Finnish Lapphund: Your Complete Guide

The northern hailing Finnish Lapphund is a dog with an incredible history, wonderful temperament, and beautiful coat. While they haven’t achieved the same popularity in North America as breeds like the Labrador or retriever, they are an excellent addition to any home.

The likable Lapphund will shed quite regularly, making them a poor choice for those with allergies. They can also be quite vocal on a day-to-day basis, which will require some work to quiet down.

This article will go into extensive detail about the dog for the would-be owners on the fence about the Finnish Lapphund. Readers won’t be experts by the end, but they will have a comprehensive idea about what goes into owning these handsome hounds.

Quick Look at the Finnish Lapphund

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Finnish Lapphunds?

The Lapphund has an origin that is married to the Sami, a collection of people that live in the deep north of Europe. The deeply-insulated dogs would help herd large groups of reindeer through the harsh winter climate. While earlier ancestors had more elongated frames, the Lapphund is similar to its task-driven predecessor.

The dogs became a consideration for breeding a bit before the second world war. This was postponed during the conflict, and several breeders of today believed a fierce distemper outbreak almost wiped out the species.

The breed was formally accepted into the International Canine Federation in 1944, though two distinctions made a standard difficult. While the Finnish Lapphund of today is a fluffy, long-haired pup, the “Lappish herder” could be short-haired with a thick coat that more closely resembled the Karelian dog bear.

This was enough of a variation that in 1966, the Lappish Herder was reexamined, and two different dog breeds were born. The Lapponian herder was the first, with its trademark short coat, and the Finnish Lapphund the second, with its massive fluff of thick winter fur.

While they have remained popular in Northern Europe (particularly in Finland), they didn’t go abroad to the States until 1988. While they were largely recognized across the pond, it wasn’t until 1994 that the United Kennel Club formally accepted the Lapphund.

By 2011, they were brought into the herding group. While they have become a staple in their native country, they have yet to catch on in popularity abroad.

What Do Finnish Lapphunds Look Like?

Stout-bodied and surprisingly hefty, the Finnish Lapphund has a brilliant coat in various colors. While the bushy exterior might trick strangers into thinking the breed sits on the lighter side, they can get as big as 50 pounds or more.

Their coats are visually stunning and can be very different from pup to pup, with the trademark black with cream being the most common. They can also have vibrant shades of red, cream, silver, white, fawn, and brown.

What Size Is a Finnish Lapphund?

They are wide-set canines that usually come up to the knee or a bit above at sixteen to twenty-one inches. They will never knock you over with their weight, but they may grow large enough to lessen the likelihood of you picking them up. They range about twenty pounds in difference, getting as little as thirty-three pounds or as big as fifty-three when full-grown.

Males tend to sit a bit higher, having an inch or two on their female counterparts.

What Is a Finnish Lapphunds Coat Type and Length?

They have incredibly impressive coats that come in a myriad of colors and shades. Their fur will always be lengthy and straight, growing outward into big puffs of rough outer fluff. Underneath, they will have a delightfully soft undercoat that helps keep them insulated during more extreme temperatures.

Their fur should not be trimmed close to the skin, as it causes discomfort during the colder months. They have a thick double coat that makes sweltering climates hard to contend with. Because of their thick fur, it is recommended that they do not get adopted by people in hotter regions of the world.

For those in colder weather, rest assured that the Lapphund will thrive in the harshest winters.

What Is a Finnish Lapphunds Temperament?

It is hardly uncommon to find a breed of dog known for their friendly, affable nature, but the Finnish Lapphund is in its own category. They don’t just look sweet; they are incredibly kind, gentle breeds that make sensational pets for various homes. They are bright and peppy, requiring hands-on attention, though they can get along with just about anyone.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Good With Kids?

They are a phenomenal companion for most homes, and kids will adore them the second the two lay eyes on one another. They are very kind-hearted, and while they love to play, they are inherently gentle, making interactions less prone to injury with kids. They also have long lifespans, allowing them to spend entire childhoods with your little ones.

Kids should learn the basics of handling animals, though the Finnish Lapphund is a fantastic dog for novice owners and unfamiliar children to get a grip on canine ownership. For very small or young toddlers, dogs should be introduced in a monitored setting that allows both to get comfortable with each other.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Good With Other Animals?

They may not make immediate connections with other pets around the house, though they are generally very good with other animals. They are a smart breed, which gives them a lot of individual character, but early socialization will make them easy companions. Cats, dogs, and any other pet people bring into their home can be compatible.

The relationship between two animals is a mutual effort, and the temperament of other pets plays a big part in how the two will get along.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Aggressive?

Folks concerned with aggressive breeds or those who have had bad experiences with dogs in the past will really enjoy the good nature of a Finnish Lapphund. They are a protective breed that will be wary of strangers, though they are far too friendly to be vocal for long and will rarely be considered standoffish.

Upbringing and individual personality play a huge role in a dog’s aggressiveness; if it comes from a bad home, it can acquire bad habits. That disclaimer being said, the Lapphund has an admirably mild-mannered temperament that owners will adore.

Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark?

One of their more stubborn traits is their predisposition to shouting down the house. They aren’t as loud as some dogs, though they must be trained to be less vocal throughout the day. They have a watchful eye and may warn you if they perceive some horrific threat outside, like the mail carrier or a passing sedan.

They aren’t untrainable when it comes to their bark, and encouragement and training can help minimize the likelihood of your dog becoming an unwanted alarm clock. That said, those who want a mild-mannered, seen but not heard pooch may want to look elsewhere.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Affectionate?

They require attention and affection and may grow destructive if they are not close to their adopted pack. They have an independent streak, though their craving for comfort from owners undermines it. People searching for a dog that will warm up their lap in the winter months will be delighted with the Finnish pooch.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Intelligent?

The Lapphund is an exceedingly bright dog that is quick to catch on to commands and can understand any variety of advanced tricks. They will regularly shock their owners with how mentally capable they are and will rarely be stumped for long when it comes time to teach them. Their background in herding reindeer has made them cognitively aware and able to multitask.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Energetic?

The cushiony canine is going to need a fair bit of exercise regularly, though they will not need to be run for hours like other breeds. At the very least, they should be walked once a day for a good distance to get their steps in. Even better, try to give them an area to play in or roam around.

They are social animals and can run loose at a dog park, though a fenced-in backyard works just as well. Because of their intellect and background, activities that involve objectives will be much appreciated by your Lapphund.

Lapphunds should be properly trained not to bolt, as they have a strong exploratory urge to see the world before realizing they have gotten themselves lost.

They are perfectly capable of performing tasks like herding or agility training. The nature of agility training will be loved by the dogs who have the stamina, speed, and maneuverability to perform exceptionally well.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Easy to Train?

They are very compliant in training, and outside of a few stubborn moments and the occasional loss of attention from overeagerness, they will exceed expectations. The Finnish Lapphund is notoriously bright, happy to please, and ecstatic at the chance to work with their owner. Like all dogs, training them early and often will yield better results than teaching an old dog new tricks.

If you want to teach an old dog new tricks, however, the Lapphund is brilliant enough to break the stereotype.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Good Watchdogs?

They are very alert dogs that will happily bark at just about anything, and they are brave enough to control packs of reindeer that are two to three times their size. This has built a protective gene in Finnish Lapphunds that sees them scoping the various windows of your house for any signs of life. So they can be good at alerting you, though that is where their skills end.

Plainly speaking, the breed is fairly dense but far too small to scare off or wrestle any would-be intruders. They are also very sweet animals, which makes hurting other people a task they are not suited for, as they are unlikely to bite. So, while they may be good at watching the house, there are better breeds for protecting it.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Good Service Dogs?

Finnish Lapphunds are not popular enough in the States to top any lists for best service dogs, though they have a wonderful attitude and mind for the task. Those wondering if their fluffy friend can aid those who need assistance will be happy to know they are great service animals. They are gentle, bright, and social, though they can be trained to focus on a job.

They may struggle, however, with those who need physical assistance. While they would certainly try to give you a hand, there are larger dog breeds with similar temperaments who can fill the role far better. They can perform some mobility assistance and excel with hearing-related tasks as well.

They would be an excellent choice for emotional support or those suffering from non-physical afflictions! They are emotionally intuitive, as sweet as can be, and incredibly affectionate. If you are looking for a dog that can improve your quality of life, the Finnish Lapphund is a solid choice.

How to Care for a Finnish Lapphund?

For those who are brand new to owning dogs and have their heart set on a Lapphund, they are a good choice for a first-time owner. They are not without work, however, and folks should prepare for daily exercise, heavy shedding, and a fair bit of brushing throughout the year. They should also avoid hotter regions of the globe, which they are not suited for.

Do You Need to Groom a Finnish Lapphund?

Anyone who has seen the lovable pups knows that they will require a fair bit of tender loving care from the nearest brush. Brushing once or twice a week should suffice, though they had a notorious shedding period during the year. When they start dropping enough fur to convince you there are two dogs, daily brushing will go a very long way.

A good rule of thumb is if the dog sounds like it is typing when it walks across hardwood, it is time to clip their nails. Dog ears are adorable and endearing, though they can collect quite a bit of dirt, which can cause redness or irritation. To avoid this, do a quick but thorough check around their ears when they come inside for the evening.

Do Finnish Lapphunds Shed?

Their fur can get pretty wild, so trimming around problem areas is perfectly fine and recommended. The coat of a Finnish Lapphund serves the very important purpose of regulating their internal temperature, so never fully shave it. Doing so can cause a fair bit of discomfort for your buzzed buddy.

That said, they shed pretty often, so brushing more frequently may help out with fur-covered furniture. As stated above, they also have a period of heavy shedding, where brushing will need to be a daily habit to keep their falling fur in check.

They aren’t the worst breed for shedding, but they should be avoided by those with allergies or people who cannot afford to have coats covered in dog hair.

What Health Problems Do Finnish Lapphunds Have?

The breed is not known to be a sickly dog and will usually lead healthy, fulfilled lives. They have some common medical issues that owners and potential adopters should be aware of before purchasing.

The most common health problems for Finnish Lapphunds are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cataracts
• Degenerative Myelopathy

This list is intimidating, though it doesn’t mean your dog will get any of these ailments. Breeders worth their salt will have detailed medical information on their Lapphunds and can better educate you on any suspected ailments in a specific dog.

How Long Do Finnish Lapphunds Live?

They typically live long, happy lives that can be anywhere from twelve to fifteen years. Some outperform themselves, however, and can get as old as seventeen.

What Should a Finnish Lapphund Eat?

Diet will vary depending on their age, size, and daily exercise. Typically, they will require around two to three meals throughout the day. Food should be good quality and made for medium-sized dogs with active lifestyles. For puppies, it’s recommended to keep them on the diet their breeder had them on until they become more mature.

Is a Finnish Lapphund the Right Dog for Me?

The Finnish Lapphund is a hard dog to criticize as they really are a spectacular choice for just about anyone. They do pose a big problem to those with canine allergies or people in professional careers who can’t waltz into work with dog hair all over their outfits. Similarly, people who can’t spend enough time with this energetic dog may want to avoid them.

If folks cannot handle the sound of barking and aren’t willing to put in a considerable amount of time to train them out of it, other dogs may work out better for them.

People looking for a cuddly companion for their kid, cat, or canine will be very happy with a Finnish Lapphund. They are wonderfully social and, despite being hesitant around new people, will rarely be hostile to a human. They may require more work than the average first-time fido, though new dog parents can comfortably handle the breed.