Other names:
Finnish Lapphund, Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira
Traditionally used for herding reindeer, the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized spitz breed. It's a close relative of many other Nordic hunting and herding dogs. Some people describe the Finnish Lapphund as a smaller, fluffier version of the Husky. This working dog loves to learn and often takes part in obedience and agility trials. These friendly and alert little animals are an ideal pet for families with small children.
Key facts about the Finnish Lapponian Dog
Life expectancy :
Between 12 and 14 years
Temperament :
Intelligent
Size :
Medium
Type of coat :
Long
Price :
Between £600 and £900
FCI Group
FCI Group
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section
Section 3 : Nordic Watchdogs and Herders
Physical characteristics of the Finnish Lapponian Dog
Adult size
Female dog
Between 16 and 19 in
Male dog
Between 18 and 20 in
Weight
Female dog
Between 40 and 44 lb
Male dog
Between 42 and 46 lb
Coat colour
Various combinations of black, white, grey, sable, cream, tan, and brown.
Type of coat
Double coat. Dense, thick.
Eye colour
Yellow. Orange.
Description
Medium-sized. Strongly built. Short sturdy legs. Deep chest covered by a thick plum of fur. Thick neck. Small head with a short muzzle.
Temperament
Affectionate
Very affectionate. Slightly too big to be a lapdog, but they still enjoy lots of strokes and cuddles.
Playful
A high-energy dog. Prefers engaging games that provide both a physical and mental challenge.
Calm
Generally very calm and relaxed. No issues with hyperactivity or behavioural problems.
Intelligent
Very high level of intelligence. Capable of understanding the most complex voice commands. Will get bored easily with the wrong kind of training.
Hunter
More of a herding dog rather than a hunting dog. Still, they do have a tendency to chase cats and squirrels if they’re not socialised from an early age.
Fearful / wary of strangers
Very friendly and social around strangers and new people. Naturally curious and confident.
Independent
This dog has a strong independent streak. Will always understand voice and obedience commands, but might not always respond.
Behaviour of the Finnish Lapponian Dog
Tolerates solitude
Extended periods of solitude will have a profound effect on this dog's health. They’re social animals who need plenty of company. Bred to work and live alongside humans.
Easy to train / obedience
Responds really well to reward-based training methods. Naturally intelligent. Strong work ethic. Loves to please its owner.
Barking
Can be quite vocal, especially when they’re playing or working. Makes lots of noise if they haven’t seen you for a few hours.
Tendency to run away
Quite an adventurous and curious dog. Does have a tendency to go exploring.
Destructive
These dogs are very prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour.
Greedy / Gluttony
A small dog with a modest appetite. Not known for being greedy or gluttonous.
Guard dog
An excellent watchdog. Keen, alert, and will quickly spot anything suspicious. A little dog that can make a big noise!
First dog
A good choice for first-time dog owners. However, inexperienced handlers must familiarise themselves with reward-based training and socialisation methods.
Lifestyle
Finnish Lapponian Dog in a flat
Small enough to live comfortably in a flat. Just make sure they get plenty of exercise and outdoor time.
Need for exercise / Sporty
60 mins a day. They need long, interesting walks. Exercise should include high-energy games like fetch and catch.
Travelling / easy to transport
Easy enough to transport by car, but it’s always worth exercising them before long journeys. A tired dog is much easier to transport.
Compatibility
Finnish Lapponian Dog and cats
This all depends on training and socialisation. Without it, these herding dogs will torment any cats they come into contact with.
Finnish Lapponian Dog and dogs
The Finnish Lapphund is a real pack animal; they love the company of other dogs, and especially other Spitz breeds.
Finnish Lapponian Dog and children
The perfect family dog. An ideal companion for young children.
Finnish Lapponian Dog and the elderly
A really good pet for elderly dog owners. The Lapphund has manageable exercise needs, is easy to handle, and has a calm, relaxed disposition.
Price
The initial cost of buying a Finnish Lapphund puppy will be between £600 to £900. The average cost to keep and care for a Finnish Lapphund will be between £60 to £90 monthly.
Grooming
Requires regular grooming, including a daily brush. This will keep their long coats clean and healthy.
Shedding
Like most double-coated breeds, the Finnish Lapphund sheds all year around, and especially during spring and autumn.
Nutrition of the Finnish Lapponian Dog
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food split over two daily meals.
Health of the Finnish Lapponian Dog
Life expectancy
A healthy dog with no breed specific health issues and an average life expectancy of 12-14 years, though some have lived up to 16 or 17 years.
Strong / robust
A very strong and sturdy little dog. Well-built, compact, and robust.
Withstand heat
Sheds during the warmer times of the year, but may still struggle during hot summers. Avoid walkies during the hottest parts of the day.
Withstand cold
Built for the cold. Their double coats are very insulating, waterproof, and windproof. Bred to work and thrive in sub-zero temperatures.
Tendency to put on weight
No problems with obesity or extra weight. Any unexplained weight gain could be linked to an underlying medical issue. Speak to a vet for more advice.
Some Finnish Lapphunds are quite sensitive. They need a gentle, soft hand, but should never be spoilt. A spoilt Lapphund will become very demanding and disobedient.
They are easily startled by loud or unfamiliar noises.
Owning a Finnish Lapphund is a long-term commitment. A significant number of them live up to 17 years of age. That’s about 84 years old in human years!
Origins and history
This breed was first developed by the Sami people of Northern Scandinavia. The Sami people lived in smaller tribes which sustained themselves through hunting, trading and herding wild stock. They used the Finnish Lapphund to help round up large herds of reindeers. But as such traditional ways of life were replaced by the spread of industrialisation, the Finnish Lapphund became more of a companion dog; today it's the 6th most popular companion dog in its native Finland. It's still relatively unknown outside of Northern Europe. The first American litter wasn't born until 1988.
