Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira
Finnish Lapphunds, with their luscious coat, sweet spitz-like face, and profusely coated tail curving over the back, are instantly recognizable as Nordic dogs. Built for hard work in frigid temperatures north of the Arctic Circle, Lappies stand about 20 inches at the shoulder and are surprisingly powerful for their size, with well-developed muscles and substantial bone beneath a double coat that comes in many colors and patterns. Lappies are agile dogs of effortless movement, capable going from a trot to full gallop in a second flat.
Few Lappies today in America have seen a reindeer, but they adapt well to other kinds of work, including obedience, agility, tracking therapy, and herding other types of livestock. When working, Finnish Lapphunds are agile, alert and noisy. While interacting with people, however, the breed is calm, friendly, and very submissive. Lappy puppies are adorable, but new owners should take care to remember that a small puppy grows up quickly and needs to learn good habits early on. Socialization, puppy classes and basic training will help him learn those habits.
Size | Medium |
Height | Female: 16–19 inches (41–47 cm)Male: 18–20 inches (46–52 cm) |
Weight | 37-42 pounds (17-19 kg) |
Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Colors | Black Blonde Brown Cream Tan Wolf Sable |
Origin | Finland |
Classification | Purebred |
Good Lapcat |
Good In Apartments |
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Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
Good With Dogs |
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Good With Cats |
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Exercise Needs |
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Trainability |
The Finnish Lapphund can compete in dog agility trials, carting, mushing, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Lapphunds exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. |
Affectionate |
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Playfulness |
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Grooming Requirements |
High Maintenance: Like all spitz breeds, the Lapphund has a thick, profuse coat that sheds seasonally and requires regular brushing to keep flying fur under control. Brush his double coat weekly to keep it clean and remove dead hair. |
Shedding |
Constant Shedding: During spring and fall shedding seasons, daily brushing will help to keep excess hair under control. |
Vocalization/Barking |
Frequent |