Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium sized Spitz type of dog, and is one of the more popular breeds in it’s native Finland. It has a long and rich history as a herder of reindeer, trusted by the indigenous Sámi people for centuries. They are a hardy breed known for their agility, endurance and strong herding instincts. As with many of the extreme northern breeds, their role in the nomadic communities has been indispensable throughout their history. 

These dogs have a similar shape to some of their relatives, particularly the Hällefors Elkhound and the Swedish Lapphund, but are easily told apart by the size and the coat. Finnish Lapphunds are not only hardworking but also make loving family pets. They have a reputation for being friendly and gentle, especially with children, and their intelligence makes them highly trainable, though potentially stubborn and single minded.

The Finnish Lapphund is recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and their popularity is steadily growing outside Scandinavia. In recent years they have been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the Herding Group, and by the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, within the Pastoral Group. In the FCI’s latest breed standards published in 2016, the breed is listed in Group 5 for ‘Spitz and Primitive types‘, and Section 3.4 for ‘Nordic Watchdogs and Herders.’

History Of The Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund’s history dates back thousands of years, deeply intertwined with the Sámi people of Sápmi, which encompasses areas of the extreme arctic North in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia. The area used to be known as Lapland, and sometimes it still is internationally. But this term is deemed offensive by the indigenous Sámi people. 

Initially these Lapphunds were used for hunting, but later became essential for herding reindeer. They had a fairly smooth history in their native lands until the 20th Century, particularly around the time of the Second World War. Toward the middle of the 1900’s their numbers plummeted  due to a devastating outbreak of distemper. The outbreak was not restricted to the Finnish Lapphund but also impacted all the Nordic Lapphund breeds too. All of these breeds however, were thankfully revitalized through dedicated breeding programs.

The Finnish Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1945, and its standard was established shortly thereafter. Over time, the breed gained international recognition, including from the American Kennel Club in 2011, though they are still very rare to find anywhere outside of their native Scandinavian countries.

Breed Origin

The Finnish Lapphund is part of the ancient Spitz family, characterized by pointed ears, thick fur, and curled tails. Originating from the Sápmi region (as mentioned above), these dogs were crucial to the nomadic Sámi people’s way of life. They are still most commonly found in these semi-nomadic communities today. Genetically, Finnish Lapphunds belong to the D1 mitochondrial DNA clade, indicating a lineage that shares ancestry with other northern herding breeds.

Selective breeding by the Sámi emphasized traits like intelligence, agility, and resilience, making them adept herders and versatile working dogs. Their genetic heritage reflects their long earned adaptation to extreme climates and a strong work ethic. Contributing to their modern roles in various capacities, including search and rescue and therapy work.

Quick Facts About The Finnish Lapphund

• Ancient Breed – The Finnish Lapphund is a time-honored breed with roots tracing back thousands of years. Originating from the Sámi people, they were indispensable for reindeer herding, with an enduring heritage and adaptability.

• Friendly and Affectionate – Known for their warm and sociable nature, Finnish Lapphunds bond deeply with their families. They will usually approach other children and pets with a gentleness.

• Adaptable and Resilient – These dogs are well-suited to a variety of environments, particularly excelling in cold climates. With a thick double coat and sturdy build that enables them to work hard in harsh weather conditions.

• Intelligent and Trainable – Finnish Lapphunds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. As with most really clever breeds, they respond best to positive reinforcement and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds. Conversely, harsh corrections will turn them toward stubbornness and ignorance.

• Energetic and Playful – With a natural zest for life, Finnish Lapphunds require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They love outdoor activities and would be happy to come with you on long hikes. But they also do well in competitive herding and agility sports, if you really want to see them shine at their best.

• Loyal and Protective – These dogs are incredibly brave and loyal to their families and can be protective when necessary. They are known to make excellent watchdogs due to their alertness and strong protective instincts.

Characteristics Of The Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund does share similarities with other Nordic breeds like the Swedish Vallhund and the Norwegian Buhund, but it’s important to know the difference because they all have their own unique traits and care requirements. Thankfully, they are quite easy to recognize amongst their Nordic relative but they do go by a few different names, which can be confusing if you’re not aware of them.

You will most likely hear the Finnish Lapphund referred to as the Suomenlapinkoira in it’s native Finland, or the Lapinkoira across the Scandinavian countries too. The FCI note the official name in their breed standard as the Finnish Lapponian Dog which is a direct translation of their Finnish name (Suomenlapinkoira). Other nicknames you might hear include Lappie and Lapphund but these are common nicknames for all the Nordic Lapphund breeds which can be a little confusing.

Finnish Lapphund Puppies

Finnish Lapphund puppies typically come in litters of five to eight. As with all pups, they should be read for their new home after around 8 to 10 weeks. It’s not recommended to home them before this as they need time with their mother and siblings to develop essential social behaviors.

For those looking to add a Finnish Lapphund to their family, the cost can vary. In the United States, prices typically range from $1000 to $2500, depending on breeding quality, but they are very rare to find in the states. In Europe, prices generally range between €800 and €1500.

In the UK you should expect to pay over £1000. There are not many litters registered with the kennel clubs each year outside of Scandinavia, so expect waiting lists and price volatility if you want one of these pups.

Appearance

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized breed with a robust, slightly rectangular body shape that delivers both strength and agility. Males typically stand 18-21 inches tall, while females are slightly smaller at 16-19 inches. The FCI suggest an ideal height of 49 cm for males and 44 cm for females with a tolerance of 3 cm either side of that. Their weight ranges from 33 to 53 pounds.

They have a typically spitz-like expressive face. with dark almond-shaped eyes and erect, triangular ears that contribute to their alert and friendly appearance. Their tails are well-furred and typically carried over the back, or toward the ground when they are relaxing.

Coat

The breed has a distinguished dense double coat. The undercoat is short and soft providing plenty of thick insulation. Whereas the outercoat is longer and harsher for protection against the harsh, arctic weather.

Color

The FCI suggest in the breed standard that all colors are permissible for the breed, but that the base color must be dominant. The AKC use very similar wording and also add that secondary colors are allowed on the head, neck, legs and tail, as well as the underside of the body and the chest.

There are nine colors in total that the AKC have registered, of which blue, brindle and saddle are not considered to be standard. The standard colors registered are: Black, Brown, Blond, Tan, Cream and Wolf Sable. You can see the full list of breed colors and markings registered with the American Kennel Club here.

Temperament

Finnish Lapphunds are used to living in tight knit communities, where other animals and children are common. They tend to have an amiable and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their families, including children and other pets, though supervision with small pets or very young kids is advised. They have a really harmonious blend of intelligence, friendliness, and alertness.

However, while generally friendly, they can be reserved around strangers. Throughout history, they would always be on the lookout for any threats to their herd or their family, in a land where bears and wolves would roam quite freely. Their protective instincts and sharp alertness make them excellent watchdogs.

Despite their friendly disposition, Finnish Lapphunds have an independent streak and enjoy having tasks to perform. The breed fares much better in environments where they can be active and engaged. Confined spaces or apartments may not cater well to their energetic and playful nature

Lifespan

The Similarly to their Swedish counterpart, the average lifespan of a Finnish Lapphund is between 12 to 15 years, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.

Known Health Issues

The Finnish Lapphund is generally a strong and healthy breed. Like all breeds however, they can be prone to some health issues from time to time. No breed is immune to this I’m afraid. Known potential health issues for this breed include:

Hip Dysplasia – This genetic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, leading to arthritis or lameness.

• Treatment: Managing hip dysplasia often involves lifestyle changes such as weight management and controlled exercise, along with anti-inflammatory medications. They might need surgery in some cases where quality of life is severely impeded.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – This is a group of genetic diseases that cause the gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to blindness.

• Treatment: Unfortunately, there is no cure for PRA, but early diagnosis can help manage the condition. Regular eye check-ups and genetic testing can help detect the disease early.

Elbow Dysplasia – This condition involves developmental abnormalities in the elbow joint, which can cause pain and lameness.

• Treatment: Treatment for elbow dysplasia is much the same as for hip dysplasia, including weight control, low-impact exercise, and pain relief medications.

Cataracts – This eye condition causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to impaired vision or blindness.

• Treatment: Mild cataracts may not require treatment, but severe cases can be managed with surgical removal of the cataract. Regular veterinary eye exams can help detect cataracts early.

Hypothyroidism – This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can lead to drastic out of the blue changes in metabolism.

• Treatment: Hypothyroidism is typically managed with daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. Once diagnosed, regular blood tests are usually needed to monitor hormone levels and adjust medication dosages.

Daily Life

Let’s take a look now at what the daily routine and life with a Finnish Lapphund is actually like.

Food and Diet

An active adult Finnish Lapphund typically requires about two to three cups of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. Their diet should include high-quality proteins, such as beef, chicken, or fish, to support their muscular build and high energy levels. Monitoring their calorie intake is essential, as Finnish Lapphunds can be prone to weight gain due to their slower metabolism.

Finnish Lapphund puppies require more frequent feedings, with three to four smaller meals per day to support their rapid growth and high energy needs. It’s crucial to adjust their portions as they grow and to monitor their weight to avoid overfeeding. For adult Lapphunds engaged in high levels of activity, such as agility training or herding, their caloric needs might increase, necessitating a diet adjustment to meet their energy demands. A senior blend should replace their regular adult food as they reach older age.

Exercise

These active dogs require regular physical and mental stimulation. Daily long walks, runs or hikes to cater to their high energy levels, complemented with plenty of playtime. Activities such as agility or herding trials are also ideal to keep them fit and happy.

Ideally, they should have access to a large, secure area where they can run freely and burn off energy. Given their herding instincts, it’s safer to exercise them in controlled environments rather than letting them off-leash in public spaces. They don’t have a lot of initiative when it comes to exercising themselves, so the encouragement of their owner with a ball or game of fetch, or even another dog in play works best.

Family Compatability

While Finnish Lapphunds can adapt to various living situations, they thrive in homes with plenty of space to move around. A home with a yard is ideal, as they need room to expend their energy. Although they can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are met, it’s not the most suitable environment for them. They are much better suited to active families who enjoy spending time outdoors and can incorporate the dog into their daily activities.

Potential owners should be prepared to dedicate time to regular training and socialization, especially in non-working roles. Finnish Lapphunds excel in active, engaged households where they can participate in family life and enjoy ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. In homes with younger kids or small pets though, they should be supervised, especially at first when unfamiliar, as they do have strong herding and guarding instincts.

Training

Training a Finnish Lapphund requires a thoughtful and consistent approach. These intelligent dogs are quick learners but can exhibit an independent streak. Early socialization for these dogs, as with all Lapphund breeds, is essential to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults. Enrolling them in puppy training classes and gently exposing them to various environments, people, and situations from a young age (the AKC recommends from 7 weeks to 4 months) will help them become well-mannered companions.

Due to their strong herding instincts, Finnish Lapphunds benefit from training methods that involve positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, and play. This encourages their natural eagerness to please while keeping them engaged. Short, varied training sessions work best to maintain their interest and prevent boredom. 

Consistency is key with these dogs, as they really need the routine and clear expectations. It’s also important to address their guarding instincts during training to ensure they get a handle early on, with how to differentiate between normal and suspicious activities.

Socializing

As is kind of suggested above in training, socialization from a young age is really important for these dogs. They need it so they can learn to behave well with other dogs and humans, making them more adaptable and friendly.

Early exposure to different people, places, pets and noises is key to helping them adjust to different situations. It also reduces the likelihood of fear or anxiety. This process also helps mitigate their natural guarding instincts, preventing overprotectiveness. A well-socialized Finnish Lapphund is more relaxed, approachable, and a joy to be around in any setting.

Grooming

Weekly brushing is sufficient outside of shedding seasons, but they will need a daily brush during the season to manage the shedding and to keep the coat tidy. Only an occasional bath is necessary as they don’t generally develop a pong as quickly as other oily-skinned breeds.

While they might look overdressed for warmer weather, it is important to never shave the coat off these dogs, even if you own one in more temperate climates. The coat helps them to regulate temperature in both warm and cold climates, so keep it long and natural. Also keep an eye on the length of their nails, trimming as and when required to prevent them from getting too long and uncomfortable.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

When properly socialized and living in an active home that provides both physical and mental stimulation, Finnish Lapphunds can be approachable and sociable, interacting well with other dogs and humans. With the right care, they are calm and docile at home, while exhibiting bundles of energy during outdoor activities. 

Their loyalty and protectiveness make them devoted companions. Always ready to guard their loved ones while providing endless affection and joy. They are rare to find outside of Scandinavia, but a worthy consideration for any active owner with a bit of experience with herding breeds.