Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly, intelligent, medium-sized herding dogs known for their loyalty, friendliness and calm demeanour. Ideal for active families or individuals with plenty of outdoor space, Lappies form close bonds with their owners and enjoy being part of daily routines. They are alert watchdogs and may be vocal, especially in response to unfamiliar sounds.
| Recommended for | Experienced, active families or individuals |
| Breed Classification | Herding Group |
| Other names | Lappie, Finnish Lapponian Dog (FCI name) Lapinkoira Suomenlapinkoira |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Friendly, faithful, keen, calm, courageous |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent and trainable |
| Tendency to bark | High, especially when seeking attention or reacting to unfamiliar sounds and activities |
| Maintenance Level | Moderate grooming needs, moderate food cost |
| Health Risk | This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure. |
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Breed history of Finnish Lapphunds
The Finnish Lapphund, often affectionately called the “”Lappie,”” has strong roots in the northern regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Originally bred by the semi-nomadic Sami people of Lapland (the northern region of Scandinavia), who were keepers of reindeer herds. Their resilient dogs were both cherished companions and working dogs, guiding reindeer through the challenging Arctic landscape and guarding livestock in harsh conditions.
As reindeer herding practices decreased in the region, along with the arrival of the snowmobile, the use of dogs became less and less necessary. Lappies transitioned from working dogs to adaptable family pets, with breeders seeking to preserve the breed’s adaptability, intelligence, and friendly nature. In the 1940s, efforts to formally establish the breed gained momentum, and dogs belonging to the original Sami people were collected with the intent of establishing a breeding program. The first breed standard was accepted by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1945, with the breed being called the Lapponian Shepherd Dog.
Today, Finnish Lapphunds are very popular pets in Finland, and are considered to be excellent companions, therapy dogs, and participants in various dog sports. The Finnish Lapphund was introduced to Australia in 1995. According to DogsNSW, by late 2020 approximately 1,700 Finnish Lapphunds had been bred in Australia.
Physical description of Finnish Lapphunds
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized, sturdy Spitz breed with a compact and muscular frame that is designed for both agility and strength. The breed has a broad, expressive face with a slightly tapered muzzle, almond-shaped eyes that radiate warmth and intelligence, and an alert, friendly expression.
One of the Finnish Lapphund’s most distinctive features is its thick, weather-resistant double coat, ideal for enduring the Arctic climates of Scandinavia. The outer coat is long and straight, with a slightly coarse texture that repels snow and moisture, while the dense, soft undercoat provides essential insulation against the cold. Together, these layers make the Finnish Lapphund highly adaptable to outdoor conditions, allowing it to stay comfortable and protected in frigid weather.
| Weight range | 15 – 24 kg |
| Height range | Female: 41–47 cm, Male: 46–52 cm |
| Colours | Predominantly black, brown, wolf-sable, or red, with variations including white and sable |
| Coat length | Long |
Finnish Lapphund personality and temperament
Finnish Lapphunds are known for their warm, friendly, and highly social nature. Bred to work closely with humans as herding dogs, they naturally tune in to their owners and have a strong desire to be part of family life. Loyal and affectionate, Lappies make excellent companions for families. Their calm and gentle temperament allows them to adapt well to different family dynamics, and they thrive in active, engaging environments.
Lappies form close bonds with their families and enjoy being part of daily routines. They are happiest when involved in activities like playtime, training sessions, or simply relaxing with their owners. Known for their intelligence, they are quick learners and responsive to training, though their occasional independence may require gentle guidance. They’re generally patient and get along well with other pets, balancing independence with a strong need for companionship. Regular interaction is essential, as isolation can lead to restlessness.
Finnish Lapphunds adapt well to various living environments, from rural areas with ample space to suburban homes. They have a natural alertness and protective instinct, making them reliable watchdogs and family guardians, without being overly aggressive.
Finnish Lapphunds with kids and other pets
Finnish Lapphunds are affectionate and loyal companions, making them an excellent choice for families with children. Their gentle, patient nature and natural sociability allow them to be both playful and protective around kids. Known for their calm temperament, Finnish Lapphunds are typically tolerant and attentive, often taking on a gentle, guardian-like role within the family. However, as with any dog, supervision around young children is essential to ensure safe and positive interactions.
Finnish Lapphunds generally get along well with other pets, thanks to their friendly and adaptable temperament. Early socialisation helps them learn to interact harmoniously, as they may occasionally exhibit herding tendencies with smaller animals. While they tend to be naturally accepting of other dogs, supervision and consistent training are recommended, especially when introducing them to smaller pets.
Finnish Lapphund training and exercise
Finnish Lapphunds thrive with regular exercise and mental engagement, which help keep them healthy, happy, and well-behaved. While they have an active and playful side, they don’t require highly intense activities to be content. Daily walks, interactive play sessions, and time to explore in a secure area keep them physically fit. These intelligent dogs also enjoy mental stimulation through puzzle toys, learning new commands, and problem-solving activities, which help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviours. Structured activities and meaningful tasks will also help keep them mentally sharp.
With their gentle independence and intelligence, Finnish Lapphunds respond well to consistent, positive training from an early age. Early socialisation and training are key to fostering harmonious interactions with family members and other pets, as their natural herding instincts can occasionally lead to bossy behaviour without guidance. They do best with gentle, reward-based training methods, which help them understand boundaries while strengthening their bond with their owners.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate |
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Finnish Lapphund feeding and nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for the Finnish Lapphund’s health, supporting their active lifestyle, a healthy coat, and overall well-being. A high-quality dog food that meets their dietary needs—with balanced proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—is ideal for promoting sustained energy levels. Due to their medium size and active nature, Finnish Lapphunds benefit from a diet tailored to their activity level and age. Consulting a veterinarian can help develop a feeding plan suited to their specific needs, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition at every life stage.
As Finnish Lapphunds grow from puppies to adults and eventually to seniors, their nutritional needs change. Puppies need a protein-rich diet to support muscle development and growth, while adult dogs require balanced nutrients to maintain energy and health. For senior dogs, lower-calorie food and joint-support supplements can be beneficial. Portion sizes should be adjusted based on the dog’s age, activity level, and size to prevent overeating or nutrient deficiencies. Regular vet visits allow for health monitoring and diet adjustments as needed, keeping your Finnish Lapphund healthy and nourished throughout their life.
Finnish Lapphund care and grooming
Finnish Lapphunds have a thick double coat that sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and manage shedding, particularly in the spring and autumn. Brushing two to three times a week helps remove loose fur and prevents matting, with more frequent brushing recommended during peak shedding seasons to maintain their coat’s condition.
Bathing should be done occasionally, only as needed, to preserve the coat’s natural oils and texture. Routine nail trimming and dental care are also essential parts of their grooming routine. While the Finnish Lapphund’s coat typically doesn’t require trimming, a light trim around the paws and ears can help keep them looking neat. Avoid shaving their coat for the summer months as they need their coat to insulate against the heat.
Health issues for Finnish Lapphunds
- Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary condition affecting the development of the hip joint, leading to joint instability and arthritis. Symptoms may include difficulty moving, lameness, and pain. While genetics are the primary cause, rapid growth and excessive weight can worsen the condition.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disorder that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to vision loss and eventual blindness. Inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, it often presents with symptoms like night blindness and dilated pupils.
- Hereditary Cataracts are common in Finnish Lapphunds, leading to clouding of the eye’s lens and potential vision impairment. Cataracts are typically inherited but may worsen with age, causing symptoms like cloudy eyes and decreased vision.
- Elbow Dysplasia involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, resulting in pain and lameness in the front legs. Genetic factors contribute to this condition, which can be worsened by rapid growth or strenuous activity in puppies. Symptoms include limping, swelling, and restricted range of motion.
- Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder that slows metabolism, often causing weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. This condition may have a genetic component and is sometimes linked to autoimmune thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland..
- CMR1 is a hereditary condition affecting the retina, causing mild vision issues due to retinal folds or detachments. Inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, it can result in retinal abnormalities, though many affected dogs remain asymptomatic.
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MORE INFORMATION
Finnish Lapphund Club of NSW Inc: https://www.flcnsw.com.au/
Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria: https://www.flcv.org/
Finnish Lapphund Club of America: https://www.finnishlapphund.org/
