General Information

Dog NameFinnish Lapphund
Other NamesLapinkoira
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeLapphund
GroupWorking
Breed ForHerding Reindeer
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginFinland

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male14
Max Ideal Weight for male24
Min Ideal Weight for female14
Max Ideal Weight for male24

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentQuick, Smart, Agile
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyLow
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyMedium
Senior Citizens FriendlyMedium
Service DogMedium
Search and Rescue DogMedium
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginFinland
Nicknames and Other NamesLapinkoira, Finnish Lapponian Dog,
Suomenlapinkoira
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupWorking Group, Herding Group
Bred ForHerding reindeer
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, UKC< ANKC, NZKC, KC, CKC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal Weight33-53 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 18-21 inches
Female: 16-19 inches
Fur TypeDouble coated, medium length, flat, dense
Common ColorsCream, Black, Brown, Blonde, Tan,
Wolf sable
MarkingsTri-color markings, Domino, Black Mask,
White and Tan markings, White markings
AvailabilityLow availability
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsNot very suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToFinnish Spitz

The Finnish Lapphunds are medium sized dogs who are agile, alert, active and noisy as well. The Lappie are often referred as clown dogs with their calm and eager to please personality.

Wondering about where did they come from? Then there is some information regarding this elegant dog breed from their personality to the origins of the Finnish Lapphund.

Origin And History

The Finnish Lapphund is a Scandinavian breed originated in Lapland, an area which covers the part northern part of Sweden, Russia, Norway, and Finland. They were bred as hunting dogs by the semi-nomadic people known as Sami.

Later on the hunting dogs became the herding dogs. They were used to herd large number of reindeer for hundred of years. However, with the snowmobile in modern times these dogs became less necessary to herd reindeer.

In 1940, aficionados in Finland decided to standardize and protect their breed. The Finnish Kennel Club (FKC) recognized the “Lapponian Shepherd Dog” in the year 1945 with both varieties one with long hair and the other with short hair. Finally in 1967, the two different coat type dogs were separated into different breeds; the long haired dogs were known as ‘Lapinkoira’ (Finnish Lapphund) and the short haired dogs were called ‘Lapinporokoira’ (Lapponian Herder).

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed as a Northern Breed in the year 1994 and was accepted into the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class in 2009. The AKC group officially recognized the breed as the member of the herding group in the year 2011.

Are Finnish Lapphund Child Friendly?

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are child-friendly and they are clever enough on how to handle a child. The Lappie are energetic dogs which will make a good-playmate to kids. Both the kids and Lappies will become noisy while playing which will make your house not less than a circus.

Finnish Lapphund Posing For Camera With Its Play-mate. Image Source- Starlapps Finnish Lapphunds

But, you should always supervise you children while playing with your dog. It may accidentally hurt your child while playing.

Even Tempered And Loving Personality Of Finnish Lapphund

Despite of being a huge dog, a Finnish Lapphund are very calm, affectionate and versatile breed. These adaptable animals thrive in almost every environment and likes keeping their loved ones close with them and aloof around strangers.

Finnish Lapphund Enjoying With Its Owner. Image Source- Instagram @solan_mettechristine

Finnish Lapphund are ‘all-around’ dogs with calm and eager to please disposition. As being herding dogs, these breed are prone to have separation anxiety when left alone for long period.

Because they are so sensitive and lovable, a Finnish Lapphund makes poor guard dogs as they will treat strangers wagging their tails once they are introduced nicely.

Training Your Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund needs to be trained both physically and mentally to get healthy. Lappies are easy to train and quick learners when treated nicely.

As being a herding dog, these breeds are known to observe and analyze the situation before taking actions. They will need long walks with lots of interactive games to be happy. As a tired dog is always a happy dog.

Common Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts,
Obesity, Bloat, Progressive Retinal Atrophy
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredCanine Parainfluenza, Rabies,
Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis,
Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingHeavy Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAdvance Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 27%
Fat: 10%
Glucosamine
Multivitamins
Probiotics
Fish Oil

Finnish Lapphund are known to have some health issue such as-

Cataract

Cataract is suspected to be hereditary disorder. Cataract is the formation of opaque bodies in the lens of the eye. If not treated in time, it may lead to visual impairment.

Glycogen Storage Disease

Finnish Lapphund are prone to suffer from glycogen storage disease which is a rare condition in which excessive deposits of carbohydrate build up in various tissues.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Finnish Lapphund are known to suffer from the PRA as they age which leads to blindness.

Fun Facts

  • Finnish Lapphunds were bred to hunt reindeer which was the primary source of food for the Sami people.
  • Finnish Lapphunds are the part of the spitz family.

Color Patterns

The Finnish Lapphund are found in six different colors-

  • Black
  • White
  • Sable
  • Wolf-Sable
  • Brown
  • Red

Puppies

The Finnish Lapphund gives birth to an average 5-7 puppies at a time. Buying a Finnish Lapphund puppy will cost you around $1000 for high quality breed.

Size

The male Finnish Lapphund stands from 18-21 inches whereas female stands from 16-19 inches. The Lapphund weighs up to 33-35 pounds.

Which Dogs Are They Similar To?

Visit Doglime For More Dog Breed Information.

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