Read About Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is also known as the "Lapinkoira" and the "Suomenlapinkoira." Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Summary:

1. Size:

   Medium-sized dogs

2. Weight:

   30-50 lbs.

3. Coat:

   A double-coated breed, the Finnish Lapphund has a soft, dense undercoat topped with a long, harsh, straight topcoat. They are beautifully furry dogs.

4. Shedding:

   The Finnish Lapphund is an occasional heavy shedder -- when young, about once a year. As they mature, these heavy sheds are less frequent.

5. Temperament:

   The breed is very energetic and independent, but really wants to please, as well.

6. Obedience:

   Obedient but independent dogs.

7. Ease of Training:

   The Finnish Lapphund is a trainable dog, with a willingness to please. Be sure to take their independent streak into account -- they will sometimes need to be shown the utility (from the dog's perspective) of training before they will want to go along.

8. Way with Children:

   Gets along well with children, especially when socialized young -- may well try to herd them, however!

- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   A member of the Spitz group, the Finnish Lapphund is accepted as one of the AKC's Foundation Stock Service® dogs.

2. Size & Weight:

   16-20"; 30-50 lbs.

3. Coat:

   A double-coated breed, the Finnish Lapphund has a soft, dense undercoat topped with a long, harsh, straight topcoat. They are beautifully furry dogs.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Strong, broad outline, with slightly domes skull and a well-defined frontal furrow. Ears are furry, well-set triangles near the top of the head.

5. Body:

   Solid, cold weather dog body, with a nearly square profile and a great deal of strength. The dog is well-muscled and has strong bones. The legs are straight.

6. Colors:

   All colors are acceptable, but there must be one dominant color, with other colors only as accents on the dog.

7. Popularity:

   Finnish Lapphunds are rare dogs. Finding them takes persistence in the United States. In Finland, naturally, they are far more common.

8. Habitat:

   Ideally, this breed should have room to run safely. Especially when they're young, they are very energetic and need a great deal of exercise.

- Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Finland, Sweden, and Northern Russia.

2. Historical Information:

   These dogs were originally kept by the Sami (a semi-nomadic people) as hunting and protection dogs. As the Sami started settling down to keep reindeer herds, Finnish Lapphunds were bred to be herders instead of hunters. The dogs still herd in agility demonstrations, and the dog is now found in far more places than the very cold North.

- Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   The breed is very energetic and independent, but really wants to please, as well.

2. Behavior:

   Well-behaved, very lively dogs, the Finnish Lapphund is classically attuned to his humans.

3. Habits:

   This breed can be independent and seem stubborn; gentle, firm training will work around this.

- Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Some Finnish Lapphunds are predisposed to eye ailments.

2. Exercise Needs:

   These dogs have substantial exercise needs, especially when the dog is young (up to two years of age).

3. Grooming Needs:

   Because their top coat is fairly harsh, this breed doesn't demand endless grooming. A decent weekly grooming session, with special attention paid to their ears, tail, and hindquarters.

4. Travel Needs:

   Be sure to transport these dogs when it is reasonably cool -- their dense, furry coats will make them uncomfortable and overheated otherwise.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Gets along well with other pets and children, especially when socialized young -- may well try to herd people and other animals, however!

- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Clear eyes, sleek coats, and tons of energy.

2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

   An appropriate crate, door gates and backyard dog fencing will keep him safe. Lots of toys and room to run will keep him happy.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Puppies are small and explore a lot. Be sure that there is anything that your dog can get into, pull out, or chew is safe for him.