Are you thinking about getting a Finnish Lapphund? If you’re considering adding this beautiful and intelligent breed to your household, it’s important to understand their unique traits, needs, and characteristics to decide if the Finnish Lapphund is the right fit for you and your family.
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized spitz-type dog that originates from the harsh climates of the Arctic regions, where it was traditionally used by the indigenous Sámi people for herding reindeer. Its history as a working dog is reflected in its athletic build, intelligence, and independent yet loyal temperament.
These dogs possess a thick, weather-resistant coat that gives them their iconic fluffy appearance and helps them endure cold climates. However, their charming appearance belies their robust, hardy nature, which is more primitive than showy. While they share some characteristics with other spitz breeds, the Finnish Lapphund is a well-balanced and agile dog that’s much more than a pretty face.
Temperament and Personality
The Finnish Lapphund is known for being friendly, gentle, and extremely loyal. It’s a dog that thrives on companionship and being around people, making it an excellent family dog. They form strong bonds with their owners and are especially affectionate towards children, often being described as gentle and patient with younger family members. Their playful yet calm demeanor makes them adaptable to various family dynamics, and they generally do well with other pets, including other dogs. However, if not socialized early with cats, Finnish Lapphunds may view them as prey due to their herding instincts. Early socialization is key to avoiding misunderstandings with the neighbor’s cat!
Despite their friendly and sociable nature, Finnish Lapphunds are alert and aware of their surroundings, making them excellent watchdogs. They will quickly notify you of any unusual activity with their keen hearing and sharp barks. However, while they are effective in alerting their owners to potential dangers, they are not typically aggressive or confrontational, meaning they won’t make the best guard dogs. Their friendly nature often means they’ll greet strangers with curiosity rather than hostility.
Exercise and Activity Level
If you’re considering a Finnish Lapphund, you should be prepared to meet their exercise needs. These dogs are highly energetic and require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. As descendants of herding dogs, they thrive in environments where they can stay active, whether that’s running, hiking, or playing games that challenge their agility and intelligence. They do particularly well in families that lead an active lifestyle and can take part in outdoor activities with their dog.
Without enough exercise, Finnish Lapphunds can become restless and may resort to destructive behaviors. They are not well-suited to a sedentary or low-energy household. They love to run and explore, so access to a secure yard or frequent trips to open spaces are ideal. Finnish Lapphunds also excel in canine sports such as agility, obedience, and herding trials, which allow them to use both their brains and their physical prowess.
Training and Intelligence
One of the standout qualities of the Finnish Lapphund is its intelligence. They are highly trainable and quick to learn, but this can be both a blessing and a challenge. While they are eager to please and enjoy learning new things, their intelligence also means they can quickly pick up bad habits if not trained properly. Early training and socialization are crucial for this breed to ensure they develop into well-mannered and balanced dogs. A Finnish Lapphund left to its own devices can become stubborn and independent, so consistent training with clear boundaries is essential.
Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed, as they respond well to praise, treats, and play. Avoid harsh training methods, as they may damage the bond you have with your Lapphund, making training more difficult. Since these dogs are sensitive and intelligent, they often become bored with repetitive tasks. Keep training sessions fun and varied to maintain their interest and enthusiasm.
As a herding dog, the Finnish Lapphund can have a strong instinct to chase and herd, especially in young dogs. This behavior can sometimes extend to children or smaller animals, so training should focus on redirecting these instincts in a controlled manner.
Living with a Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund’s coat is one of its most striking features. Its thick double-layer coat is designed to protect it from the cold and wet, but it also means regular grooming is required. You can expect to brush your Finnish Lapphund several times a week, especially during shedding season when they lose their undercoat.
While their coat is beautiful, it can mat if not cared for properly. Regular brushing will keep their coat in good condition and reduce shedding around the house. Thankfully, despite their heavy coat, they are generally a clean dog and don’t carry a strong odor, unlike some other long-haired breeds.
Finnish Lapphunds also exhibit some cat-like behaviors, which many owners find endearing. They are known to meticulously clean themselves, similar to how cats groom by licking their paws and wiping their faces.
Their balance is also remarkable—they can walk along narrow ledges with surprising agility and often jump with precision from a standing position. Another common trait is the way they lie down, lowering their front legs first and then stretching out their back legs, which is especially noticeable in puppies.
Although generally independent and clean, Finnish Lapphunds thrive on human companionship. They don’t do well when left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety. If your lifestyle involves long stretches away from home, this breed may not be the best fit unless you can provide plenty of mental stimulation and companionship through dog walkers or doggy daycare.
Health and Longevity
Finnish Lapphunds are generally a healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cataracts. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help minimize these risks and ensure your Lapphund lives a long, happy life. Responsible breeders will screen for these conditions, so it’s important to choose a breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs.
Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are also important parts of your Finnish Lapphund’s overall health care. Their ears, in particular, should be checked regularly for signs of infection, as their floppy ears can sometimes trap moisture.
The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent, loyal, and active dog that thrives in an environment where it can be a true part of the family. Their friendly and playful nature makes them excellent companions, especially for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
However, their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation mean they aren’t well-suited to a sedentary household. With proper training, socialization, and care, the Finnish Lapphund will reward you with endless loyalty, affection, and a delightful presence in your life.
If you’re ready to commit to the exercise and attention they need, a Finnish Lapphund can make a fantastic, loving, and fun companion.
James Gray is the Chief Editor of K9 Magazine UK, a premier resource for dog lovers across the nation. Hailing from Wales, James is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, and when he’s not curating top-tier content, he’s at home with his beloved rescue German Shepherd. With a keen eye for detail and a deep love for dogs.