Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient and versatile dog breed originating from Finland. With a dense coat, a loyal and friendly character, and herding abilities, it is an ideal companion for active families and lovers of the outdoors.

General details

The breed has a medium size, with a weight that varies between 15 and 24 kilograms. The height in males is between 46 and 53 cm and in females between 41 and 48 cm. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. The Finnish Lapphund belongs to Group 5 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes Spitz and primitive type dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient breed of dog originating in Finland. With their origins in the Arctic regions, these dogs played an essential role in herding and protecting livestock alongside the Lapps. Officially recognized in the 1940s, the Finnish Lapphund has gained popularity as a companion dog, but still retains its working heritage and loyal nature. Its history is intrinsically linked to the Lapps and their nomadic lifestyle in the most extreme conditions.

Breed characteristics

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Finland. They have a head proportional to the body, with a slightly domed skull. Their eyes are dark and their ears are medium sized, triangular in shape and carried erect. Their tail is low set and is carried curled over the back when in motion. As for its coat, the Finnish Lapphund has a dense, double coat, with a soft undercoat and a rough, water-resistant outer coat. The most common coat colors are black, brown and sable. The Finnish Lapphund is known to be a friendly, affectionate and loyal dog. They are intelligent and obedient dogs, which makes them easy to train. They are also good with children and get along well with other animals. They have a natural herding instinct, which makes them excellent companions for outdoor activities.

Common health problems

The Finnish Lapphund breed is characterized by good health. However, they are prone to develop certain disorders or pathologies such as cataracts, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia and anesthetic idiosyncrasy. In addition to the aforementioned conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends an eye examination and a series of tests to assess the following diseases: patellar luxation, Pompe disease and degenerative myelopathy.