The Finnish Lapphund: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Finnish Lapphund originates from the dogs used for centuries by the Lapp peoples to guard and drive reindeer herds. The Finnish Kennel Club published a first standard in 1945, then revised several times. The breed has gradually established itself in Finland as an excellent companion dog, while retaining its working abilities. It has been definitively recognized by the FCI since 1955.

The Finnish Lapphund is a spitz-type dog, medium-sized, sturdy and slightly longer than tall. Its body is solid, with a straight back, a deep chest and well-developed musculature. Its fairly broad head has very mobile triangular ears, erect or semi-erect, and dark brown oval eyes with a gentle expression. Its tail, abundantly furnished, curls over the back in action. Its coat is long, dense and very abundant, with a thick undercoat that protects it effectively from the cold.

Calm, docile, courageous and very alert, the Finnish Lapphund is a reliable and friendly companion. He is affectionate with his family without being intrusive, and may remain reserved towards strangers. His intelligence, sensitivity and loyalty make him a pleasant dog to live with when he benefits from a consistent framework.

This dog needs daily activity and does not tolerate prolonged inactivity or repeated solitude well. It likes long outings, games and outdoor activities, and clearly feels better in a house with a fenced garden than in an apartment. Lively without being nervous, it can alternate calm moments at home and real energy outside.

The Finnish Lapphund is rather easy to train thanks to its intelligence, its obedient nature and its desire to please. Training must start early, with careful socialization and gentle methods based on positive reinforcement. Brutality must be avoided with this sensitive breed, which responds well to consistency and patience.

The purchase price varies mainly depending on the quality of the lineage, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the health tests carried out and the relative rarity of the breed. A relevant estimate must always be considered in light of the health monitoring, socialization and guarantees offered by the breeder.

With a solid build, the Finnish Lapphund is generally hardy and benefits from excellent protection against cold and bad weather thanks to its double coat. Like many selected breeds, it nevertheless has a few predispositions to watch for, notably on the orthopedic and ocular level.

The Finnish Lapphund can be fed with good-quality commercial food, provided that it is adapted to its age, its weight, its activity level and its body condition. Its daily ration is generally divided into 2 meals to promote regular digestion.

A breed traditionally linked to Sami culture and work with reindeer herds, the Finnish Lapphund perfectly illustrates canine adaptation to Nordic climates. While it remains a working dog in its history, it is today also sought after for its stable temperament and its very expressive appearance.