Finnish Lapphund at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 44–49 cm
- Weight
- 17–19 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Cats and small pets.
Is the Finnish Lapphund right for you?
Like every breed, the Finnish Lapphund is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Finnish Lapphund fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a robust, squarely built spitz with pricked ears, a plush tail curled over its back and a thick coat made for the icy conditions of Lapland. Many have a light mask on the face that gives them a smiling look. At home it is typically alert yet calm, affectionate and loyal.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
For centuries the Sami people of northern Finland used dogs of this type to guard and herd reindeer, and probably also for hunting and as watchdogs and companions. Few are used for reindeer herding today, although some still are.
The Finnish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1945 as the Lappish Herder, and it took its present name in 1993. It is now a popular companion dog in its native country. It is also known as the Lapinkoira.
Finnish Lapphund temperament
Lapphunds are keen to work with their owners and still have a strong herding instinct, as well as an instinct to hunt outdoors. They are very smart and need jobs to do: left idle, their independent, problem-solving minds can lead them into trouble.
They are not as noisy as some spitz types, but they naturally alert to anything new or suspicious and can be quite vocal without training. With other dogs they are often fine with dogs they know but may have issues with unfamiliar ones.
They do best with someone at home for most of the day.
Size and appearance
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs, typically standing 44–49 cm and weighing about 17–19 kg.
The double coat has a long, straight topcoat over a thick, soft undercoat, and males have a mane of thick hair around the neck and chest. The breed comes in a very wide range of colours, including black, brown, cream, red, sable, wolf sable, grizzle and domino, often with white or tan.
How much exercise does a Finnish Lapphund need?
The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, while other guidance suggests around two hours, part of which can be training and dog sports. Lapphunds can enjoy agility, canicross and man-trailing. Their weatherproof coat suits outdoor life, but they are not made for a warm, stuffy home.
Training a Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds actively enjoy training for its own sake and are quick to learn, which makes fun, varied sessions rewarding for both of you.
- Keep training fun and engaging, with a variety of games and hobbies.
- Teach a strong recall early, so hunting and herding instincts do not get them into trouble.
- Teach them to be quiet on cue.
- Socialise them well from a young age to avoid nuisance barking.
Finnish Lapphund grooming
The Royal Kennel Club lists grooming as once a week, although brushing a couple of times a week is often recommended, and daily brushing may be needed when the coat is shedding. Like all spitz types they do shed, and space to dry off a wet, muddy dog is useful.
Living with a Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds can be great for families with older children, and older children and teenagers who want to join in with training and dog sports may find them excellent companions. Their urge to herd and their barking may be stressful for a noisy family with very small children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Finnish Lapphund health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Finnish Lapphund is described as a generally healthy breed, but some inherited conditions are recognised in it. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every dog will be affected.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye degenerates and wastes away, which can lead to blindness. The Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends a DNA test for prcd-PRA before breeding, along with eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Glycogen storage disease (GSDII)
An inherited condition for which a DNA test is available. The Royal Kennel Club lists it as best practice before breeding.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not develop properly. Hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme is recommended.
Elbow dysplasia
The Royal Kennel Club also recommends elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Finnish Lapphund home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Finnish Lapphund cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Finnish Lapphund home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Finnish Lapphund
If you have decided the Finnish Lapphund suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Finnish Lapphunds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Finnish Lapphund adverts at the moment.
Find Finnish Lapphund adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Finnish Lapphund FAQs
Is the Finnish Lapphund good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Finnish Lapphund live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Finnish Lapphund need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Finnish Lapphund shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Finnish Lapphund need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Finnish Lapphund easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Finnish Lapphund be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Finnish Lapphund bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Finnish Lapphund live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Finnish Lapphund get?
Adults typically stand 44–49 cm at the shoulder and weigh 17–19 kg.