Is a smart, funny Finnish Lapphund your dream dog?

The Finnish Lapphund is known for its striking good looks, companionship, and sporting abilities.

It is a medium-sized herding dog breed from Finland with a thick coat that can be found in various markings and colors.

The dog’s thick double coat insulates them against cold temperatures, enabling it to work as a herding dog in extreme Finnish climates.

The breed features upright triangular ears and beautiful oval eyes.

In general, the Finnish Lapphund is an alert and agile dog capable of galloping at high speeds and has a reputation for being devoted and very affectionate to its family.

Finnish Lapphund breed profile overview

• Height: 18 – 21 inches (male), 16 – 19 inches (female)
• Weight: 33 – 35 pounds
• Life span: 12 – 15 years
• Coat type: Double, medium-length coat
• Coat color: Brown, black, tan, cream, blonde, or wolf stable with a range of markings
• Qualities: Smart, sociable, affectionate, friendly
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Group: Herding

History

The Finnish Lapphund is an old breed that got its name from Lapland, an area close to the Arctic Circle.

Residents of that region bred thick-coated dogs for herding reindeer and hunting. Since the breed is naturally cooperative and friendly, they quickly became excellent watchdogs and human companions.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Finnish Lapphund in 2011, and the breed is not very popular in North America as it is in Finland and other European countries.

The breed has been ranked amongst Finland’s top 20 most popular species thanks to its good temperament, health, and gorgeous looks.

Appearance

The Finnish Lapphunds originate from the “Spitz” family and are medium in size, ranging between 18 – 21 inches for males and 16 – 19 inches for females.

Thanks to their abundantly thick coast, these dogs appear strongly built. T

hey come in various colors, but black with tan markings is the most common. White markings on the feet and chest are common and generally appear on the neck and face.

Personality

Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent and funny and demonstrate a strong herding instinct.

These dogs also have an active and lively personality and a keen willingness to learn, which makes them an excellent choice for family dogs. Moreover, they make excellent watchdogs and will alert you at the sight of any potential intruders.

Due to their intelligence and friendliness, these dogs make great family pets- they are easy to train and do not act out without thinking.

Some Lapphunds can be barkers and bite others, especially when excited by play, and this needs to be handled through proper training and care. Train your Finnish Lapphund with a professional to ensure you are not liable for dog bites.

Although children must always be monitored around dogs, a Finnish Lapphund’s gentle and relaxed nature makes it an excellent choice for families with children.

A bonus is that these furry friends make excellent therapy dogs due to their affection, personality, and fluff overload.

Exercise needs

The Finnish Lapphund is a very adaptive dog and can live in an environment with little space.

However, they still require daily exercise to remain active. It would be best if you aimed to spend at least 30 minutes per day exercising your Lapphund through hiking, jogging, daily walks, dancing, and energetic play sessions.

In addition to keeping them mentally active, you must also exercise them mentally through activities such as puzzles. Finnish Lapphunds also can excel at dog sports, such as herding trails and agility.

Grooming requirements

The Finnish Laphund sports a double coat: a soft and thick undercoat and a smooth outer coat.

Male Finnish Lapphunds are famous for their “lion-like” mane, but surprisingly they are not very high-maintenance in grooming. But be warned; they do shed heavily.

The double layers mean they are not prone to knotting or getting tangled like other long-haired breeds.

You only need to spend 30 minutes per week brushing your dog. Higher shedding occurs during the fall and spring months when you must brush your dog daily to maintain the loose fur.

Do not shave your dog since that can affect the coat’s ability to insulate the body during cold months and cool in hot months.

Because Lapphunds do not normally have a smell, they still need to be bathed every month or so, depending on how dirty they get.

Check your dog’s ears weekly to see if they require cleaning. Brush its teeth daily, and trim its nails every month.

You can always take your dog to a professional groomer or buy a DIY grooming kit to keep your furry friend looking great.

Training

Finnish Lapphunds are naturally affectionate and friendly, but they still need to be socialized from a young age. A puppy obedience session will allow it to learn basic manners and commands.

Moreover, it would be best if you aimed to expose the puppy to other dogs, people, and different locations to help increase its confidence and comfort.

As a dog owner, it is best to use training methods that include positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats.

Finnish Lapphunds are normally intelligent and quick to learn, provided their training sessions are fun and positive.

Remember that Lapphunds are social dogs and love to be around people. Remember, you might have to work harder to train your dog to be comfortable when alone.

If you fear that your puppy may have separation anxiety, it is best to consult a professional dog behaviorist or trainer who will guide you regarding what to do.

If you are someone who is not around most of the time, then a Lapphund might not be the best dog to have.

Finnish Lapphund common health Issues

In general, the Finnish Lapphund is a very healthy breed. However, they are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Progressive retinal atrophy

Nutrition and diet

Ensure your Finnish Lapphund has access to fresh water and a high-quality diet with balanced nutrition. Give two meals per day with measured portions after discussing the type and amount of food with your vet.

Pay extra attention to the treats you give your dog to prevent weight gain and overeating. Avoid giving your dog table scraps, and especially avoid cooked bones.

Do your research beforehand and see which human foods are safe for consumption and which are not. Consult your vet for any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet, age, or weight.

Living conditions

Finnish Lapphunds are flexible. Even though bred to be reindeer herders, these dogs can live in homes or apartments with restricted space.

If you move often, you will be happy to know that your Lapphund can adapt to various circumstances and environments.

Cost of buying a Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Laphund is uncommon in North America, but you can still check out different breeders, rescue groups, and animal shelters.

You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 on average for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Final thoughts about adopting a Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a friendly, affectionate, and intelligent dog that makes an excellent watchdog and family pet.

This dog is ideal if you have a big family or often like to change your environment due to its versatile and friendly nature.

Make sure to buy your Lapphund puppy from a responsible breeder and do your homework beforehand.

Contact a personal injury lawyer if you sustain personal injuries from a dog or are dealing with a situation where your dog has attacked another party.

Natalie Padilla is a content writer that specializes in law and consumer safety. She also works with Yadegar, Minoofar, & Soleymani LLP to make a difference in victims’ lives.