Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized, intelligent breed, originally bred to herd reindeer. They are friendly, loyal and adaptable dogs.
Finnish Lapphund Breed overview
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and affectionate dogs who make great companions for families with children and other pets. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise and play to stay healthy and happy. They are easy to train and adaptable, making them great pets for first-time dog owners. They are highly alert and aware dogs who make great working dogs and are capable of performing a variety of tasks and jobs. They have a thick, double coat that sheds moderately and requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Finnish Lapphund
Grooming
Finnish Lapphund's dense double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. During shedding seasons, it is important to maintain extra grooming care. A weekly brush with an undercoat rake and slicker brush will help maintain a shiny, healthy coat. Finnish Lapphunds should also have regular nail trimming and teeth cleaning.
Health
Finnish Lapphund's are generally healthy dogs, but may be susceptible to some health conditions like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. Some may also develop allergies, but a healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain their healthy.
Nutrition
Finnish Lapphund's require a balanced diet to maintain their activity levels and overall health. Owners should seek the advice of their veterinarian to determine the appropriate dietary needs for their dog. Foods that are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals are ideal for this breed. Avoid overfeeding or feeding table scraps as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Exercise
Finnish Lapphund's require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation like daily walks, jogging, playing games, and socializing. Compliance with exercise requirements can prevent behaviors like excessive barking, digging, and over-excitement.
Training
Finnish Lapphund's are intelligent and trainable dogs. The earlier the training is applied, the better. Using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praises can help achieve faster and better results. Start with basic obedience training, like sitting, down, and recall before moving to more advanced training.
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Finnish Lapphund Traits & Characteristics
Finnish Lapphund's appearance is a result of specific geographic and environmental factors.
They have compact, muscular bodies that are longer than they are tall. They have a large proportionate head that is wedge-shaped. The almond-shaped eyes are dark in color and have an intelligent and alert expression. Finnish Lapphund's coat comes in various colors such as brown, black, white, and shades of tan or yellow. They have a double-layered coat, with the outer coat being long and the inner coat being soft and dense which acts as insulation against cold weather.
The Finnish Lapphund participating in dog shows must have colors that the breed standard requires. A Finnish Lapphund should express breed's characteristic traits, be well structured, and complete for the purpose of the breed.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Finnish Lapphunds are known for being very friendly and affectionate with their owners. They love spending time with people and are known to be great companions. They are most happy when they are able to be with their owners and show their love and loyalty towards them
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Finnish Lapphunds are great with kids due to their friendly nature and playful disposition. They love to play and have high energy levels, making them perfect for active families with children who love to play and run around. They are patient and gentle with children, and they love nothing more than being part of the family
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and sociable dogs. They get along with other dogs very well and love to play and interact with them. They are known for being friendly with other animals as well, making them great companions for families with pets
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and outgoing dogs who love to meet new people. They are not wary of strangers and are known for being friendly and sociable with everyone they meet. They make great pets for families who entertain guests frequently
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Finnish Lapphunds are playful and energetic dogs who love to run and play. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are known for their love of play and make great companions for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Finnish Lapphunds are highly alert and aware dogs. They are quick to notice any changes in their environment and are always on the lookout for potential threats. They have great instincts and are highly intelligent dogs, making them great for a variety of tasks and jobs
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable dogs who can live in a variety of environments. They are not highly adaptable, however, and may become stressed in unfamiliar situations. They do best when they have a consistent routine and a stable environment
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles, but they are not excessive shedders. They are hypoallergenic dogs, making them great pets for people with allergies
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of tangles. They shed moderately throughout the year, so frequent brushing is recommended to keep their coat looking great. They are not high maintenance dogs, but they do require regular grooming to keep them healthy and happy
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Finnish Lapphunds are not heavy droolers and are considered to be a dry-mouth breed. They do not produce excessive saliva, making them great pets for people who do not want to deal with drool-related issues
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs who weigh between 33-53 pounds and stand around 16-21 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a sturdy, muscular build and are known for their friendly and playful nature
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play and are always on the go. They make great companions for active families who enjoy hiking, running or playing outside
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play and enjoy going for walks and hikes with their owners. They should receive at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable and capable of performing a wide range of tasks and jobs. They excel at herding, tracking and other working roles, making them great pets for people who enjoy outdoor activities
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Finnish Lapphunds are not known for their hunting abilities. They are not prone to chasing after prey and are better suited for other types of outdoor activities, such as hiking or walking
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly vigorous dogs who have great stamina and endurance. They can play and exercise for long periods of time and require regular activity and stimulation to stay healthy and happy
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy dogs who are not prone to many health issues. However, they can develop hip dysplasia and other health conditions, so it is important to keep up with regular vet visits and ensure they receive proper care
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Finnish Lapphunds can become overweight and obese if they are not provided with proper diet and exercise. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Their diet should be high quality and free of additives and byproducts
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly cold-tolerant and can live in cold climates with ease. They have a thick, double coat that protects them from the cold, making them great pets for people who live in areas with cold winters
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Finnish Lapphunds can tolerate moderate heat, but they may become uncomfortable in extremely hot weather. They require shade, water and indoor air conditioning to stay comfortable in hot climates
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable dogs who can live in apartments, but they require regular exercise and play to stay healthy and happy. They have a high energy level and need space to run and play, so regular walks and trips outside are essential for their well-being
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Finnish Lapphunds can be prone to wanderlust and may roam if they are not properly trained and supervised. They do best when they have a securely fenced yard or are kept on a leash when outside. They are not highly prone to wandering, but it is important to train them properly to prevent this behavior
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Finnish Lapphunds can be sensitive dogs who may become stressed or anxious if they experience negative reinforcement or criticism. They respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle training, making them great pets for families who are patient and kind
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Finnish Lapphunds can become anxious or destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time. They do best when they have regular interaction with their owners and are not left alone for extended periods of time
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Finnish Lapphunds are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert their owners of potential threats. They are not prone to excessive barking or vocalization, making them great pets for people who live in apartments or close quarters
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly intelligent dogs who love mental stimulation and engagement. They need regular exercise and play to keep their minds active and engaged, as they can become bored easily
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Finnish Lapphunds are great pets for first-time dog owners due to their friendly nature and easy trainability. They are obedient and willing to learn, making them easy to train and great companions. They respond well to positive reinforcement and love to please their owners
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly intelligent dogs who are easy to train. They are obedient and willing to learn, making them great pets for first-time dog owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and love to please their owners
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Finnish Lapphunds are known for being very friendly and affectionate with their owners. They love spending time with people and are known to be great companions. They are most happy when they are able to be with their owners and show their love and loyalty towards them
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Finnish Lapphunds are great with kids due to their friendly nature and playful disposition. They love to play and have high energy levels, making them perfect for active families with children who love to play and run around. They are patient and gentle with children, and they love nothing more than being part of the family
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and sociable dogs. They get along with other dogs very well and love to play and interact with them. They are known for being friendly with other animals as well, making them great companions for families with pets
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and outgoing dogs who love to meet new people. They are not wary of strangers and are known for being friendly and sociable with everyone they meet. They make great pets for families who entertain guests frequently
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Finnish Lapphunds are playful and energetic dogs who love to run and play. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are known for their love of play and make great companions for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Finnish Lapphunds are highly alert and aware dogs. They are quick to notice any changes in their environment and are always on the lookout for potential threats. They have great instincts and are highly intelligent dogs, making them great for a variety of tasks and jobs
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable dogs who can live in a variety of environments. They are not highly adaptable, however, and may become stressed in unfamiliar situations. They do best when they have a consistent routine and a stable environment
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles, but they are not excessive shedders. They are hypoallergenic dogs, making them great pets for people with allergies
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of tangles. They shed moderately throughout the year, so frequent brushing is recommended to keep their coat looking great. They are not high maintenance dogs, but they do require regular grooming to keep them healthy and happy
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Finnish Lapphunds are not heavy droolers and are considered to be a dry-mouth breed. They do not produce excessive saliva, making them great pets for people who do not want to deal with drool-related issues
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs who weigh between 33-53 pounds and stand around 16-21 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a sturdy, muscular build and are known for their friendly and playful nature
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play and are always on the go. They make great companions for active families who enjoy hiking, running or playing outside
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Finnish Lapphunds have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play and enjoy going for walks and hikes with their owners. They should receive at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable and capable of performing a wide range of tasks and jobs. They excel at herding, tracking and other working roles, making them great pets for people who enjoy outdoor activities
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Finnish Lapphunds are not known for their hunting abilities. They are not prone to chasing after prey and are better suited for other types of outdoor activities, such as hiking or walking
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly vigorous dogs who have great stamina and endurance. They can play and exercise for long periods of time and require regular activity and stimulation to stay healthy and happy
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy dogs who are not prone to many health issues. However, they can develop hip dysplasia and other health conditions, so it is important to keep up with regular vet visits and ensure they receive proper care
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Finnish Lapphunds can become overweight and obese if they are not provided with proper diet and exercise. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Their diet should be high quality and free of additives and byproducts
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly cold-tolerant and can live in cold climates with ease. They have a thick, double coat that protects them from the cold, making them great pets for people who live in areas with cold winters
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Finnish Lapphunds can tolerate moderate heat, but they may become uncomfortable in extremely hot weather. They require shade, water and indoor air conditioning to stay comfortable in hot climates
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable dogs who can live in apartments, but they require regular exercise and play to stay healthy and happy. They have a high energy level and need space to run and play, so regular walks and trips outside are essential for their well-being
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Finnish Lapphunds can be prone to wanderlust and may roam if they are not properly trained and supervised. They do best when they have a securely fenced yard or are kept on a leash when outside. They are not highly prone to wandering, but it is important to train them properly to prevent this behavior
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Finnish Lapphunds can be sensitive dogs who may become stressed or anxious if they experience negative reinforcement or criticism. They respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle training, making them great pets for families who are patient and kind
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Finnish Lapphunds can become anxious or destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time. They do best when they have regular interaction with their owners and are not left alone for extended periods of time
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Finnish Lapphunds are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert their owners of potential threats. They are not prone to excessive barking or vocalization, making them great pets for people who live in apartments or close quarters
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly intelligent dogs who love mental stimulation and engagement. They need regular exercise and play to keep their minds active and engaged, as they can become bored easily
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Finnish Lapphunds are great pets for first-time dog owners due to their friendly nature and easy trainability. They are obedient and willing to learn, making them easy to train and great companions. They respond well to positive reinforcement and love to please their owners
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Finnish Lapphunds are highly intelligent dogs who are easy to train. They are obedient and willing to learn, making them great pets for first-time dog owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and love to please their owners
Similar breeds
History of the Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphund's are an ancient breed that originated in Lapland (The Northern region of Finland). Their ancestors traveled with the Sami people or the Laplanders and helped in herding and guarding the reindeer. The breed was very rare until the 20th century. Then it was known as the Lappish Herder or Finnish Reindeer Dog until it was renamed to Finnish Lapphund in 1967. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 2011.
Finnish Lapphund Puppies
Finnish Lapphund's puppies are adorable and have charming personalities. Owners should socialize their puppies early on in order for them to develop healthy and satisfying relationships with other dogs and humans. Puppies should be regularly exercised to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Early training is also crucial for the puppies’ behavior and development. It is essential to continuously encourage and reward their good traits.