Pet Wiki

Reindeer consultant.

Finnish Lapphund

Also called Finnish Lapponian Dog, Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira, Lappish Herder, Lapponian Shepherd Dog

A kind, easygoing dog that bonds closely with its family and is known for being one of the friendliest breeds around.

SizeMedium
Weight15 to 24 kg (33 to 53 lb)123
Height41 to 52 cm (16 to 20 in)males 46 to 52 cm, females 41 to 47 cm314
Lifespan12 to 15 years526
CoatLong, profuse double coat
OriginFinland (Lapland region, bred by the Sami people)364
GroupSpitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5)
Exercise60 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
calm, friendly and faithful
intelligent and willing to learn
weatherproof and hardy in cold climates
347

Personality what they are like

A kind, easygoing dog that bonds closely with its family and is known for being one of the friendliest breeds around. It is bright and eager to please but has a mind of its own, so it is sometimes called a thinking breed. It will announce visitors with a bark but is not a guard dog and meets people with good humour. Quick on its feet and alert, it combines calm at home with plenty of energy outdoors.348725

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, profuse double coat

A sturdy spitz-type dog, a little under medium size and slightly longer than tall, with a chest that reaches about halfway down the body. The weatherproof coat has a long, harsh outer layer that can be straight or slightly wavy, over a soft, thick undercoat that shrugs off cold and wet. Males usually carry a generous mane around the neck. Many dogs have lighter 'spectacle' markings around the eyes, giving a soft, friendly expression.3174

Coloursall colours allowed, with one base colour dominantblack and tanblack and creambrown and whitebrown and creamwhite and greysolid blacksolid whitesolid greymarkings of other colours on head, neck, chest, legs and tail tip341

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Finnish Lapphund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
  • Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active, athletic herding dog. Sources suggest anywhere from about one hour a day (Royal Kennel Club) up to two hours (DogTime) of walks, running, hiking and play, along with mental work. It enjoys dog sports, tracking, herding and scent games.627

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A weekly brush through the thick double coat keeps it tidy. The breed sheds, with heavier seasonal moults when the undercoat comes out, so extra brushing helps during those spells.62

Home where they are happiest

Does best in a home with access to outdoor space and a family who enjoy being outside. Its insulating coat makes it very comfortable in cold, snowy weather.524

Company who they like around

A pack-minded dog that wants to be with its people and generally gets along well with children and other dogs when well socialised. It is happiest when included in family life rather than left alone for long periods.24

The story where it all began

Dogs of this type have lived with the Sami people of Lapland, across northern Finland, Sweden and Norway, for a very long time, with remains of Lapponian-type dogs dated as far back as around 7000 BC. They first helped a nomadic people hunt and keep watch, then became herders once the Sami settled into reindeer keeping, holding the herds together in harsh Arctic conditions until snowmobiles took over much of that work. The Finnish Kennel Club drew up the first standard in 1945 under the name Lappish (Lapponian) Herder. In 1967 the long-coated dogs were given their own standard as the Lapponian Dog, while the shorter-coated type became the Lapponian Herder; the name changed again to Finnish Lapponian Dog in 1993. Type settled during the 1970s, and the breed went on to become one of Finland's favourite companions. It reached the United States in 1987 and the UK in 1989, gained UKC recognition in 1994, and joined the AKC Herding Group in 2011.397416

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Remains of Lapponian-type dogs have been dated to around 7000 BC.7

  2. 2

    The breed herds with its voice: barking was a working tool for moving reindeer, and Lapphunds still like to speak up.7

  3. 3

    They have a strong startle reflex, which helped them leap clear of reindeer antlers and hooves while working.7

  4. 4

    Despite the name, a Lapphund is not a lapdog; 'Lapp' refers to Lapland.2

  5. 5

    Many have pale 'spectacle' markings around the eyes that give the face its gentle look.1

  6. 6

    The AKC describes it as among the friendliest of all dogs, once it is sure you are not a reindeer rustler.8

  7. 7

    It was one of Finland's most popular breeds in 2024, third in the Finnish Kennel Club's registrations with 1,063 dogs.10

  8. 8

    The Finnish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder were one breed until 1967, when the long-coated and short-coated dogs were split.9

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name comes from Finland and Lapland, where the Sami people used these dogs for herding reindeer. The Finnish name is 'Suomenlapinkoira', which translates to 'Finnish Lapphund' or 'Finnish Lapponian Dog'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AinoElsaIlmaKaiLumiNooraOlliRuskaSisuTuiskuUkkoVeli

A day in the life told by a Finnish Lapphund

I wake to the sound of birds and stretch by the window. After breakfast, we go for a walk in the snowy woods. I love to run and leap through the drifts. Then we play a herding game with the kids in the yard. I keep them together with a happy bark. At home, I curl up on the rug while my human reads. In the afternoon, we do a scent puzzle. I solve it quickly. Evening brings a cuddle on the sofa. I am a thinking dog, and today was full of fun.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 189 (Finnish Lapponian Dog), Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types); current standard published 30 Sep 2016; English translation first accepted by FCI in 19993
Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto)
First standard in 1945 as the Lappish/Lapponian Herder; long-coated dogs split off as Lapponian Dog in 1967; renamed Finnish Lapponian Dog in 19933
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral Group; not on the vulnerable native breeds list6
UKC
Northern Breed Group; recognised 19944
AKC
Miscellaneous Class 1 Jul 2009; full recognition in the Herding Group 30 Jun 20119

Popularity 3rd most registered breed in Finland in 2024, with 1,063 registrations with the Finnish Kennel Club.10

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Finnish Lapphund, and at what times?

Adult Finnish Lapphunds do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times each day helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.11

What should a Finnish Lapphund eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving them human treats like these.12

How often should I bathe a Finnish Lapphund?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. Their double coat is weatherproof, so avoid over-bathing to keep natural oils healthy. Use a gentle dog shampoo.13 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Finnish Lapphund need brushing?

A weekly brush keeps their thick double coat tidy, but during heavy seasonal shedding you should brush daily to manage loose fur. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days, with extra daily brushing when the coat blows.62 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Finnish Lapphund's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.13 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Finnish Lapphund need?

This active herding dog needs at least one hour of exercise daily, with some sources suggesting up to two hours including walks, running, hiking, and play. They also enjoy mental challenges like dog sports and scent games.627 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Finnish Lapphund's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution without pushing anything into the ear canal.13 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Finnish Lapphund live?

Finnish Lapphunds typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care and regular vet check-ups, they often enjoy a long, healthy life.526

Is a Finnish Lapphund good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is known for being friendly and generally gets along well with children and other dogs when properly socialized. They are a pack-minded dog that bonds closely with their family and meets people with good humour.243

Can a Finnish Lapphund be left alone?

This breed is happiest when included in family life and does not like being left alone for long periods. They can manage short absences with proper training, but they thrive best with company. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.24

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Finnish Lapphund - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, height, colours, spectacles, history dates (secondary)
  2. Finnish Lapphund - DogTime dogtime.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, social needs
  3. FCI Standard No. 189 Finnish Lapponian Dog fci.beused for history, names, appearance, temperament, coat, colours, height, recognition
  4. Finnish Lapphund - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  5. Finnish Lapphund - Royal Canin royalcanin.comused for lifespan, temperament, habitat
  6. Finnish Lapphund - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
  7. Finnish Lapphund Facts: 7 Things to Know - AKC akc.orgused for fun facts, temperament, coat
  8. Finnish Lapphund - American Kennel Club akc.orgused for temperament, fun fact
  9. Breed History - Finnish Lapphund Club of America finnishlapphund.orgused for history, AKC recognition, split from Lapponian Herder
  10. Kennelliiton rekisteriin ilmoitettiin 40 364 koiraa vuonna 2024 - Finnish Kennel Club kennelliitto.fiused for popularity
  11. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.