A kind, easygoing dog that bonds closely with its family and is known for being one of the friendliest breeds around. It is bright and eager to please but has a mind of its own, so it is sometimes called a thinking breed. It will announce visitors with a bark but is not a guard dog and meets people with good humour. Quick on its feet and alert, it combines calm at home with plenty of energy outdoors.348725
how to spot oneFinnish Lapphund coat and colours
long, profuse double coat
A sturdy spitz-type dog, a little under medium size and slightly longer than tall, with a chest that reaches about halfway down the body. The weatherproof coat has a long, harsh outer layer that can be straight or slightly wavy, over a soft, thick undercoat that shrugs off cold and wet. Males usually carry a generous mane around the neck. Many dogs have lighter 'spectacle' markings around the eyes, giving a soft, friendly expression.3174
Comes inall colours allowed, with one base colour dominantblack and tanblack and creambrown and whitebrown and creamwhite and greysolid blacksolid whitesolid greymarkings of other colours on head, neck, chest, legs and tail tip341
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Finnish Lapphund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery day
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksFinnish Lapphund exercise needs
An active, athletic herding dog. Sources suggest anywhere from about one hour a day (Royal Kennel Club) up to two hours (DogTime) of walks, running, hiking and play, along with mental work. It enjoys dog sports, tracking, herding and scent games.627
where they are happiestFinnish Lapphund at home
Does best in a home with access to outdoor space and a family who enjoy being outside. Its insulating coat makes it very comfortable in cold, snowy weather.524
who they like aroundFinnish Lapphund with people and other pets
A pack-minded dog that wants to be with its people and generally gets along well with children and other dogs when well socialised. It is happiest when included in family life rather than left alone for long periods.24
the hands-on bitsFinnish Lapphund grooming and care
Brush the thick double coat two or three times a week to keep it tidy and free of tangles. The breed sheds, with heavy seasonal moults when the undercoat comes out, so daily brushing helps during those spells.62
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Finnish Lapphund, and at what times?
Adult Finnish Lapphunds do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times each day helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.9
What should a Finnish Lapphund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving them human treats like these.10
How often should I bathe a Finnish Lapphund?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. Their double coat is weatherproof, so avoid over-bathing to keep natural oils healthy. Use a gentle dog shampoo.11
How often does a Finnish Lapphund need brushing?
A weekly brush keeps their thick double coat tidy, but during heavy seasonal shedding you should brush daily to manage loose fur. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days, with extra daily brushing when the coat blows.62
How do I trim a Finnish Lapphund's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.11
How much exercise does a Finnish Lapphund need?
This active herding dog needs at least one hour of exercise daily, with some sources suggesting up to two hours including walks, running, hiking, and play. They also enjoy mental challenges like dog sports and scent games.627
How do I look after a Finnish Lapphund's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution without pushing anything into the ear canal.11
How long does a Finnish Lapphund live?
Finnish Lapphunds typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care and regular vet check-ups, they often enjoy a long, healthy life.526
Is a Finnish Lapphund good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is known for being friendly and generally gets along well with children and other dogs when properly socialized. They are a pack-minded dog that bonds closely with their family and meets people with good humour.243
Can a Finnish Lapphund be left alone?
This breed is happiest when included in family life and does not like being left alone for long periods. They can manage short absences with proper training, but they thrive best with company. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.24
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchFinnish Lapphund health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Finnish Lapphund. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
A slow loss of sight starting in young adulthood with no cure; a DNA test tells breeders which dogs are clear, carriers or affected. no published rate; DNA test strongly advised by the UK breed club and on the US CHIC list ↗
Pompe disease (GSD II)
A rare inherited storage disease where affected puppies weaken and usually die before two years; a DNA test prevents it being bred. UK club: reported in three litters in Finland; no overall rate ↗
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together well, which can lead to stiffness and arthritis later in life; the breed is not currently high risk. UK club: breed average BVA hip score 12, not currently high risk ↗
Hereditary cataract
Clouding of the lens, usually seen after one year of age; yearly eye tests pick it up. UK club: occasional cases, no published rate ↗
Degenerative myelopathy
A slow nerve disease of older dogs that weakens the back legs; a DNA test exists but the UK club does not yet require it. no published rate; DNA test on the US CHIC list ↗
MDR1 drug sensitivity
A small number of Lapphunds react badly to drugs like ivermectin; a DNA test tells the vet which medicines to avoid. UK club: a very small number of cases, no rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip evaluation (BVA/KC or OFA) Finnish Lapphund Club of Great Britain (mandatory) / US club CHIC ↗
Annual eye exam (BVA/KC or ACVO) Finnish Lapphund Club of Great Britain (mandatory) / US club CHIC ↗
prcd-PRA DNA test Finnish Lapphund Club of Great Britain / US club CHIC ↗
Pompe disease (GSD II) DNA test Finnish Lapphund Club of Great Britain / US club CHIC ↗
Degenerative myelopathy DNA test US club CHIC list ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Finnish Lapphund costs
Running costs for a Finnish Lapphund, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Finnish Lapphund legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Finnish Lapphund in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Remains of Lapponian-type dogs have been dated to around 7000 BC.7
2
The breed herds with its voice: barking was a working tool for moving reindeer, and Lapphunds still like to speak up.7
3
They have a strong startle reflex, which helped them leap clear of reindeer antlers and hooves while working.7
4
Despite the name, a Lapphund is not a lapdog; 'Lapp' refers to Lapland.2
5
Many have pale 'spectacle' markings around the eyes that give the face its gentle look.1
6
The AKC describes it as among the friendliest of all dogs, once it is sure you are not a reindeer rustler.8
7
It was one of Finland's most popular breeds in 2024, third in the Finnish Kennel Club's registrations with 1,063 dogs.12
8
The Finnish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder were one breed until 1967, when the long-coated and short-coated dogs were split.13
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed's name comes from Finland and Lapland, where the Sami people used these dogs for herding reindeer. The Finnish name is 'Suomenlapinkoira', which translates to 'Finnish Lapphund' or 'Finnish Lapponian Dog'.1
I wake to the sound of birds and stretch by the window. After breakfast, we go for a walk in the snowy woods. I love to run and leap through the drifts. Then we play a herding game with the kids in the yard. I keep them together with a happy bark. At home, I curl up on the rug while my human reads. In the afternoon, we do a scent puzzle. I solve it quickly. Evening brings a cuddle on the sofa. I am a thinking dog, and today was full of fun.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganFinnish Lapphund history
Dogs of this type have lived with the Sami people of Lapland, across northern Finland, Sweden and Norway, for a very long time, with remains of Lapponian-type dogs dated as far back as around 7000 BC. They first helped a nomadic people hunt and keep watch, then became herders once the Sami settled into reindeer keeping, holding the herds together in harsh Arctic conditions until snowmobiles took over much of that work. The Finnish Kennel Club drew up the first standard in 1945 under the name Lappish (Lapponian) Herder. In 1967 the long-coated dogs were given their own standard as the Lapponian Dog, while the shorter-coated type became the Lapponian Herder; the name changed again to Finnish Lapponian Dog in 1993. Type settled during the 1970s, and the breed went on to become one of Finland's favourite companions. It reached the United States in 1987 and the UK in 1989, gained UKC recognition in 1994, and joined the AKC Herding Group in 2011.3137416
Standard No. 189 (Finnish Lapponian Dog), Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types); current standard published 30 Sep 2016; English translation first accepted by FCI in 19993
Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto)
First standard in 1945 as the Lappish/Lapponian Herder; long-coated dogs split off as Lapponian Dog in 1967; renamed Finnish Lapponian Dog in 19933
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral Group; not on the vulnerable native breeds list6
Lapponian Herder
Swedish Lapphund
Samoyed
Finnish Spitz
Icelandic Sheepdog