Finnish Lapponian Dog

Various combinations of black, white, grey, sable, cream, tan, and brown. 

Double coat. Dense, thick. 

Yellow. Orange.

Medium-sized. Strongly built. Short sturdy legs. Deep chest covered by a thick plum of fur. Thick neck. Small head with a short muzzle. 

Very affectionate. Slightly too big to be a lapdog, but they still enjoy lots of strokes and cuddles. 

A high-energy dog. Prefers engaging games that provide both a physical and mental challenge.

Generally very calm and relaxed. No issues with hyperactivity or behavioural problems. 

Very high level of intelligence. Capable of understanding the most complex voice commands. Will get bored easily with the wrong kind of training. 

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.  

Very friendly and social around strangers and new people. Naturally curious and confident.

This dog has a strong independent streak. Will always understand voice and obedience commands, but might not always respond. 

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. 

Responds really well to reward-based training methods. Naturally intelligent. Strong work ethic. Loves to please its owner.

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.

Quite an adventurous and curious dog. Does have a tendency to go exploring. 

These dogs are very prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour. 

A small dog with a modest appetite. Not known for being greedy or gluttonous.

An excellent watchdog. Keen, alert, and will quickly spot anything suspicious. A little dog that can make a big noise!

A good choice for first-time dog owners. However, inexperienced handlers must familiarise themselves with reward-based training and socialisation methods. 

Small enough to live comfortably in a flat. Just make sure they get plenty of exercise and outdoor time.

60 mins a day. They need long, interesting walks. Exercise should include high-energy games like fetch and catch.

Easy enough to transport by car, but it’s always worth exercising them before long journeys. A tired dog is much easier to transport.

This all depends on training and socialisation. Without it, these herding dogs will torment any cats they come into contact with. 

The Finnish Lapphund is a real pack animal; they love the company of other dogs, and especially other Spitz breeds. 

The perfect family dog. An ideal companion for young children.

A really good pet for elderly dog owners. The Lapphund has manageable exercise needs, is easy to handle, and has a calm, relaxed disposition.

Like most double-coated breeds, the Finnish Lapphund sheds all year around, and especially during spring and autumn.

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.

A very strong and sturdy little dog. Well-built, compact, and robust.

Sheds during the warmer times of the year, but may still struggle during hot summers. Avoid walkies during the hottest parts of the day. 

Built for the cold. Their double coats are very insulating, waterproof, and windproof. Bred to work and thrive in sub-zero temperatures.

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.

• Cataracts
• Retinal atrophy
• Hip dysplasia

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.