Lapphund Dogs: Breed Overview and Lifestyle

The Lapphund is a versatile breed that thrives in cold climates. Originally bred to herd and protect in Lapland, they're well-suited for active owners who live in areas with plenty of snow and ice.

These intelligent dogs are highly trainable and love to please their owners. They excel in dog sports and activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

Lapphunds are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help them live a long and happy life.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they're generally low maintenance pets.

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a thick double coat, weighing between 33 to 53 pounds. They come in a variety of colors and markings, but the majority of their coat is a single color.

Their head is as broad as it is long, conveying strength yet with soft, kind eyes. The ears are set far apart, are small to medium-sized, and triangular. Dark-colored, oval-shaped eyes are a distinctive feature of the breed.

Males stand 19.25 to 20.5 inches at the shoulder, while females stand 17.5 to 18.75 inches tall. Their forelegs are strong and straight, ending in well-arched, oval-shaped feet with thick pads.

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build. Males stand 19.25 to 20.5 inches at the shoulder.

Females are slightly smaller, ranging from 17.5 to 18.75 inches.

Weight ranges from 33 to 53 pounds, making them a suitable companion for families with moderate living space.

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a thick double coat, making them well-suited for cold climates.

Their undercoat is short and thick, but very soft, which helps to keep them warm. The outer coat is what gives the Finnish Lapphund their distinctive appearance.

Their head is broad as it is long, conveying strength, and their eyes are soft and kind. The ears are set far apart and are small to medium-sized, triangular in shape.

Their muzzle is broad and straight, slightly shorter than the length of the head. The jaw is strong with a scissor bite and tight lips.

Their forelegs are strong and straight, ending in well-arched, oval-shaped feet with thick pads. The hindquarters are also strong and straight as viewed from behind.

The Finnish Lapphund's feet are thick-padded and oval-shaped, with well-arched toes. They come in a variety of colors and markings, but the majority of their coat is a single color.

Check this out: Finnish Lapphund Brown

The Finnish Lapphund's coat is quite impressive, with a long, coarse outer coat on top of a soft, thick undercoat. This double coat is a hallmark of the breed.

The Finnish Lapphund comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, brown, and combinations like black and tan. You might also see colors like blonde, brindle, and wolf sable.

To keep their coat looking its best, Finnish Lapphunds need regular brushing. This should be done at least twice a week, but daily during shedding season, which can occur in the spring and fall. Brushing helps prevent mats and tangles, and removes loose fur.

During shedding season, you'll need to be prepared for a lot of loose fur. Keep a brush and a vacuum handy, and be prepared to brush your dog daily to keep up with the shedding. Don't worry, it's just a normal part of their coat's life cycle.

Bathing your Finnish Lapphund is not a daily necessity, but rather an occasional one. You'll typically need to bathe them once a month or so, unless they get dirty.

Take a look at this: Finnish Lapphund Breeders

Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause pain and lameness.

Some common health concerns in Finnish Lapphunds include eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and corneal dystrophy. Epilepsy is also a neurological disorder that can cause seizures. Regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor their overall well-being and promptly address any potential health issues.

Here are some common health problems in Finnish Lapphunds:

To keep your Finnish Lapphund healthy, regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential. Daily walks, playtime, and activities like agility or obedience training will keep them physically and mentally satisfied. Regular grooming is also crucial, as their thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and minimize shedding.

As you consider bringing a Finnish Lapphund into your family, it's essential to think about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Finnish Lapphunds require regular exercise, with at least 60-90 minutes of activity every day.

Explore further: Finnish Lapphund Breed

Their thick double coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding, especially during seasonal shedding when daily brushing may be necessary. Brushing their coat at least weekly is recommended, with more frequent brushing during heavy shedding seasons.

Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation and training. They thrive on human interaction and need regular socialization from an early age to become well-adjusted and confident in various situations.

Their grooming needs also extend to regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Brushing their teeth at least three times a week can help prevent health issues down the road. Check their ears weekly for signs of infection, and trim their nails roughly every month.

Consider your lifestyle and living situation before bringing a Finnish Lapphund into your home. They require a detached home without close neighbors who may be disturbed by their barking, and they need a securely fenced area for outdoor play to prevent their herding instincts from getting them into trouble.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself before adding a Finnish Lapphund to your family:

By considering these factors and being prepared to provide the necessary care and attention, you can create a happy and healthy home for your Finnish Lapphund.

Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-15 years, which is typical for a medium-sized dog. However, like all dogs, they are predisposed to certain health conditions.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Finnish Lapphunds, causing painful arthritis and potentially costly surgeries. It's essential to get your dog from a breeder who is careful not to breed dogs with hip dysplasia.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can cause blindness in older dogs, but there are treatments and supplements available to help slow the progression.

Degenerative myelopathy is an untreatable disease that can lead to paralysis, and it's a good idea to be aware of the symptoms and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog's behavior.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Finnish Lapphunds:

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder and keep an eye out for any signs of these health issues to ensure your Finnish Lapphund lives a long and happy life.

A Finnish Lapphund's diet is crucial for their health and energy levels. They require moderate servings of food, so choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best type and quantity of food for your dog. They will help you make an informed decision.

Fresh water should always be accessible for your Lapphund. This is a simple but essential aspect of their diet.

You can expect to divide your dog's daily food portions into two or three meals to prevent overeating or digestive issues. This is a common practice among Lapphund owners.

Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. Factor them into your dog's daily calorie count to avoid overfeeding.

Most adult Lappies should eat two meals a day, while puppies may require three meals due to their higher metabolism. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best schedule for your dog's age.

The nutrition label on your dog's food bag includes a guide that gives a general idea of how much to feed your Lapphund. However, ask your veterinarian for a more precise recommendation based on your dog's weight, body condition score, lifestyle, and health needs.

Exercise and Training are crucial for Finnish Lapphunds. They need a moderate amount of exercise, around 1-2 hours per day, which can include brisk walks, agility training, and mental stimulation exercises.

Daily exercise can be achieved through various activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, and vigorous play sessions. These dogs also enjoy puzzle toys that provide mental challenges.

Finnish Lapphunds love having jobs and tasks to complete, so training is a great way to provide mental and physical exercise. They respond best to positive, rewards-based training methods.

Here are some fun activities you can do with your Finnish Lapphund:

Socialization is also important, especially during the first 16 weeks of life. Exposing your puppy to different animals, people, environments, activities, and objects can help them feel comfortable in different situations.

Positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise, are effective for training Finnish Lapphunds. They are generally smart and learn quickly, as long as training sessions are positive and fun.

However, be aware that Finnish Lapphunds can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, so it's essential to work on teaching them to be comfortable when left alone.

Finnish Lapphunds are highly social animals that thrive on companionship and attention from their family. They are naturally submissive to people and eager to please, making them a great breed for first-time dog owners.

Their "pack" mentality demands that they feel like part of the family, so they require a good deal of interaction with people. They are friendly towards strangers and gentle with children and other pets, especially if raised with them at a young age.

Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent dogs that are quick to learn, but they can also be strong-willed and independent. They need to stay engaged mentally, which can be achieved through exercise and training.

They are natural herders with remarkable reflexes and agility, and they instinctively safeguard their flock or family. However, their friendly disposition makes them unsuitable as reliable guard dogs.

Finnish Lapphunds are not ideal for apartment-dwellers due to their tendency to bark and be noisy. They require daily exercise, such as walks or playtime in the yard, to keep them happy and well-behaved.

Their need for attention is high, and they can get along with people of all ages when socialized as a puppy. They are great companions for families with children and other pets, but they do require supervision when interacting with them.

Finnish Lapphunds are prone to wanderlust, especially if they see small animals like squirrels or rabbits, so it's essential to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area during outside exercise.

Their intelligence and trainability make them an excellent choice for service dogs and agility training. However, they can be destructive if left alone for too long, so regular companionship and attention are crucial to keep them happy and well-behaved.

You'll need to budget around $50-$80 per month for dog food, depending on the size of your Lapphund and the type of food you choose.

Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medicine is a must-have to keep your Lapphund healthy, and brands like Simparica Trio are a good option.

Plan on setting aside at least $200 every month for routine costs associated with your Lapphund.

Investing in pet health insurance early on can really come in handy to protect your pup and your wallet from big medical expenses.