Do Finnish Lapphunds shed?
Yes, Finnish Lapphunds shed, and they shed a lot — this is a genuine double-coated spitz breed built for cold climates, with a dense undercoat that blows out heavily twice a year, on top of a steady lower level of shedding the rest of the time. Anyone considering the breed because of its striking coat should go in expecting real, regular grooming rather than an occasional brush.
What kind of coat a Finnish Lapphund has
Finnish Lapphunds carry a proper double coat — a longer, coarser layer of guard hairs over a dense, soft undercoat — developed to cope with genuinely cold Scandinavian winters. That undercoat is doing real insulating work, which is exactly why it is so thick and why it comes out in such volume when the seasons change.
Most double-coated breeds 'blow' their undercoat twice a year, typically around spring and autumn, shedding far more heavily over a few weeks than the rest of the year, and Finnish Lapphunds are no exception. Outside of those periods there is still a steady, lower level of shedding going on, rather than the coat sitting still in between.
What that means day to day
In practical terms, this means regular brushing — several times a week as a baseline, and closer to daily during a seasonal blow-out — is part of owning the breed rather than an optional extra. Skipping it does not stop the shedding; it just means the loose undercoat builds up, mats more easily, and ends up on your floors and furniture instead of in a brush.
No dog breed is genuinely hypoallergenic, and a heavy-shedding double-coated breed like this one is a particularly poor fit for a household with significant pet hair allergies, whatever claims might circulate about spitz-type breeds being easier on allergy sufferers.
Managing the shedding
A good deshedding brush or comb, designed to reach through the guard coat into the undercoat rather than just skimming the surface, makes a real difference during the heaviest shedding periods, and using one regularly rather than only when the shedding becomes obvious keeps loose hair from building up in the first place.
Bathing too often can actually work against coat health by stripping natural oils, so a sensible routine — bathing only when genuinely needed, brushing far more often than bathing — tends to serve this breed better. A food with good levels of named protein and added fatty acids also supports overall coat condition, though it will not stop the seasonal blow-out, which is a normal process rather than something diet controls.
Is this breed a good fit for you
A Finnish Lapphund suits an owner who does not mind regular grooming and is realistic about a genuinely furry house — vacuuming more often, hair on clothing, and a proper grooming routine built into the week rather than squeezed in occasionally. Owners who enjoy that hands-on time with their dog tend to get on well with the breed.
For a household with serious allergy concerns, or anyone hoping for a low-maintenance coat, this is honestly not the right breed, however appealing the fluffy appearance looks in photos. Being clear about that upfront saves a lot of frustration for both dog and owner further down the line.
Kit for this breed
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Microfibre Pet Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.
From£10.99
Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.
From£13.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Common questions
- How much do Finnish Lapphunds shed?
- A genuine amount — this is a double-coated breed with a dense undercoat that sheds heavily twice a year during seasonal blow-outs, on top of steady lower-level shedding the rest of the time. Regular brushing is part of owning the breed rather than an occasional task.
- Are Finnish Lapphunds hypoallergenic?
- No dog breed genuinely is, and a heavy double coat like this one is a particularly poor match for a household with real pet hair allergies. Anyone with significant allergy concerns should think carefully before choosing this breed regardless of its appearance.
- How often should I groom a Finnish Lapphund?
- Several times a week as a baseline, increasing to closer to daily during the twice-yearly coat blow. A deshedding brush that reaches through to the undercoat, used regularly rather than occasionally, makes the heaviest shedding periods much more manageable.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.