Discover Everything About Finnish Lapphund (Suomenlapinkoira)
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Finnish Lapphund, or Suomenlapinkoira as it is known in its homeland, is a medium-sized dog with a strong, well-proportioned build. Its eyes are round and convey an expressive, intelligent look that is often considered one of the most charming aspects of the breed. The ears are medium sized and erect, contributing to its alert appearance. The tail is bushy and is often carried over the back. The Finnish Lapphund's coat is long and thick, which helps it cope with the cold winter conditions in its country of origin. The fur has a rich undercoat that provides additional warmth. Coat colors vary and can include various shades from cream to black, often with different markings. The Finnish Lapphund belongs to FCI Group 5, Section 3, which includes Nordic herding and driving dogs. Unlike some other breeds, there is no specific distinction between performance and show lines in the Finnish Lapphund.
| Height | 41 - 47 cm (Female), 46 - 52 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 15 - 24 kg (Female), 17 - 28 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Intelligent, affectionate, versatile |
| Coat | Long, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Various shades from cream to black, often with markings |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € € |
History
The history of the Finnish Lapphund is closely linked to that of the Sami population living in the northern regions of Scandinavia, including the northern part of Finland. Originally these dogs were used by the Sami to guard and herd reindeer. The dogs helped keep the reindeer herds together and protect them from predators. The breed as we know it today emerged through targeted breeding programs that began in the 1940s. Initially, the Finnish Lapphund was considered a single breed along with the Swedish Lapphund and the Lapland Lapphund. However, they were later recognized as separate breeds. The Finnish Lapphund was recognized as a separate breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1996.
The Finnish Lapphund was traditionally bred by the Sami people to herd reindeer.
Finland
1600
Character & Temperament
The Finnish Lapphund is a dog with a lot of personality. It is intelligent and quick to learn, which explains its versatile use. Historically used for herding and guarding reindeer, the Finnish Lapphund often shows a strong work ethic and can also be used well in modern herding or guarding tasks. However, if you are unable to give him such a task, it doesn't matter! This dog is so versatile that it also feels at home as a family dog, companion dog or in dog sports such as agility and obedience. In temperament, the Finnish Lapphund is generally calm and even-tempered, but it can also be very active when busy. He is very people-oriented and forms a close bond with his family. He loves being around people and is often very affectionate. When it comes to staying alone, the Finnish Lapphund shows some flexibility as long as he is well socialized and receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation when you are with him. However, it is important to remember that this is not a breed that should be left alone for long periods of time as they value the company of people and other dogs. The Finnish Lapphund is not prone to strong hunting behavior, but he can be vigilant and will protect his family and home if he feels it is necessary. He tends to be reserved around strangers but is rarely aggressive. In conclusion, the Finnish Lapphund is a versatile, intelligent and affectionate companion. His past as a herding dog makes him an active member of the family who wants to be challenged both mentally and physically. With proper socialization and a loving environment, the Finnish Lapphund will become a loyal friend who is ready to go on many adventures with you.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Finnish Lapphund was originally bred by the Sami, an indigenous population in Lapland, to herd reindeer?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
Despite their tendency to shed and bark, Lappies are popular pets in their homeland. The weather-resistant Finnish Lapphund is a robust and powerful reindeer herder north of the Arctic Circle. This remarkably empathetic breed is one of the friendliest dogs around - once he's made sure you're not a reindeer thief.
Housing & Care
The Finnish Lapphund can adapt to city life, but he needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. A house with a garden would be ideal. He is friendly towards children, but it is always advisable to monitor interactions between dogs and small children. The Finnish Lapphund can also get along well with other pets, including cats, if properly socialized.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Finnish Lapphund is intelligent and eager to please, which makes training easier. It is important to make the training varied and interesting. This breed is well suited to dog sports such as agility, obedience and canicross. However, you should be careful not to over-exercise your dog as this can lead to stress. The Finnish Lapphund can have a tendency to become a "ball junkie," so it's important to keep play in moderation and focus on varied activities. It is also advisable to teach the dog frustration tolerance and impulse control. This is especially important in situations where the dog has to wait or doesn't get what he wants right away.
Nutrition & Care
The Finnish Lapphund's diet should be balanced and nutritious. This active breed benefits from a diet rich in proteins and fats. It is also important to pay attention to the quantity to avoid becoming overweight. When it comes to grooming, the Finnish Lapphund has a dense undercoat. The coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and remove dead hair. The breed sheds moderately, but shedding can be more intense during shedding, which usually occurs twice a year. The climate in Germany is generally well suited to the Finnish Lapphund, but care should be taken to ensure that it does not overheat in the warmer months.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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