Finnish Lapphund: temperament, size, care and health

About the Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized spitz-type dog of 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder with a dense, harsh double coat, a full ruff around the neck and a soft, friendly face. The tail curls over the back, the ears are upright and the coat may be nearly any color, with sable, black and brown shades and distinctive markings common. The dog looks like a sturdy, fluffy bear cub, and the expression is sweet and attentive.

The Lapphund comes from northern Finland, where it was used by the Sami people to help herd reindeer and to guard camps. It has a calm, adaptable approach to work, and it has become a companion as well as a herder. It is still uncommon in the United States, and people who own one often describe a cheerful, easygoing partner for outdoor life.

Temperament and family life

Finnish Lapphunds are gentle, sociable dogs that enjoy company and are rarely aggressive. They greet visitors in a friendly way, though some are initially polite and reserved. They tend to do well with children, cope with the bustle of family life and are typically good with other dogs. Because they were bred to alert reindeer herders, they are alert to sounds and will let you know about visitors.

Barking is the breed's most common complaint. A Lapphund can be vocal when excited or bored, and neighbors can notice. Training and enough exercise help. These dogs like being part of the family and do poorly when left alone for long stretches, which can bring on noise and boredom behavior.

Exercise and training

Lapphunds enjoy daily walks, hikes and play but are not as intense as many herding breeds. An hour of activity a day suits most adults. They like cold weather, trail walks and playing in snow, and they take well to herding, agility, rally, tracking and obedience.

They are eager to please and quick to learn, and food rewards work well. The main training challenges are barking and a streak of independence that can arise when a lesson is repetitive. Start socializing early and keep sessions varied. Mental exercise matters as much as physical effort, and a bored Lapphund tends to find its own entertainment.

Grooming and shedding

The thick coat sheds throughout the year and blows heavily once or twice a year, when it comes out in clumps. Brush once or twice a week, and daily during the heavy shed, with attention to the dense ruff, the feathering on the legs and the britches, where mats can form. Even so, the coat resists dirt and often cleans up easily once dry.

A bath every couple of months is typically enough. Trim the nails, check the ears and brush the teeth. Do not shave the coat, because it insulates against heat as well as cold.

Health

The breed is generally healthy but has some documented conditions. Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts affect the eyes, and a DNA test is available for one inherited form of retinal disease. Breeders also screen for hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism has been reported. The thick coat makes hot weather a risk, so keep the dog cool and avoid exercise in the heat.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the Sami people of northern Scandinavia, who kept dogs of this type for reindeer herding. After the Second World War, breeders in Finland worked to rebuild and standardize the Lapphund from the surviving stock, and a Finnish breed standard followed. The American Kennel Club added it to the Herding Group in 2011. A closely related breed, the Swedish Lapphund, comes from the other side of the border and should not be confused with it.

Is the Finnish Lapphund right for you?

The Lapphund suits an active, outdoor-loving household in a cool climate that will tolerate noise and a shedding coat. It is a poor fit for a hot region, for a home that needs a quiet dog, or for an owner who is away for long periods.

For a similar northern herding dog, look at the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund, which is a bit more energetic. The Samoyed is a larger spitz with a white coat and similar sociability.