Finnish Lapphund
A hardy spitz breed originally used by the Sámi to herd reindeer. Friendly, gentle and eager to please, making an affectionate family dog, though the thick coat sheds heavily and the breed loves to bark.
Finnish Lapphund scorecard
Overview
The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, medium-sized spitz breed developed in the far north for herding reindeer. Standing 41–52 cm at the shoulder and weighing 15–24 kg, it has a profuse double coat, a thick, curling tail and the friendly, expressive face characteristic of the northern spitz breeds. Behind its appealing looks sits a gentle, eager-to-please temperament that makes it a popular and affectionate family dog.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in the Pastoral Group, the Finnish Lapphund is becoming more familiar in the United Kingdom, valued for its excellent nature with children and its sociability. Prospective owners should, however, be ready for two defining traits: a thick coat that sheds heavily, and a tendency to be vocal — a working habit inherited from its reindeer-herding past. With a typical lifespan of 12–15 years, it offers a long, devoted companionship.
Good to know — a Finnish Lapphund is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Finnish Lapphund descends from spitz-type dogs used for centuries by the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia to herd and guard reindeer in a harsh Arctic environment. The breed's thick coat and resilient constitution are direct products of that climate and work. As reindeer herding modernised, the dog's role shifted increasingly towards companionship.
A breed standard was established in Finland in the twentieth century, and the breed is recognised by the Finnish Kennel Club, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and The Kennel Club. It has grown steadily in popularity as a family pet both in the Nordic countries and, more recently, in the UK.
Temperament & family fit
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly, gentle and eager to please, with a particular reputation for being excellent with children — a trait reflected in their high family-friendliness ratings. They are sociable with people and typically good with other dogs, making them adaptable and affectionate household companions. Their alert, expressive nature means they are quick to notice changes around them.
The breed retains a herding dog's instincts, including a readiness to bark, which served as a tool for moving reindeer and warding off predators. They are intelligent and form close bonds with their families, thriving on inclusion and company rather than being left to their own devices.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and willing, the Finnish Lapphund generally trains well using positive, reward-based methods. It enjoys learning and participating in activities, and many do well in obedience, agility and other dog sports. Because the breed is sensitive and people-oriented, kind and consistent handling brings the best results.
Managing the breed's natural tendency to bark is a sensible training priority from puppyhood, teaching a reliable "quiet" cue and avoiding inadvertently rewarding excessive noise. Early socialisation reinforces the breed's friendly disposition and helps it grow into a confident, well-mannered adult.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Finnish Lapphund typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Finnish Lapphund's profuse double coat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal moults, and needs regular brushing — at least weekly, and more frequently when moulting — to keep it healthy and reduce loose hair around the home. The coat does not generally require trimming. Routine care of nails, ears and teeth rounds out the grooming regime.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Provide a complete, balanced diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, fed in measured daily portions. As an active but food-motivated breed, the Finnish Lapphund can gain weight if overfed or under-exercised, so portions and treats should be monitored and body condition checked regularly. Keep fresh water available at all times and change diets gradually.
Finnish Lapphund health & costs
Before bringing a Finnish Lapphund home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Finnish Lapphund is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, but it is known to carry several hereditary eye conditions, which is why eye testing of breeding stock is strongly recommended. Hip health is also worth attention in any active pastoral breed. The breed community and kennel clubs have invested in health screening to keep these conditions in check.
Prospective owners should buy only from breeders who follow Kennel Club Assured Breeder recommendations, including eye testing and hip scoring, and who can show the relevant certificates. Routine veterinary care, weight management and good coat care all support a long, healthy life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited retinal degeneration leading to vision loss; DNA and eye testing available
- Hereditary cataracts — clouding of the lens that can impair vision, screened through eye examinations
- Glaucoma — raised pressure within the eye that is painful and can threaten sight
- Hip dysplasia — joint malformation causing pain and arthritis; breeding stock should be hip scored
- Pompe disease (glycogen storage disease type II) — a rare inherited metabolic disorder for which DNA testing exists
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Finnish Lapphund; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Finnish Lapphund puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Finnish Lapphund
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, gentle and excellent with children
- Trainable and good-natured with other dogs
Things to consider
- Profuse double coat sheds heavily and needs regular grooming
- Tends to be vocal, a trait carried over from herding
Compare the Finnish Lapphund
See how the Finnish Lapphund measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What size is a Finnish Lapphund?
The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, medium-sized spitz breed, standing 41–52 cm at the shoulder and weighing 15–24 kg. It has a profuse double coat, a thick, curling tail and the friendly, expressive face characteristic of the northern spitz breeds, developed in the far north for herding reindeer.
What is the temperament of a Finnish Lapphund?
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly, gentle and eager to please, with a particular reputation for being excellent with children. They are sociable with people and typically good with other dogs, making them adaptable, affectionate companions. Alert and expressive, they retain a herding dog's instincts and form close bonds, thriving on inclusion.
Are Finnish Lapphunds good with children?
Yes. The Finnish Lapphund has a particular reputation for being excellent with children, reflected in its high family-friendliness ratings. It is sociable, gentle and affectionate, fitting well into active family homes — though its heavy shedding and tendency to bark mean owners should be ready for a hairy, characterful dog.
Do Finnish Lapphunds bark a lot?
They can be vocal. A readiness to bark is a working habit inherited from the breed's reindeer-herding past, where barking helped move reindeer and ward off predators. Teaching a reliable "quiet" cue from puppyhood and avoiding inadvertently rewarding excessive noise are sensible training priorities.
Do Finnish Lapphunds shed heavily?
Yes. The profuse double coat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal moults, and needs regular brushing — at least weekly, and more frequently when moulting — to keep it healthy and reduce loose hair around the home. The coat does not generally require trimming, alongside routine nail, ear and dental care.
How much exercise does a Finnish Lapphund need?
The Finnish Lapphund is an active breed needing a good amount of daily exercise — typically an hour or more — plus mental stimulation for its quick mind. Walks, play, training and dog sports all suit it, and a secure garden is beneficial. While energetic, it is content to settle at home once its needs are met.
What health problems do Finnish Lapphunds have?
The breed is generally healthy and long-lived but is known to carry several hereditary eye conditions, so eye testing of breeding stock is strongly recommended. Hip health is also worth attention. Buy only from breeders following Kennel Club Assured Breeder recommendations, including eye testing and hip scoring, who can show certificates.
How long do Finnish Lapphunds live?
Finnish Lapphunds typically live 12–15 years, offering a long, devoted companionship. Routine veterinary care, weight management — the breed is food-motivated and can gain weight if overfed — and good coat care all support a long, healthy life.
Are Finnish Lapphunds good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Finnish Lapphund need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Finnish Lapphund needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Finnish Lapphunds shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Finnish Lapphunds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Finnish Lapphunds are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Finnish Lapphunds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Finnish Lapphunds good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Finnish Lapphunds suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Finnish Lapphund is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Finnish Lapphund breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/pastoral/finnish-lapphund/
- The Kennel Club — Health testing and screening schemes: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening-schemes/
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog health and welfare advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.