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 dogs, the Swedish Lapphund receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Swedish Lapphund is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
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.
