Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient herding breed native to Lapland, the northern region of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. It was originally used by the Sami people to herd reindeer in the icy polar regions.

Its ancestors lived in the region thousands of years ago and developed into robust, intelligent working dogs that could withstand extreme cold and long workdays. The Finnish Lapphund is therefore not only strong and brave, but also remarkably sociable and adaptable.

The breed was officially recognized in Finland in 1945 and later became a popular family dog, known for its gentle nature, intelligence and beautiful coat.

Appearance & body shape

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized, compact, and well-coated dog with a powerful yet friendly appearance. It has a thick double coat that provides excellent protection from the cold.

The coat is long, straight or slightly wavy, with a luxurious ruff around the neck and feathering on the legs and tail. The color comes in numerous variations: black, brown, wolf-gray, cream, sable, or tricolor, often with lighter markings.

Its eyes are soft and expressive, its ears are medium-sized and erect, and its tail usually curls gracefully over its back.

Format

Males: 46–52 cm height at the withers
Bitches: 41–47 cm height at the withers
Weight: 15–24 kg

Character & temperament

The Finnish Lapphund is friendly, intelligent, and well-balanced. It has a natural ability to work and live in harmony with people and animals.

He is sociable, loyal, and remarkably sensitive to his owner's emotions. This makes him not only a great working dog but also a beloved companion.

Although he can be alert and watchful, he is rarely aggressive. He barks as a warning, but remains calm and composed. His intelligence and adaptability make him easy to train, provided he is trained gently and with a positive approach.

Good with children and other pets

The Finnish Lapphund is excellent with children. He's playful, patient, and protective—qualities that make him ideal for families. His friendly nature makes him easy to handle with crowds or children, as long as he's treated with respect.

He generally gets along well with other dogs and pets. His herding instinct can sometimes lead to slightly "herding" behavior, but this is rarely problematic. With early socialization, he develops into a harmonious, sociable family dog that enjoys being part of everyday life.

Movement & care

The Finnish Lapphund is an active and intelligent dog that needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, tracking, or dog sports like agility and obedience are ideal for them.

Although he loves being outdoors, he adapts well to family life indoors. As long as he gets enough exercise, he's calm indoors.

The thick coat requires regular brushing, especially during the shedding season (usually twice a year). The undercoat can shed a lot of hair, so extra grooming during this period prevents tangles. The coat is also dirt-repellent and dries quickly after rain or snow.

Health

The Finnish Lapphund is a healthy and strong breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Points of attention are:

Hip dysplasia (HD)
Eye problems (such as cataract or PRA)
Overweight due to lack of exercise

Thanks to a strong genetic foundation and responsible breeding, hereditary problems are rare. Regular exercise and a balanced diet keep them healthy.

Difference with similar breeds

The Finnish Lapphund resembles the Lapponian Shepherd and the Swedish Lapphund, but is gentler in character and slightly more compact in build.

Compared to other Arctic dogs, such as the Siberian Husky, it's less independent and more cooperative. It combines the charm of a northern sled dog with the gentle nature of a herder.

Summary

The Finnish Lapphund is a charming, intelligent, and sociable dog with a warm heart and a strong character. It is loyal, friendly, and versatile—a dog that adapts effortlessly to family life, but also enjoys adventure and the outdoors.

For families who love nature, conviviality and a loyal companion with character, the Finnish Lapphund is a breed that enchants with both its appearance and personality.