The Finnish Hound Dog is a breed of dog that's steeped in history and tradition. They originated in Finland and were bred to hunt small game such as foxes and rabbits.
Their short, smooth coats are easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors including brown, black, and white.
Finnish Hound Dogs are known for their keen sense of smell and are often used for hunting small game.
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Physical Characteristics
The Finnish Lapphund is a sturdy breed with a strong hindquarters that are well angulated.
The height and weight of the Finnish Lapphund vary by sex, with males typically ranging from 21.5 to 24 inches in height and females from 20.5 to 23 inches.
Males stand 19.25 to 20.5 inches at the shoulder, while females stand 17.5 to 18.75 inches.
Forequarters
The forequarters of the animal are a key feature to consider. The shoulder blade and upper arm are equal in length, which contributes to a well-proportioned overall appearance.
This balance is essential for the animal's movement and flexibility. The forequarters' well-angulated design allows for a smooth and efficient gait.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and well angulated, which is a testament to the overall physical health and structure of the animal. This is a key factor in determining the overall athleticism and agility of the animal.
A well-angled hindquarter allows for efficient movement and flexibility, making it easier for the animal to perform daily activities.
Size
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build. Height at the withers for males is 21.5 to 24 inches.
Males can weigh anywhere from 45 to 53 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, with a weight range of 33 to 41 pounds.
Their height at the shoulder is relatively consistent, with males standing 19.25 to 20.5 inches tall.
Health and Care
Your Finnish Hound's health is a top priority, and knowing the potential health concerns can help you take preventive measures. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet's breed.
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Brushing your dog's teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. This simple habit can make a big difference in your Finnish Hound's oral health.
Finnish Hounds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be susceptible to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and epilepsy. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their overall well-being and promptly address any potential health issues.
Here are some common health concerns in Finnish Hounds:
- Hip dysplasia: an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis
- Eye disorders: Finnish Hounds can be prone to various eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and corneal dystrophy
- Epilepsy: a neurological disorder that can cause seizures
To keep your Finnish Hound happy and healthy, it's essential to provide regular care and attention. This includes supervising your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, and blocking off rooms as necessary. You should also brush their coat as needed, at least weekly, and clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy.
A balanced and nutritious diet is also key to maintaining your Finnish Hound's health and vitality. Owners should work with their veterinarians to determine the best dietary plan and feeding schedule for their individual dogs.
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Here are some common signs of illness in Finnish Hounds:
- Change in appetite or water consumption
- Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth
- Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking), hair loss
- Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
- Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes
If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Finnish Hound needs help.
Care and Lifestyle
To keep your Finnish Hound happy and healthy, it's essential to watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise. Regular brushing of her teeth and coat is also crucial, as well as scheduling regular vet check-ups and vaccinations.
You should supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and blocking off rooms as necessary to prevent her from getting into trouble. This includes picking up after yourself and keeping an eye on her at all times.
Finnish Hounds have low grooming needs, but they do require regular brushing of their coat, at least weekly. You should also clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy, to prevent infections.
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To keep your dog's mind and body active, you'll need to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation. This can include daily walks, playtime, and activities like agility or obedience training. A high-quality diet and regular vet check-ups are also essential for maintaining their health and vitality.
Here's a quick rundown of the essential care tasks for your Finnish Hound:
- Brush coat at least weekly
- Clean ears weekly
- Brush teeth at least twice a week
- Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Feed a high-quality diet
- Schedule regular vet check-ups and vaccinations
It's also crucial to keep your dog's diet consistent and avoid giving them people food. A sturdy fence is a must, as they have a high prey drive and need to be leash walked. By following these simple care tasks and providing your Finnish Hound with the attention and affection they need, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy companion.
Feeding and Grooming
Feeding a Finnish hound requires providing a balanced and nutritious diet that suits their needs.
Their medium size means they need moderate food to maintain their health and energy levels. You can consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to feed your Finnish hound.
Divide their daily food portions into two or three meals to prevent overeating or digestive issues, and make sure to provide access to fresh water at all times.
Monitoring your dog's weight and adjusting their food intake as needed is also important to prevent obesity. A regular feeding schedule will help establish healthy eating habits for your companion.
Their long, coarse outer coat and soft, thick undercoat require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Feeding
Feeding your Finnish Lapphund requires a balanced and nutritious diet that suits their needs. They typically require moderate food to maintain their health and energy levels.
Choosing a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is important. You can consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to feed your Finnish Lapphund.
Divide their daily food portions into two or three meals to prevent overeating or digestive issues. Providing access to fresh water at all times is also a must.
Monitoring your dog's weight and adjusting their food intake as needed is important to prevent obesity. Regular feeding and a consistent feeding schedule will help establish healthy eating habits for your Lapphund.
Coat Color and Grooming
The Finnish Lapphund's coat is a double coat, consisting of a long, coarse outer layer and a soft, thick undercoat. This unique combination helps protect them from harsh weather conditions.
You'll find Finnish Lapphunds in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, and brown, as well as combinations like black and tan.
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Exercise Needs
Exercise needs for Finnish Hounds are crucial to keep them happy and healthy. They're a smart breed with lots of energy, so they need to stay active.
Daily walks are a must, but it's essential to leash walk them due to their high prey drive. A sturdy fence is also necessary to prevent them from escaping.
Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity.
Here's a rough guide to get you started:
Remember, consistency is key. Aim to provide at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and adjust according to your dog's age, size, and individual needs.
All-Around Friendliness
Finnish Lapphunds are known for their gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They are often tolerant of kids and can make great companions.
Supervision is crucial when Finnish Lapphunds are around young children to ensure everyone's safety. This is especially important in households with multiple pets and children.
These sweet dogs are good-natured enough to get along with cats if introductions are made early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Finnish Lapphunds smell?
Finnish Lapphunds are known for not having a strong dog smell, making them a great choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance coat.
Sources
- Finnish Hound - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- Finnish Hound - Breed Info – Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic (happytailsvetclinicwv.com)
- Finnish Hound - Breed Info (creekviewveterinaryclinic.com)
- The Finnish Lapphund Club of America (finnishlapphund.org)
- Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
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