Complete Guide To The Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized, Spitz-type dog that is a great companion for anyone! 

Today, the Finnish Lapphund is one of the most popular breeds of dog in Finland, but it is not commonly found outside Nordic countries. Read on to learn more about this breed. This article will address common questions and concerns regarding this breed. Keep reading to dive into the complete guide to the Finnish Lapphund.

Finnish Lapphund Breed Explained

The Finnish Lapphund is traditionally used for herding reindeer. If you want to learn more about this dog breed, continue reading! Below you will find information on its history, size, and temperament. 

So, what is the Finnish Lapphund? And, what can you expect from a Finnish Lapphund? Keep reading to learn more! 

Finnish Lapphund History

The Finnish Lapphund is one of the most popular breeds in Finland and other Nordic countries. Originally from the Finnish wilderness, it was used by the Sami people as a herding dog. 

Their role later changed to guarding and herding Reindeer. Its origins are unknown, but legend suggests it descended from Sami reindeer dogs. The Finnish Lapphund was closely related to other Scandinavian dog breeds. Their popularity grew in the United States as Finnish immigrants brought Lapps to the new continent.

These dogs were well-known for their robust and hardy build and affinity with other animals like Reindeer. As a result, they have endured a harsh winter environment and are known for their loyalty to humans.

Finnish Lapphund Size

The size of a Finnish Lapphund can vary a lot from one to the next, but it is essential to find a dog that fits your lifestyle. A male is approximately 18 to 21 inches tall, while a female is between 16 and 19 inches. 

While this dog breed is generally healthy and free from major hereditary diseases, it may require extra care in hot weather. If you’re looking for a great companion, consider a Finnish Lapphund.

This solidly built Lapphund has a long, thin coat and a broad, rounded face. Its ears are set high on the convex skull and are either semi-erect or fully upright with rounded tips. Its eyes are medium-sized and oval-shaped. The muzzle of a Finnish Lapphund is remarkably broad and barely tapers along its length. They make excellent watchdogs and are known for their ability to protect their owners and Reindeer from dangerous animals.

Finnish Lapphund Temperament

The Finnish Lapphund has a friendly, calm temperament and is similar in appearance to the Samoyed or Siberian Husky. Its coat is generally straight, with feathering on the belly, legs, and tail. Its back is sturdy and straightforward with soft, triangular ears. Its forelegs are short and intense and end in oval, thick-padded feet. The Finnish Lapphund is a working breed initially bred to herd reindeer.

The Finnish Lapphund temperament is calm, loving, and active. While it may bark at strange and unfamiliar things, the dog does not generally exhibit destructive behavior. However, this breed does need regular physical activity and should be taken for walks twice a day. When bored, the dog may dig or engage in other activities. It also enjoys participating in dog sports such as herding trials. However, if you live in a house where your dog is not allowed outdoors, this temperament isn’t suitable for you.

Finnish Lapphund Intelligence

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized herding dog native to Finland. Their long coats, with fine hair on the underside, give them the appearance of a mane. They are available in various colors, including black, tan, white, and gray. Their height is between forty and fifty centimeters at the withers. This breed is typically between sixteen and twenty kilograms, though there is some variation between males and females.

The Finnish Lapphund is brilliant and very easy to train. With the proper training, they can be taught agility and quick-witted tasks. They can work as therapy dogs, tracking dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. Although they are known to get along well with other dogs, they don’t do so well in hot climates. Whether or not they get along with other pets is up to you.

While this breed can be quite intelligent, it’s difficult to say if it’s as brilliant as many dog experts claim. The Finnish Lapphund may be more intelligent than humans. While they’re not as bright as humans, they think through their actions before executing them. In addition, they’re friendly and get along well with small children. The Finnish Lapphund has many characteristics that distinguish it from other breeds.

Finnish Lapphunds and Shedding

Shedding is a common issue with the Finnish Lapphund. Although the coat is thick and double-coated, it is not hypoallergenic, and the dog sheds copiously. However, owners should know that the dog enjoys being around other dogs and is not a good candidate for an apartment, as it may experience heat stroke while exercising. In addition, this breed is unsuitable for people allergic to fur or dust, as the dog sheds copiously.

There are several different types of Finnish Lapphunds. Those who have them will have a long, dense coat. These dogs have beautiful blue eyes and are prone to shearing. 

The AKC officially recognized the breed in 2011. These dogs were initially used for herding and were then classified as herding dogs. Despite these differences, the dogs share similar qualities.

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a double coat. The outer layer of hair is thicker than the rest of the dog, giving the dog the appearance of a mane. The coat can be any color, but it is essential to consider the dominant coat color. 

Finnish Lapphund Health Overview

Finnish Lapphund Length Of Life

A Finnish Lapphund dog generally lives until 10 to 14 years of age, although there are no guarantees.

Lappies are slow-maturing dogs. This breed is considered a “senior” at age 8, so this may be an important factor in considering adoption if you do not want the responsibility of caring for your pet for a very long time.

The breed’s most common causes of death are cancer or heart disease. However, you can help prolong your dog’s life by keeping it as fit as possible, giving it an appropriate diet and exercise, and keeping watch for any warning signs of illness.

Nutritional Requirements for a Finnish Lapphund

To keep your Finnish Lapphund dog in good health, you must feed it high-quality dog food. High-quality dog food containing all the nutrients your Finnish Lapphund needs is recommended. The right amount of food is about two cups a day. This food is essential since the dog moves a lot, but too much food may cause weight gain. In addition, you should avoid feeding your dog table scraps or treats, which can make them obese. You should also provide your Finnish Lapphund puppy food containing all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.

Finnish Lapphund Psychological Health Conditions

Anxiety 

As one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Finnish Lapphund can suffer from separation anxiety. Left alone for long periods, they can become destructive and bored. Despite their love of humans, this dog breed is not suitable for households where someone is away from home all day. Therefore, owners should spend as much time as possible with their dogs. They can hire a dog walker or arrange play dates with other dogs. If this is not possible, the owner should consider getting another dog for their Finnish Lapphund.

The first sign of separation anxiety in your Finnish Lapphund should be an increase in barking. Although these dogs are not aggressive, they may bark at unexpected objects or people. Some dogs may even bark if they are bored and lonely. While separation anxiety may not be severe, you should consider the breed’s socialization level before bringing them into a new home. If your dog is prone to anxiety or destructive behavior, you should seek help immediately.

Stress 

The Finnish Lapphund is a breed of dog originally from the northern region of Finland. Once used to herd livestock, the Lapphund is now highly sought after for its obedience and agility training. They also excel in therapy work, with their elegant nose and distinctive markings. But, without a task to do, they can experience stress. So, whether they are pacing or cowering, there are ways to know if your dog is anxious. 

Drooling is another common sign of stress in this breed. Finnish Lapphunds tend to secrete more drool when stressed or in an unusual situation, such as teething or smelling other dogs.

Tools To Support Your Finnish Lapphund’s Stress and Anxiety 

It’s essential to help your dog feel relaxed and comfortable at home. Dogs that feel stressed or anxious are more likely to chew on things like furniture, dig up your garden, or tear up your carpet.

The biggest challenge for Lapphunds is training them to be calm, and it’s crucial to provide them with the things they need to feel relaxed in their own home. A calming dog bed is an invaluable addition to your dog’s existing tools as a comfortable place for him to rest and get some downtime. It can also help ease stress if you have to leave him alone at home or in the car.

You should also keep treats on hand to help support your dog if it needs extra help. Finding an all-natural anti-anxiety joy can be highly beneficial to your Finnish Lapphund! You can help relieve stress and anxiety while giving them something they love! It’s a win-win for you and your beloved pup. 

 

Common Physical Health Conditions and Your Finnish Lapphund

Nausea 

Because Finnish Lapphunds are so sensitive to external conditions, they can quickly get upset stomachs and feel nauseous. And when your beloved pooch isn’t feeling well, it’s hard to know what to do.

What can you do when your dog is feeling nauseous?

Helping your dog feel better when she has an upset stomach can be tricky, especially for less experienced dog owners. But with a few helpful tools and simple remedies, even the most inexperienced of us can help our dogs feel better.

To many people, aromatherapy is rooted in the past and has no place in the modern world. However, while it may not be a new term, there are still many ways that you can use it to treat ailments and help your dog feel better.

Consider aromatherapy tools like calming dog inserts or essential oils from plants like lavender to help calm your pet’s digestive system. Not only are these super easy to get, but they can also help promote relaxation in stressful situations.

Exhaustion 

When your pup is exhausted from so much activity, a calming dog bed is a perfect tool to support your puppy. When participating in activities with your Finnish Lapphund, knowing how the intensity and excitement affect them is essential. They need the right tools and resources to help them stay calm and comfortable after a long day. Feeling too tired and overwhelmed, they might have trouble sleeping. It means they’ll stay awake all night, which can cause restlessness and higher stress levels. Some dogs will have trouble calming down enough to sleep, whereas others might struggle to fall asleep. Whether you’re in an urban setting or live out in the country-your, this can be an issue. The pup might not understand why they’re suddenly getting so little sleep after being able to sleep through the night for their whole life. Enter the calming dog bed. 

Calming dog beds are designed for comfort, but some for practicality or specific purposes such as sleeping or playing. The ideal bed meets both criteria: it should be relaxing and supportive.

Separation Anxiety 

It isn’t uncommon for your Finnish Lapphund to have separation anxiety, but it can be hard to know where to start when you’re wondering how to help your Finnish Lapphund. Luckily, there are ways to help your Finnish Lapphund feel at home and cope with life’s stressors by providing them with a calming dog bed and aromatherapy patches.

When your Finnish Lapphund feels anxious, they will be prone to destructive behavior. So, the first line of defense is creating a safe space for them at home. It can be as simple as getting a calming dog bed that provides comfort and a sense of protection from the outside world. And, when you combine it with calming chews and aromatherapy inserts, you’ll make sure your dog feels supported all day long.

The secret is in the homeopathic approach used by these products. The chew treats provide a sense of safety and comfort when you’re away from home. And the smell of essential oils can also promote relaxation and well-being for your furry friend!

 

Oral Health

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is a tough job, but it’s essential for their happiness and health. If you don’t want to brush your dog’s teeth, you can consider hiring a professional groomer, especially if reaching your pup’s back molars is challenging.

As tempting as it may be to use human toothpaste, keep in mind that while they’re both made with the same active ingredient (stannous fluoride), human toothpaste is formulated in a way that makes it too abrasive for dogs’ sensitive mouths. To get the job done right, you should use canine toothpaste instead. And while there are plenty of options, don’t go too cheap-cheaper brands have been found to have less stannous fluoride than more expensive ones.

And, you should always have a canine toothbrush on hand to help reach those back molars. Investing in the right toothbrush for your Finnish Lapphund is easy; follow our recommendations below. 

Breed’s Needs 

Finnish Lapphund and Exercise 

If you’re interested in adopting a Finnish Lapphund, you might not know that they are an excellent choice for active, healthy homes. These lovable, social dogs are also incredibly busy and intelligent. But it would help if you remembered that while these dogs are great with children, they need plenty of exercise and socialization.

Exercise is crucial for keeping the Finnish Lapphund happy and healthy.

Finnish Lapphund and Nutrition 

You’ve probably heard of the unique Finnish Lapphund breed and wondered about the correct type of food to feed your pup. 

A balanced diet is essential for your Finnish Lapphund, so choose high-quality food with various healthy ingredients. A typical Finnish Lapphund needs between two and three cups of dry food per day. It may require more or less food if used for work. This breed requires minimal grooming and can tolerate children. You’ll need to brush your dog at least once weekly; they’re great with children.

Finnish Lapphund and Grooming (include product)

A healthy Finnish Lapphund coat requires grooming regularly. The coat is double-coated and requires regular brushing to avoid matting and other problems. The Finnish Lapphund can also have blowouts on occasion, but these are not necessary. Otherwise, brushing can be sufficient. You should do grooming after exercising your dog and brush the dog’s coat thoroughly during the shedding period.

The Finnish Lapphund is an active dog who does not mind living with other pets, including cats and dogs. The dog does not have a strong doggy odor, so baths are unnecessary. The breed does, however, require frequent exercise, including daily walks and plenty of activity. Unfortunately, it also tends to have eye problems, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Therefore, keeping your dog active and healthy is essential to help it live a long and healthy life.

Top Product Picks for Your Finnish Lapphund

Food

As a puppy owner, it’s essential to invest in good food for your pup, and it’s crucial to read the ingredients carefully to ensure that the food you buy is the right one for your little friend. Some puppy foods contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily bad for your puppy but might not be the best, such as preservatives or artificial flavors. You don’t want to give Fido something that will make him sick in the long run, so be sure to choose a high-quality food with plenty of protein and just one or two specific kinds of meat per recipe.

The same goes for adult dog food-you should tailor the best kind to your dog’s breed and overall health. For example, some brands offer formulas that cater specifically to overweight dogs, while others are meant for dogs with trouble maintaining weight. If you’re worried about allergies, look for canned dog foods that incorporate natural solutions (like brewer’s yeast) into their recipes to control those problems without making your pet feel uncomfortable.

Crates

Alas, there’s no way around it. You’re going to need a crate for your Finnish Lapphund. If you’ve never owned a dog before, or if you’ve never had a Lappie, in particular, it may seem like there’s no reason to invest in a crate. But once you get your pup home, you’ll quickly see how important they are. A crate is your pup’s home and protection from the world outside their domain. It can be a den-like place to sleep when your dog isn’t feeling well or needs some time out of everyday life. It can also keep them safe when you’re not home or sleeping at night.

It’s essential to buy the right one for your dog. 

Beds

If your dog suffers from anxiety, finding a way to help them cope can be challenging. However, the right dog bed can make all the difference. 

For the Finnish Lapphund in particular, you want to choose a bed that is sturdy yet still soft enough for them to burrow into and sleep comfortably. In addition, they have thick double coats that require special attention when it comes to keeping warm and calm, so you’ll also want a bed made with breathable material that keeps moisture away from their skin. Calming dog beds are the perfect solution to your Finnish Lapphund’s needs. 

Harness

Choosing the correct harness for your dog is very important because it will affect how they walk on a leash and how they interact with you. In addition, a harness guarantees control of the leash without straining your dog’s neck, so it’s essential to consider your dog’s body shape and size when shopping for one. Here are our recommendations for the best harnesses for a Finnish Lapphund.

Tooth Brush

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. You don’t have to do it every day, but it should be part of your routine at least once a week. It’s not just about aesthetics-it’s about your pet’s health. And, it is up to you to ensure they have a toothbrush that will fit the job.

Shampoo

Lathering up your pup is essential-but so is making sure you’re using a shampoo that won’t irritate his skin or leave residue behind that can cause problems later down the line. The best approach is to look at what’s inside before basing your decision on what’s on the label. Good dog shampoo will also have a conditioner because, without this, the coat could become brittle or itchy. 

Other resources 

Finnish Lapphund Club of America

AKC Breed Info

AKC Breed Standard

7 Reasons To Get To Know a Finnish Lapphund – AKC

Finnish Lapphund Breed Characteristics