Finnish Lapphund Breed Guide
Quick Summary
The Finnish Lapphund is a highly intelligent, agile, and incredibly friendly Arctic herding breed that thrives on human companionship. Known for their striking double coats and calm demeanor indoors, they are best suited for active households in cooler climates that can commit to regular mental stimulation and thorough grooming. In my clinical experience, they are exceptionally robust and adapt beautifully to families, provided their strong desire to vocalize is managed early on.
Quick Facts
- origin countryFinland
- breed groupHerding Group (AKC), Spitz and Primitive Types (FCI)
- sizeMedium
- weight range33 to 53 pounds (15 to 24 kg)
- height range16 to 21 inches (41 to 53 cm)
- lifespan12 to 15 years
- coat typeThick, harsh, water-repellent double coat with a dense, soft undercoat
- common colorsAll colors are allowed, but a single dominant color must prevail; commonly black, wolf-sable, brown, or blonde, often with tan and white markings.
- other namesSuomenlapinkoira, Lappie, Finnish Lapland Dog
- recognized byAKC, UKC, KC, FCI, ANKC
Caring for a Finnish Lapphund
Living with a Finnish Lapphund is an active, joyful partnership that requires a commitment to mental enrichment and coat management. In my years treating this breed, I have observed that they do not tolerate isolation well; they are true pack animals that want to share in your daily life. Because of their sub-Arctic heritage, they are incredibly sensitive to heat, meaning summer exercise must be scheduled during early mornings or late evenings. Expect a lively companion outdoors who transitions to a relaxed, quiet shadow once inside your home.
Is a Finnish Lapphund a good family pet?
Yes, they are outstanding family pets. In my clinical practice, I have consistently found them to be incredibly patient, tolerant, and gentle around children, possessing a natural empathy and soft nature that makes them excellent household companions.
Do Finnish Lapphunds shed a lot?
They shed moderately year-round and shed profusely, or ‘blow’ their undercoats, twice a year in the spring and fall. During these seasonal blowouts, you will need to brush them daily to manage the sheer volume of loose undercoat and prevent severe matting.
Is a Finnish Lapphund good for first-time owners?
Yes, they can be a great match for a first-time owner compared to other Spitz breeds, as they are highly cooperative and eager to please. However, novices must be prepared to manage their high grooming demands and instinctual alert-barking.
Temperament & Personality
The Finnish Lapphund is renowned for its friendly, courageous, and highly alert temperament. Unlike many aloof Spitz breeds, Lappies are generally sociable with strangers and intensely devoted to their family unit. They possess a strong startle-reflex, a survival mechanism developed from herding quick-hooved reindeer, which means they are highly reactive to sudden sounds and movements but recover their composure almost instantly.
Is a Finnish Lapphund good with other pets?
Generally, yes. Due to their herding background rather than a hunting background, they typically have a low prey drive and get along very well with other dogs and even cats, though they should be socialized with small animals from puppyhood.
How much attention does a Finnish Lapphund need?
They require a high level of daily interaction and do not do well when left alone for long periods. They thrive when they are integrated into family activities and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits if neglected.
Training & Behavior
Lappies are highly intelligent and possess a strong work ethic, making them highly receptive to training. However, they are also independent thinkers who can become bored with repetitive, tedious training sessions. In my practice, I always tell owners to focus on positive reinforcement and short, engaging training modules that mimic problem-solving tasks.
Training Tips
- Use positive-reinforcement techniques with high-value food and praise.
- Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and highly varied to prevent boredom.
- Address alert-barking early by training a reliable ‘quiet’ cue.
- Socialize extensively in puppyhood to manage their natural startle reflex.
Fun Activities
- Agility training
- Herding trials
- Scent work and tracking
- Canicross and winter hiking
- Competitive obedience
Is a Finnish Lapphund easy to train?
Yes, they are highly trainable due to their desire to cooperate with humans. However, they respond poorly to harsh corrections; patience, consistency, and plenty of mental stimulation are the keys to success.
Finnish Lapphund Health Issues
As a veterinarian, I consider the Finnish Lapphund to be a remarkably hardy and robust breed, with a genetic pool well-protected by responsible breed clubs. However, like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain inheritable genetic conditions that prospective owners must screen for prior to adoption.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD-PRA)
An inherited degenerative eye disease that causes the gradual deterioration of the retina, eventually leading to complete blindness.
Hereditary Cataracts (HC)
A condition causing an opacity or clouding of the lens within the eye, which can impair vision and potentially lead to secondary glaucoma.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
A developmental orthopedic condition where the head of the femur does not fit properly into the hip socket, leading to arthritis and lameness.
Pompe’s Disease (GSD II)
A fatal glycogen storage disease caused by a genetic enzyme deficiency, leading to severe muscular and cardiac dysfunction.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
A progressive, incurable neurological disease of the spinal cord, similar to ALS in humans, typically affecting older dogs.
How long do Finnish Lapphunds typically live?
With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and proactive veterinary care, a Finnish Lapphund typically enjoys a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
What to Feed a Finnish Lapphund
To maintain optimal joint health and prevent obesity, a Finnish Lapphund requires a balanced, calorie-controlled diet. Because they are efficient herding dogs designed to work in harsh climates, their metabolisms can be surprisingly slow, meaning they gain weight easily if overfed.
Best Diet
I recommend feeding a high-quality, commercially prepared or home-cooked diet formulated for medium-sized breeds. Ensure the diet is appropriate for their specific life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and focuses on lean animal proteins as the primary ingredient.
How to Feed
I highly recommend splitting their daily food allotment into two equal meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels and discourage rapid eating. Avoid self-feeding, as this breed will easily overeat.
How Much to Feed
Adult Lappies typically require 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split across two meals. Because metabolic rates vary, owners should consult their veterinarian to establish an exact caloric target based on the dog’s body condition score.
Nutritional Tips
Supplementing their diet with wild-caught fish oil (rich in EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids) is excellent for supporting their heavy double coats and protecting joint health, especially as they age.
Finnish Lapphund Grooming Guide
The Finnish Lapphund’s magnificent double coat is a hallmark of the breed, designed to insulate them from both extreme cold and heat. It requires consistent, methodical maintenance to prevent matting and keep the skin healthy.
Coat Care
Brush the coat thoroughly at least twice a week using a long-pinned slicker brush and a metal undercoat rake to reach the dense undercoat. During seasonal shedding periods, daily brushing is mandatory to remove dead hair and prevent painful pelting.
Skin Care
Never shave a Finnish Lapphund’s double coat, as this permanently damages their natural thermoregulation and exposes their pale skin to sunburn. Bathe only when dirty, ensuring they are completely dried to the skin with a high-velocity dryer to prevent hot spots.
Eye Care
Wipe away any mild discharge daily with a damp, soft cloth. Given their predisposition to genetic cataracts and PRA, schedule annual veterinary ophthalmic exams.
Ear Care
Inspect their upright ears weekly for wax buildup, debris, or redness. Clean them with a veterinarian-approved, pH-balanced ear cleaner if you notice any mild debris.
Nail & Dental Care
Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent splaying and joint strain, and brush their teeth daily with canine-formulated toothpaste to combat periodontal disease.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Pros
- Incredibly gentle and loving family companion
- Highly adaptable to various outdoor activities and climates
- Very intelligent and responsive to positive training
- Robust overall health and an excellent lifespan
- Naturally polite and friendly with other household pets
- Beautiful, eye-catching Arctic appearance
Cons
- Prone to heavy, seasonal shedding that requires significant cleanup
- Instinctual, loud alert-barking if not trained early
- Intolerant of hot, humid weather without air conditioning
- Can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long
Best For
Active families, couples, or individuals living in cooler climates who have the time to dedicate to grooming, daily outdoor exercise, and close mental companionship.
Not Recommended For
Those living in consistently hot, tropical climates, apartment dwellers with strict noise rules, or owners who are away from home for long working hours.
Cost
- purchase price$1,500 – $3,000 USD
- monthly cost$100 – $200 USD
- initial setupInitial setup costs typically range from $800 to $1,500, covering high-quality grooming tools (undercoat rakes, high-velocity dryer), crates, vaccines, and spay/neuter surgery.
Similar Breeds
Finnish Lapphund FAQs
Are Finnish Lapphunds aggressive?
No. In my clinical experience, aggressive behavior is highly atypical for the Finnish Lapphund. They are bred to be gentle, cooperative herders and companions, making them naturally friendly and polite toward humans and other animals.
How often should I bathe my Finnish Lapphund?
They only need a bath every 2 to 3 months, or when they get exceptionally muddy. Their harsh outer coat is naturally dirt-resistant, but you must ensure they are dried thoroughly to the skin after bathing to prevent moisture from getting trapped, which can cause hot spots.
Can Finnish Lapphunds live in warm climates?
Yes, but they require extra care. If you live in a warm area, you must provide air conditioning, avoid outdoor exercise during the heat of the day, and closely monitor them for signs of heatstroke, as their thick coats trap heat.
Why do Finnish Lapphunds bark so much?
Lappies were bred to use their voices to control and direct herds of reindeer. This herding instinct translates to alert-barking at home; they will naturally vocalize to warn you of any change in their environment unless trained otherwise.
Do they have a strong prey drive?
Generally, no. Because they are herders rather than hunters, their prey drive is quite low. While they may try to gently herd moving objects or small animals, they are rarely predatory and typically coexist well with smaller pets.
Are Finnish Lapphunds prone to separation anxiety?
Yes, they are highly social animals that bond intensely with their human family. If left alone for long periods without stimulation, they can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive chewing or excessive barking.
What is the startle reflex in Finnish Lapphunds?
The startle reflex is an instinctual adaptation that allowed them to quickly dodge the sudden, defensive kicks of reindeer. They will react very quickly to sudden loud noises or movements but should calm down and recover almost immediately once they realize there is no threat.
Should I shave my Finnish Lapphund in the summer?
Absolutely not. Shaving a double-coated dog strips them of their natural insulation against both heat and cold, ruins the coat texture when it grows back, and leaves their sensitive skin highly vulnerable to sunburn and insect bites.
How much exercise do they need daily?
They require at least 1 to 1.5 hours of daily physical exercise, combined with mental enrichment. This should include brisk walks, jog sessions, or interactive play, alongside puzzle toys or obedience training to keep their active minds sharp.
Are they prone to any specific dental issues?
They are not uniquely prone to dental disease compared to other medium-sized breeds, but daily brushing and annual veterinary dental cleanings are still essential to prevent plaque accumulation and secondary systemic health issues.
How do they handle winter weather?
They absolutely love cold weather and are built to thrive in freezing conditions. Their double coat, heavily furred paws, and tail (which they curl over their nose while sleeping) allow them to comfortably enjoy outdoor snow activities.
Are Finnish Lapphunds hypoallergenic?
No, they are not hypoallergenic. They shed dander and a significant amount of fur year-round, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Frequent grooming and vacuuming can help manage dander in the home.
What genetic tests should a reputable breeder perform?
A reputable breeder should provide certified clearances for Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP), Elbow Dysplasia, an annual CAER eye exam, and DNA test results for prcd-PRA, Hereditary Cataracts, and Pompe’s Disease (GSD II).
Sources & Further Reading
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- PetMD