Finnish Lapphund
A gentle, sociable Finnish reindeer herder with a thick coat, soft expression and calm, friendly manner.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 46–52 cm · Females 41–47 cm
- Weight
- Males 17–24 kg · Females 15–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- Most colours
- Bred for
- Herding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Finland
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 189 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 5/5 – Very high |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 4/5 – High |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 4/5 – High |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a gentle family dog
- live in a cooler climate
- enjoy calm training and outdoor walks
Think twice if you …
- dislike dog hair at home
- live somewhere hot
- need a dog that is quiet
Care
Temperament
Finnish Lapphunds are kind, calm and sociable, with a willing attitude. They can be startle-prone and benefit from steady socialisation.
Exercise
About an hour a day of walks and play, more for working lines. Herding, agility, obedience and hiking all suit them.
Grooming
The long double coat needs brushing a few times a week and lots of combing during the seasonal moult.
Training
They are eager and sensitive, so gentle, reward-based training works best. Teach a quiet cue early.
Health
Progressive retinal atrophy, hereditary cataract, hip and elbow dysplasia and Pompe disease are known. Ask the breeder for hip, elbow, eye and DNA results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
DNA tests
- PRA (prcd)
- Pompe disease (GSD II)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Finnish Lapphund comes from Lapland, where Sami herders used it to gather and move reindeer. When snowmobiles took over much herding work in the 20th century, enthusiasts kept the breed going as a companion and show dog, and today it is one of Finland's most popular breeds.
Lappies are friendly, soft-natured and good with children and other animals. They like company and gentle training and settle well indoors when they get their exercise. They bark readily, as herding dogs often do, and their thick coat makes them better suited to cool climates.
Did you know?
The FCI standard accepts all colours for the Finnish Lapphund as long as one main colour dominates.