Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 17 years.
Build
A robust breed?
This ancient breed has good overall robustness and strong resistance to cold outdoor conditions thanks to its protective coat.
Watch points
What to watch for
No particular pathological predisposition is reported in the reference sheet, without this dispensing with veterinary follow-up adapted to each dog.
Hip dysplasia : To be screened in breeding dogs.
Eye conditions : Regular ophthalmological examinations are recommended.
Epilepsy : Described in certain lines of Nordic dogs, it warrants monitoring.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Very comfortable in cold weather, the Swedish Lapphund copes well with bad weather thanks to its double coat. It tolerates heat less well, however.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The reference sheet assigns it a low tendency to gain weight.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Brush often during shedding season.
- Monitor weight: the undercoat sometimes hides excess weight.
- Provide shade in summer, this spitz is made for the cold.
Vaccination
Swedish Lapphund vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Swedish Lapphund? Like all cats, the Swedish Lapphund receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Swedish Lapphund is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Swedish Lapphund vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Swedish Lapphund?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Swedish Lapphund
Ask for hip evaluations, an eye examination and the status of known hereditary diseases in Nordic Spitz. An annual check-up remains essential.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
