Finnish Lapphund

also known as Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira

Pros History


The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized, Spitz-type breed of dog that originated in the far north of Finland. They were first registered by kennel clubs in the early 20th century, with the Finnish Kennel Club officially recognizing the breed in 1945.

The breed's name, "Finnish Lapphund," comes from the Finnish word "Lappi" which refers to the northern region of Lapland where the breed was primarily used by the Sami people as a reindeer herding dog. They were also used for hunting and as a companion dog.

The Finnish Lapphund was developed by the Sami people, an indigenous tribe that lives in the far north of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. They have been used for centuries by the Sami people as a reindeer herding dog. They were also used for hunting and as a companion dog.

The Finnish Lapphund is a versatile breed that excels in many activities such as reindeer herding, sledding, agility, and obedience competitions. They are also known for being great family pets, as they are affectionate and good with children. They are known for their intelligence, trainability and adaptability.

In recent years, the Finnish Lapphund has become increasingly popular in other countries as well, thanks to their friendly and sociable nature, and their versatility as a family pet and working dog. The breed has been recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) since 1963 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2011.

In the United States and Western countries, the Finnish Lapphund is used mainly as a companion dog, they are also used in agility, obedience and as a therapy dog. They adapt well to different environments and they are known for their intelligence and trainability.

Breed Information


Type

Is Finnish Lapphund a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Finnish Lapphunds originally used for?

herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Finnish Lapphunds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Finnish Lapphund? How long can Finnish Lapphunds live?

12-15 years

The average Finnish Lapphund lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Finnish Lapphund Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Finnish Lapphund?

What is the average height of a Finnish Lapphund? How big is a Purebred Finnish Lapphund height? Finnish Lapphund dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 16-19 inches (40.6 - 48.3 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Finnish Lapphund? How much should Finnish Lapphunds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 33-52 pounds (15 - 24 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg)
Female 33-52 pounds (15 - 24 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Finnish Lapphunds get fat easily?

The Finnish Lapphund is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Finnish Lapphunds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Finnish Lapphund is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Finnish Lapphund personality? What are Finnish Lapphund dogs best known for?

Calm
Faithful
Keen
Courageous
Friendly

Shedding Level

Are Finnish Lapphunds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Finnish Lapphund Shed?

Finnish Lapphund dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Finnish Lapphund.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Finnish Lapphund dog?

The Finnish Lapphund dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Finnish Lapphunds descended from?

spitz, wolf

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Finnish Lapphund breed?

ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
AKC = American Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Finnish Lapphunds first bred? How old is the Finnish Lapphund breed?

1900s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Finnish Lapphund?

Herding (AKC:2011)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Finnish Lapphund Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Finnish Lapphund eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Finnish Lapphund nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Finnish Lapphund coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Red
White
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Finnish Lapphunds coat?

The coat of a Finnish Lapphund falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Finnish Lapphund Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Finnish Lapphund?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Finnish Lapphund have in a litter? How many puppies can a Finnish Lapphund have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Finnish Lapphund can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Finnish Lapphunds are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Finnish Lapphund Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Finnish Lapphunds have a lot of health problems?

The Finnish Lapphund is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Finnish Lapphund?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Finnish Lapphunds?

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Finnish Lapphund breed?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Finnish Lapphund Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Finnish Lapphunds have a lot of energy?

Finnish Lapphunds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Finnish Lapphunds need socialization? How social are Finnish Lapphunds?

Finnish Lapphunds have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Finnish Lapphunds get?

The Finnish Lapphund needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Finnish Lapphund have? Do Finnish Lapphunds sleep a lot?

Finnish Lapphunds are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Finnish Lapphund drool a lot?

The Finnish Lapphund is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Finnish Lapphund dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Finnish Lapphunds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Finnish Lapphund dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Finnish Lapphunds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Finnish Lapphund running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Finnish Lapphund dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Finnish Lapphunds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Finnish Lapphund busy?

Hike, Walk

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Finnish Lapphund? How much energy does a Finnish Lapphund have?

Medium

Finnish Lapphunds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Finnish Lapphund walk each week? How many miles should a Finnish Lapphund walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Finnish Lapphund, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Finnish Lapphund should exercise a day? How much activity does a Finnish Lapphund need?

45 minutes

In general most Finnish Lapphunds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Finnish Lapphund?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Finnish Lapphund?

Weekly

Finnish Lapphund should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Finnish Lapphunds?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Finnish Lapphund eat?

2.7 cups

For an average 33-52 pound (15 - 24 kg) Finnish Lapphund feed 2.7 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Finnish Lapphund Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Finnish Lapphund is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Finnish Lapphund Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Finnish Lapphund is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Finnish Lapphund Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Finnish Lapphund?

The Finnish Lapphund have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Finnish Lapphunds lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Finnish Lapphund dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Finnish Lapphund dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Finnish Lapphund do well in apartments? Are Finnish Lapphunds good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Finnish Lapphund in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Finnish Lapphunds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Finnish Lapphunds good with kids? Are Finnish Lapphunds good around children?

A Finnish Lapphunds typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Finnish Lapphunds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Finnish Lapphunds good with cats? How friendly Finnish Lapphunds are toward cats?

Finnish Lapphunds are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Finnish Lapphund dogs get along with other dogs? Are Finnish Lapphunds OK with other dogs?

Finnish Lapphunds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Finnish Lapphund dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Finnish Lapphunds friendly with strangers?

Finnish Lapphunds are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Finnish Lapphunds are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Finnish Lapphunds will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Finnish Lapphunds like to play? Are Finnish Lapphunds playful?

The Finnish Lapphund is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Finnish Lapphund is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Finnish Lapphund easily trained?

Finnish Lapphund dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Adaptable
    The Finnish Lapphund is a versatile breed that can adapt to different living environments, from city apartments to rural farms.
  • Friendly
    Known for being friendly, it gets along well with children and other pets.
  • Intelligent
    Highly trainable, it excels in obedience and agility training.
  • Independent
    An independent thinker and not overly dependent on its owners.
  • Good with cold weather
    Well-suited for cold weather and can handle living in cold climates.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Finnish Lapphund in an office may not be ideal
  • High energy
    It requires a lot of exercise and can become destructive if it does not get enough.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Finnish Lapphunds, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
  • Barking
    The Finnish Lapphund is a breed known for its excessive noise.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Finnish Lapphund's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Grooming
    Coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance