Lapponian Herder: Your Complete Guide

The Lapponian herder may be used to chilly climates, but his heart is anything but cold! He’s exceptionally gentle, friendly, and affectionate with people he forms strong bonds with. His boundless energy and love for fun antics also make him one of the best playmates for kids.

Don’t let his playfulness fool you: He’s incredibly driven and loves nothing more than being given a job to do.

This medium-sized pup stands 18 to 20 inches tall at the withers and is well-known for his alert expression and thick, double coat. He can comfortably live in most environments, though he thrives in cooler places where he has plenty of space to roam, explore, and play.

Want to welcome a Lapponian herder into your home? Then it’s important you know exactly what you’re getting into. Our complete guide will cover everything you need to know to help you decide whether this pup is right for you, including his temperament, care needs, activity level, and overall health.

Quick Look at the Lapponian Herder

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

What Is the History of Lapponian Herders?

The Lapponian herder might have only recently been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but his roots can be traced back hundreds of years ago to snowy Lapland. The Sami people of Lapland used and developed herding dogs — the predecessors of Lapponian herders — to herd and guard their reindeer.

These pups were built to tolerate harsh weather, traverse long distances, and stay focused for lengthy periods. They were also treated as family companions and were devoted to their owners.

Unfortunately, many of the original reindeer herding dogs were lost during WW2. After the war, efforts were made to save these herding dogs from extinction. This brought rise to various breeds, including the Finnish Lapphund, Swedish Lapphund, and of course, the Lapponian herder.

The Lapponian herder and Finnish Lapphund were once categorized as the same breed. However, Lapponian herders received separate breed status and recognition from the Finnish Kennel Club in 1966. Today, Lapponian herders are still used to protect reindeer in Finland, though they have since become popular family pets across the world.

What Do Lapponian Herders Look Like?

The Lapponian herder is a medium-sized spitz dog with all the qualities you would expect to see in a top-tier herding dog: He’s well-muscled, athletic, and has a sturdy, confident stature. He also has an intelligent expression.

Lapponian herders closely resemble Finnish Lapphunds — and the two are often mixed up! — but there are some noticeable physical differences between the two herding breeds. Lapponian herders are larger than Finnish Lapphunds and have shorter coats.

Their coats also only come in three colors: black, gray, or liver, and can either be solid or accompanied by white markings.

What Size Is a Lapponian Herder?

The Lapponian herder is a medium-sized breed who reaches 18 to 20 inches tall at the withers and weighs under 70 pounds. Males tend to stand taller than females by a few inches.

While these pups are a manageable size for most people, they are excitable and can get boisterous during play. They’ll need an owner who can manage their high energy while maintaining a patient, calm composure.

What Is a Lapponian Herder’s Coat Type and Length?

The Lapponian herder has a short, dense double coat, with the outer coat made up of medium to long straight hairs and the undercoat consisting of fine, thick hairs. His fur tends to be thicker around his neck, chest, and back of his legs.

The Lapponian herder’s double coat helps protect him against the elements and allows him to feel comfortable in low temperatures. However, due to the thickness, the coat isn’t the best in hot weather. Make sure he always has access to cool, fresh water and plenty of shade during the summer months. You should also familiarize yourself with the signs of heatstroke in dogs.

What Is a Lapponian Herder’s Temperament?

The Lapponian herder carries himself courageously and has a strong, alert expression — both attributes that are a result of his bright, inquisitive nature. He particularly thrives when given a job to do, especially if the task makes full use of his herding instincts.

While the Lapponian herder may not be as playful as a Siberian husky — that pup is truly the reigning king of goofy antics — that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a fun side. He’ll appreciate a playmate who can bond with him over games like fetch and tug of war.

Lapponian herders are loyal and enjoy being around people, but they do struggle with being left alone for long periods. They often get stressed and turn to destructive habits like excessive barking and scratching. With this in mind, people who work long hours might want to consider a more easygoing breed instead.

Are Lapponian Herders Good With Kids?

With proper socialization and training, Lapponian herders make excellent pets for older kids. They’re gentle, affectionate, and can tolerate loud noises. They’re also well-built to handle boisterous play.

However, Lapponian herders aren’t the best fit for toddlers. They have strong herding instincts and will often try and herd small kids or nip at their heels. Their vocalness can also potentially scare children who are sensitive to sounds.

Regardless of the breed, it’s important to always prepare kids for the arrival of a dog into your home. Kids should be taught the basics of pet care and how to interact with animals safely. Older children should also partake in training since it can help build strong bonds and foster a consistent environment for the pup.

Are Lapponian Herders Good With Other Animals?

Thanks to their patient and sociable natures, Lapponian herders get along well with other animals. Dog-on-dog aggression is extremely rare, and they also have a relatively low prey drive.

However, these pups shouldn’t be left unsupervised around smaller animals due to their high herding instincts. They likely won’t cause them any harm — well, apart from the odd nip — but they can disturb and even distress other animals, especially smaller pets like rabbits.

Are Lapponian Herders Aggressive?

Lapponian herders aren’t inherently aggressive, but they do have a tendency to lightly nip at heels due to their herding instincts. These bites aren’t out of aggression, and with proper bite inhibition training, rarely break the skin or cause any pain.

While training and socialization can help minimize their nipping, it can be hard to combat this behavior entirely. After all, it’s a result of years of selective breeding and is part of who they are as herding dogs.

Do Lapponian Herders Bark?

Spitz dogs do have a reputation for being loud, and the Lapponian herder is no exception. He’s a vocal pup who isn’t afraid to put his glorious voice to good use, whether that’s to alert his owner, convey his excitement, or express his discontent. He’ll bark the most when he’s at work or engaging in activities that use his herding instincts.

It should go without saying that Lapponin herders, with their vocalness and boundless energy, aren’t a top choice for apartments. While they can adapt to most home environments, we’re pretty certain your neighbors won’t adapt in the same way… as in, you can expect a lot of noise complaints!

Are Lapponian Herders Affectionate?

The Lapponian herder might be work-driven out on the field, but in the comfort of his home he’s a big ol’ softie who appreciates a cuddle as much as any lap dog does. He’s sociable, incredibly affectionate, and eager to please his owners.

Lapponian herders can be reserved around strangers, though they warm up quickly once praise and treats are involved.

Are Lapponian Herders Intelligent?

The Lapponian herder excels at herding… and virtually any training, dog sport, or work thrown his way. He’s incredibly intelligent and can understand (and master) a variety of advanced commands. Plus, his herding background also means he’s alert and capable of staying focused on the task at hand, even if there are distractions around.

However, his sharp mind does need to be “polished” daily — aka stimulated with new tricks and games — to fend off boredom.

Are Lapponian Herders Energetic?

Lapponian herders aren’t for couch potatoes: These athletic pups are incredibly energetic and need to put their muscles to good use. Most Lapponian herders will require at least an hour of exercise per day with plenty of vigorous activity.

Lapponian herders do best with owners who can give them a job to do, whether that’s herding or competitive dog sports like agility. Their stamina and tolerance of harsh weather also make them fantastic hiking partners.

Are Lapponian Herders Easy to Train?

The Lapponian herder is one of the easiest dogs to train — he’s Sherlock Holmes in the brains department and has a natural instinct to please his owners. Plus, he’s quick to housebreak (which your carpets will no doubt appreciate).

As we touched on earlier, the Lapponian herder is also an excellent fit for dog sports. He will see these activities as a welcome challenge and the work involved will fulfill him and keep him mentally fit. Some dog sports Lapponian herders particularly thrive at include herding trials,  agility, obedience, nose work, and flyball.

With that said, Lapponian herders can sometimes be too intelligent for their own good; they’ll need constant mental stimulation to keep their boredom at bay. Like most herding breeds, they can also become stubborn without firm, consistent training.

Are Lapponian Herders Good Watchdogs?

The Lapponian herder has all the makings of an excellent watchdog. He’s courageous, watchful, and protective of his owners. He can also detect even the smallest of changes in his environment, which can make him good at sniffing out dangers like gas leaks or fires.

Are Lapponian Herders Good Service Dogs?

Lapponian herders are excellent service dogs for individuals who can keep up with their active lifestyles. They’re intelligent enough to master any service task and their eagerness to please helps them perform these tasks consistently. Plus, their alert nature means they’re incredibly sensitive to their owners’ emotions.

Lapponian herders are also large enough to perform tasks like deep pressure therapy, door pulling, and crowd control. Their strong, confident statures can even provide a sense of reassurance and security to those suffering from anxiety-related disorders.

Thanks to their affectionate side, these pups also work wonderfully as emotional support animals.

How to Care for a Lapponian Herder?

The Lapponian herder is prone to destructive habits if his needs aren’t met, so it’s important to only consider this breed if you’re able to care for him properly. He’ll require plenty of exercise, consistent training, and weekly grooming. He should also be fed a protein-heavy diet that provides him with all the energy he needs to exercise and play.

While his care needs can be difficult to manage, he’s sure to reward you with companionship, protection, and unrivaled loyalty.

Do You Need to Groom a Lapponian Herder?

Lapponian herders’ coats are relatively low maintenance; their fur repels dirt and doesn’t tangle easily. However, they will still need regular brushing, around once a week, with more frequent brushing during heavy shedding seasons. Use a slicker brush and de-shedder tool to get deep into the undercoat and remove trapped, loose hairs.

These pups should also be washed every few weeks to keep their skin in healthy condition, with a professional groom once a month. Their nails typically wear down naturally due to their active lifestyles. However, you’ll want to trim them if you hear them click.

Do Lapponian Herders Shed?

Lapponian herders have thick, cuddly coats that keep them warm and snug in the winter months. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year with periods of heavy shedding during spring and fall when they blow their coats

During these heavy shedding periods, you can expect to find hair in every nook and cranny of the house, as well as all over your clothes and furniture. Their shedding tendency means they also aren’t hypoallergenic, so families after such a pup will want to look elsewhere. We recommend checking out breeds like the shih tzu, papillon, or poodle.

What Health Problems Do Lapponian Herders Have?

Lapponian herders are hardy and healthy pups overall. With responsible breeding and proper care, they aren’t likely to suffer from debilitating health complications. However, they have been associated with the following health conditions:

• Hip dysplasia
• Skin allergies
• Ear infections
• Cataracts
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

You should always buy from reputable breeders who screen the parents for health conditions — this will ensure your pup has the best shot at living a long, healthy life.

At Dog Academy, we understand that it can be difficult to weed out backyard breeders, but you won’t need to navigate this alone. There are plenty of resources out there that can help, including our in-depth guide on what questions to ask your breeder.

How Long Do Lapponian Herders Live?

The Lapponian herder has an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. Some dogs can live significantly longer than this, especially with good genetics, a nutritious diet, and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. You should also make sure to take your pup to the vet for his health checkups and annual vaccinations.

What Should a Lapponian Herder Eat?

The Lapponian herder should be fed a diet that considers his size, energy level, and metabolism. It’s also important to change his diet as he grows; a puppy will typically need to eat more frequently and require nutrition that supports his growing body, while a senior will benefit from digestible food that’s suitable for sensitive, sore mouths.

While it can vary, most Lapponians herders do best on a protein-rich diet and eat around 2 to 3.5 cups of kibble per day. However, you should consult a veterinarian for specific dietary advice.

Is a Lapponian Herder the Right Dog for Me?

The Lapponian herder is a playful, active, and work-driven companion who is well-suited to family life. He thrives with people who can exercise him regularly and keep his mind busy with training and interactive play.

His affectionate, gentle nature also makes him a great playmate for older children. However, he does tend to herd young kids and nip at heels, so he isn’t ideal for households with toddlers.

Lapponian herders are vocal, which comes with both perks and cons. While their vocalness makes them ideal watchdogs — and can be incredibly endearing — it does mean they aren’t the best fit for apartments where noise complaints are bound to occur. As athletic dogs, they’ll also feel happiest in homes with spacious, secure backyards.

With a family that can meet his needs, the Lapponian herder is sure to make every day feel like Christmas (yes, we had to end this article on a reindeer herding joke!).