate energy level is high enough for active play but not so demanding as to overwhelm a family. They are eager to please and highly trainable. The main considerations are their heavy shedding and need for daily exercise. For families who can manage the fur, they are ideal companions.
- Finnish Lapphunds are heavy shedders. Their thick, plush double coat sheds year-round and goes through two massive seasonal blowouts in spring and fall. During these periods, enormous quantities of undercoat come loose daily — you may fill a garbage bag with fur in a single brushing session. Regular brushing (at least two to three times per week, daily during blowouts) is essential. Never shave the coat, as it provides insulation against both heat and cold. A powerful vacuum cleaner and acceptance of fur on everything are requirements of Finnish Lapphund ownership.
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