Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 17 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
This ancient breed has good overall robustness and strong resistance to cold outdoor conditions thanks to its protective coat.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No particular pathological predisposition is reported for the breed, without this exempting it from veterinary monitoring 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is low.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Swedish Lapphund need? Like all dogs, Swedish Lapphunds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Swedish Lapphund vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Swedish Lapphund booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Swedish Lapphund need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
