Pet Wiki

Swedish Lapphund

Also called Svensk Lapphund, Black beauty of Norrland

A bright, friendly and attentive dog with a strong will to work.

SizeMedium
Height40 to 51 cm (16 to 20 in)males 45 to 51 cm, females 40 to 46 cm12
CoatProfuse double coat with straight, stand-off outer hair and dense undercoat
OriginNorthern Sweden (Lapland), from dogs of the Sami people12
GroupSpitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5)
Recognised breedShort profile
lively and alert
kind and affectionate
eager to learn
1

Personality what they are like

A bright, friendly and attentive dog with a strong will to work. It picks things up quickly and enjoys training, which makes it a versatile partner in many dog sports.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

profuse double coat with straight, stand-off outer hair and dense undercoat

A medium-sized Nordic spitz with a thick, weatherproof coat that stands out from the body. The hair is shorter on the head and front legs and fuller on the chest, hindquarters and curled tail.12

Coloursblackblack with bronzingbear brownsmall white marks on chest, feet and tail tip permitted12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • 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
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery 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

Moderate to high. It needs regular physical and mental exercise and does well in obedience, agility, herding, rally and tracking.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The profuse double coat benefits from regular brushing, especially when the undercoat is shedding.12

Home where they are happiest

A hardy Arctic breed that copes well with cold weather and suits an active household.12

Company who they like around

A warm, people-oriented companion that thrives on a steady routine and time with its family.12

The story where it all began

One of Sweden's oldest breeds, the Lapphund comes from the all-purpose dogs the Sami kept to herd reindeer, hunt and keep watch over camps. Today it is mainly kept as a lively family companion and sporting dog.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In Sweden it is nicknamed 'the black beauty of Norrland'.2

  2. 2

    It was traditionally used to herd reindeer for the Sami people.1

  3. 3

    It shares an ancient maternal DNA line with other Nordic breeds such as the Finnish Lapphund and Norwegian Elkhound.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Swedish Lapphund, also called Svensk lapphund, is named after the Sami (formerly called Lapps) people of Scandinavia, who used the breed for herding and guarding reindeer.2

Name ideas for your new friend

AuroraBjörnEiraFrejaKajaLumiMikkoNilsNooraOdinSvenYrsa

A day in the life told by a Swedish Lapphund

The sun peeks through the pines, and I’m already alert. My human grabs the treat pouch, training time! I sit, spin, and weave through cones, my tail wagging fast. Then we head to the field. I herd imaginary reindeer, circling with bright eyes. At the agility course, I zip through tunnels and over jumps, ears flapping. Afterward, we rest under a birch tree, and I lean against my human, proud. Back home, I brush my own coat against the sofa, then fall asleep with a happy sigh.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 135 (Svensk Lapphund), Group 5, Section 3 (Nordic Watchdogs and Herders); standard dated 22 Feb 20121

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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Swedish Lapphund, and at what times?

Feed your adult Swedish Lapphund at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Sticking to a consistent routine helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3

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

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a safe diet.4

How often should I bathe a Swedish Lapphund?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if needed, but avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Swedish Lapphund need brushing?

Brush your Swedish Lapphund every few days, and daily during heavy shedding periods. This keeps their profuse double coat healthy and reduces loose hair around the home.12 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, roughly every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask a vet or groomer if you're unsure.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Swedish Lapphund need?

Your Swedish Lapphund needs daily walks and play, plus mental challenges like training or dog sports. They have moderate to high energy and enjoy activities such as agility and herding.12 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for redness or odor. Never push anything into the ear canal, and daily brushing is ideal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Swedish Lapphund live?

Lifespan varies, so it's best to ask your breeder or vet for a typical range for your dog.

Is a Swedish Lapphund good with children and other pets?

Swedish Lapphunds are friendly and people-oriented, making them great family dogs. With proper socialization, they usually get along well with children and other pets.12

Can a Swedish Lapphund be left alone?

This breed thrives on family time and may become anxious if left alone too long. With training and mental stimulation, they can handle reasonable periods alone, but they prefer your company.12

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.

You might also like

Finnish LapphundLapponian HerderNorwegian Elkhound

Where this comes from

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

  1. FCI breed standard No. 135: Svensk Lapphund fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Swedish Lapphund en.wikipedia.orgused for height range, weight, nickname, genetics, activities
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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