Finnish Lapphund Breed Guide
Also known as: Suomenlapinkoira, Finnish Lapponian Dog
Fluffy herders from the Arctic, Finnish Lapphunds are gentle spitz breeds whose calm nature and cold-weather coats suit northern climates perfectly.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Medium
Weight
15-24 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
Size
Medium
Weight
15-24 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
About Finnish Lapphunds
Developed by the indigenous Sami people of Finland for herding reindeer across the Arctic tundra, the Finnish Lapphund was bred to work in extreme cold and challenging conditions. Their thick double coat and spitz-like features provided excellent protection from harsh weather.
Their dense double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and sheds heavily during seasonal changes. Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and alert, known for their strong herding instincts and protective nature.
They are devoted to their families and generally friendly with strangers and other dogs. Finnish Lapphunds need moderate exercise and excel at activities that engage their herding instincts. While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and bloat that can affect the breed.
Complete Care Guide for Finnish Lapphunds
Expert advice on keeping your Finnish Lapphund healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for a Finnish Lapphund requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs and metabolism. These medium-sized dogs thrive on a balanced diet rich in quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that support their active lifestyle and distinctive double coat. Due to their Northern breed heritage, Finnish Lapphunds typically have a slower metabolism, making portion control particularly important to prevent weight gain.
Establishing consistent feeding schedules helps maintain healthy digestion while preventing overfeeding. Quality commercial dog foods formulated for medium-sized breeds often provide an excellent nutritional foundation, though some owners opt to supplement with fresh ingredients under veterinary guidance. The inclusion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids proves especially beneficial for maintaining their thick, weather-resistant coat.
Mental stimulation during mealtimes can enhance the feeding experience. Consider using puzzle feeders or incorporating appropriate treats into training sessions. However, treats should never exceed 10% of daily caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight. Regular monitoring of body condition and adjusting portions based on activity level, age, and seasonal changes helps ensure optimal nutrition while preventing obesity-related health issues.
How healthy is your Finnish Lapphund?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Finnish Lapphunds from our community of pet parents
Finnish Lapphunds are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are intelligent, alert, and highly trainable. These dogs are very sociable and get along well with humans and other animals. Their loyalty and eagerness to please make them excellent companions and family pets.
Dog Breeds Similar to Finnish Lapphund
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