Finnish Lapphund
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Find Finnish Lapphund BreedersGet to Know Finnish Lapphunds
- Herding Heritage: The Finnish Lapphund was originally bred to herd reindeer in Finland. The Finnish Lapphund is a fascinating breed with a rich history that ties back to its roots as a herding dog for the Sami people of northern Scandinavia. Originally used to herd reindeer, these intelligent and hardworking dogs are deeply connected to the traditions of the Arctic. Despite their rugged beginnings, Finnish Lapphunds have adapted seamlessly to modern life and are now beloved companions around the world. Their ability to thrive in both challenging outdoor environments and cozy family settings is a testament to their versatility and resilience.
- Cold Weather Adaptation: One of the most striking features of the Finnish Lapphund is its lush double coat, perfectly designed for the frigid conditions of the Arctic. The thick undercoat provides insulation, while the longer outer coat repels snow and water. This breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and sable, often with striking markings that add to its unique beauty. While their coat requires regular grooming, it’s a small price to pay for such a majestic appearance.
- Gentle and Friendly: They are known to be gentle with children and other animals, making them ideal for family life. Despite their history as independent working dogs, they are highly people-oriented and thrive on companionship. Their expressive faces and warm, friendly demeanor have earned them the nickname "smiling dog" among enthusiasts. This strong bond with humans has also made them excellent candidates for therapy and service dog roles.
- Highly Adaptable: Intelligence and adaptability are hallmarks of the Finnish Lapphund. As a herding breed, they are quick learners with a natural instinct for problem-solving. This intelligence, combined with their eagerness to please, makes them highly trainable. However, their independence means they may occasionally test boundaries, so consistent and positive reinforcement is key. Activities like agility, obedience, and even canine nose work are great ways to keep their active minds engaged.
- A Unique Reflex: One of the lesser-known but endearing traits of the Finnish Lapphund is its "startle reflex." Unlike many other breeds, Finnish Lapphunds are known to react quickly to sudden movements or loud noises. This trait, which likely developed to protect them from predators in the Arctic wilderness, gives them a unique and alert personality. While this can occasionally make them cautious in new situations, proper socialization helps them adapt and embrace their curious and adventurous nature. These captivating traits, combined with their stunning appearance and loving personality, make the Finnish Lapphund a truly special breed.
Breed History
The Finnish Lapphund, or “Lappie,” is a versatile and intelligent breed originally developed by the Sámi people of Lapland (spanning Finland, Sweden, and Norway) to herd reindeer. This spitz-type dog is known for its thick double coat and lively, friendly demeanor. Over time, the Finnish Lapphund transitioned from a herding companion to a beloved family pet. While their herding roots remain, they are equally valued for their affectionate and adaptable nature, making them a popular choice in Finland and beyond.
Personality and Behaviour
- Friendly and Sociable: Finnish Lapphunds are known for their gentle, friendly nature. They enjoy being around people and other animals, making them excellent family dogs.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Highly intelligent and eager to please, Lappies excel in training. Their herding instincts make them quick learners, but they respond best to positive reinforcement methods.
- Alert but Non-Aggressive: Lappies are naturally alert and will bark to alert their owners of anything unusual, but they are rarely aggressive and are usually friendly toward strangers.
Care
- Exercise: Finnish Lapphunds are an active breed that needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Activities such as long walks, hikes, or play sessions in a fenced yard are ideal. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training exercises is also beneficial.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds have a thick double coat that requires regular care. Brushing two to three times a week helps manage shedding and prevent matting, with daily brushing needed during seasonal shedding periods. Occasional baths, along with routine ear cleaning and nail trimming, ensure they remain clean and healthy. Their coat is naturally dirt-resistant, which reduces the need for frequent bathing.
- Training and Socialization: Finnish Lapphunds thrive with early training and socialization. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train, but their independent streak means consistency and patience are key. Exposure to various environments, people, and animals ensures they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Finnish Lapphund Summary
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GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Finnish Lapphund Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test | DNA based PRA test results from an approved Lab. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | (Optional but recommended) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation. |
| Patellar Luxation | (Optional but recommended) Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. |
| Pompe's Disease (Glycogen Storage Disease) | (Optional but recommended) Glycogen Storage Disease test. |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) | (Optional but recommended) DNA based DM test results from an approved Lab. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Finnish Lapphund Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Finnish Lapphund is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Finnish Lapphund
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Finnish Lapphund puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Finnish Lapphund, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Finnish Lapphund is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
