Finnish Lapphund
Also known as Lapinkoira, Finnish Lapphund, Lapp Dog
- Height at the withers
- 41 to 52 cm
- Weight
- 15 to 24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Lapland, Finland
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A sturdy, medium-sized spitz-type dog with a thick, abundant double coat and a gentle expression. Bred by the Sami people to herd reindeer, it handles Arctic cold with ease.
History and origins
An ancient spitz breed of the Sami people of Lapland, used to gather, drive and protect reindeer herds. Nearly gone after World War II, it was successfully restored by Finnish breeders.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd)
- Hereditary cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Finnish Lapphund FAQ
How big does the Finnish Lapphund get?
The Finnish Lapphund stands 41 to 52 cm at the withers and weighs 15 to 24 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Finnish Lapphund shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Finnish Lapphund live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Finnish Lapphund need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Finnish Lapphund good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Finnish Lapphund live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary cataracts.
