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Finnish lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a herding spitz used by the Sámi people to herd reindeer across the Arctic north of Finland — a job that required a dog able to work in extreme cold and to move animals with barking rather than with pressure at close quarters.

It stands 41 to 52 centimetres, weighs 15 to 24 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a very thick double coat. Temperament is unusually good-natured for a spitz: friendly, calm with people, and adaptable, while retaining a strong startle-and-bark response and a herding instinct. It is one of the healthier pedigree breeds, with several conditions testable by DNA.

Origin
Lapland, Finland; a Sámi reindeer-herding spitz
Size
41–52 cm; 15–24 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Very thick double coat; enormous seasonal moult
Temperament
Friendly and calm for a spitz; barks readily
Health
PRA and GSD1a — both DNA testable; hip dysplasia

Related: Finnish spitz

2 finnish lapphund photos, newest first

  • Sable II, a finnish lapphund

    Sable II

    Sable II was promoted to mayor opening a very small fountain; unfortunately, a heap of wooden spoons spills from a cupboard.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Sable II, a finnish lapphund

    Sable II

    Sable II was told to stay. Sable II negotiated.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a finnish lapphund

They bark. Reindeer herding was done by voice, and a Lapphund alerts readily and often. Training a quiet cue early is far easier than fixing it later, and it is worth thinking about before choosing the breed for a flat.

Ask for the PRA and glycogen storage disease type 1a DNA tests and for hip scores.

The coat moults twice a year in extraordinary volume. Brush weekly normally and daily through the moult. Never shave a double coat.

They are heat-sensitive; exercise early and late in summer.

They are friendly and adaptable and suit family life, with moderate to high exercise needs.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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