Herding group
Finnish Lapphund
A fluffy reindeer herder from the Arctic — friendly, calm and gentle.
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized spitz dogs bred by the Sámi people to herd reindeer. They are friendly, gentle and adaptable family dogs with a thick coat that sheds heavily.
- Height
- 16–21 in41–53 cm
- Weight
- 33–53 lb15–24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Herding
- Origin
- Lapland (Finland)
Coat: Thick, profuse, long double coat. Colours: Any colour; often black, brown, sable or cream with markings.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Lappies are good-natured, calm and affectionate. They are usually excellent with children and friendly with other dogs.
They are intelligent and willing but can be sensitive. Many bark to herd or alert, and some are wary of strangers at first.
Living with a Finnish Lapphund
Exercise
About an hour of daily walks and play. They enjoy cold weather and herding games.
Grooming
Brush several times a week and daily during heavy seasonal sheds.
Training
Willing and sensitive; positive training works well. Teach a quiet cue.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and other dogs; gentle, tolerant and happy to be part of a busy household.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but prefers company; may bark when bored.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Finnish Lapphund right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Finnish Lapphund matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Finnish Lapphund typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss detectable by the prcd-PRA DNA test.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts occur; annual eye exams help.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Glycogen storage disease II (Pompe disease)
A fatal inherited metabolic disease; a DNA test identifies carriers.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA tests: prcd-PRA and Pompe disease
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Finnish Lapphund; Finnish Lapphund Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The Sámi people of Lapland used Lapphunds for centuries to herd reindeer across the Arctic tundra. When snowmobiles replaced dogs, the breed declined.
Finnish breeders standardised the breed in the mid-20th century. The AKC recognised the Finnish Lapphund in 2011.
Did you know?
- Lapphunds herded reindeer by barking and circling rather than nipping.
- Their thick coat lets them sleep comfortably in the snow.
- The breed has a gentle, “smiling” expression.
Library guides for Finnish Lapphund owners
Grooming
Brushing
A brushing routine keeps Finnish Lapphund shedding under control.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Finnish Lapphund without drying out the coat.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Finnish Lapphund.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Finnish Lapphund breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs?
- Yes — they are friendly, gentle and great with children.
- Do Finnish Lapphunds shed?
- Yes, heavily during seasonal sheds.
- Can Lapphunds live in warm climates?
- They can adapt with shade and air conditioning, but prefer cool weather.