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As the name suggests, this dog originates from the harsh, northern lands of Finland. It is a Spitz type of dog which was traditionally used for herding reindeer. While it remains a popular breed in its native lands, it is rarely found outside Scandinavia.
The Sami are the indigenous, nomadic peoples of the far reaches of what are now Sweden, Finland, Norway and Russia. These nomads moved across the land herding reindeer whose meat, fat and fur provided them with food, clothing, heat and shelter. To help them in this hard daily life, the Sami relied on dogs - enter the Finnish Lapphund. This dog breed was developed to be able to withstand the hard, long and very cold winters found in these areas. Typically, these dogs had the long curled tail, which was held over their body while they were working, but could be pulled over their nose while they were asleep.
For many hundreds of years, this dog survived and lives with the Sami but just prior to World War I, an outbreak of distemper almost wiped out the entire population. A group of hard working fans of these dogs saved them from the brink of extinction and standardised the breed. In the 1940's the Finnish Kennel Club recognised the breed and gave it the distinct name Finnish Lapphund, setting it apart from other native Spitz breeds of dogs.
The Finnish Lapphund has managed to survive the mechanisation of reindeer herding and has made the transition into popular family pet and companion, while also remaining a member of the Sami community.
Average height to withers: 18-20 inches for males and 16-19 inches for females.
Average weight: 17-19 kg for males but can reach 24kg, with females being substantially smaller.
The stand out feature of this breed is the thick, weather proof and warm double coat. The fluffy undercoat provides insulation from the cold, while the harsh and courser outer coat is the weatherproof layer. This means that it is perfectly suited to an active outdoor life (it is one of the only breeds in Finland allowed, under law, to be kept outdoors in the winter months). The amount of hair on the face, while shorter than the rest of the body, is quite long and provides protection from the elements, especially the delicate eye area. Like all Spitz type dogs, the tail is the protector of the nose when at rest and asleep. Being carried high over the back when active; the long tail is covered in heavy feathering and can be pulled over the nose and mouth while the dog is at rest, providing extra warmth.
Any colour is permitted, but this should be in a predominantly solid block of colour. An interesting point to note is that this breed often has distinctive facial markings including 'spectacles' where a ring of lighter hair contrasts with the overall colour of the face and body, giving rise to the impression that the dog is wearing glasses!
Any colour is permitted, but this should be in a predominantly solid block of colour. An interesting point to note is that this breed often has distinctive facial markings including 'spectacles' where a ring of lighter hair contrasts with the overall colour of the face and body, giving rise to the impression that the dog is wearing glasses!
The calm demeanour of this dog makes it a good candidate for work as a PAT therapy dog, while its stamina and energetic drives makes it a first class choice for many canine activities including mushing, sled racing, agility and obedience.
The patience they display as a PAT dog means that they also tolerate children very well, and this makes them ideally placed to live in the centre of an active family, who will be able to devote the time and energy to its well being.
Often living up to the age of 17 years old, this breed is considered to be a very hardy type of dog. The only major conditions that affect it are eye disorders including cataracts and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). PRA is late in onset in this breed and can present up until the age of 8 years. It can be serious in nature causing permanent blindness. In 2010, the breeder's society introduced compulsory testing for this in all registered dogs and litters.
The long coat is surprisingly low maintenance but it will benefit from a weekly brush. The undercoat is an excellent insulator when cold and also helps regulate the body temperature when the weather is warmer. It does not need to be bathed on a regular basis. In hot weather the owner of this dog needs to be aware that, with its longer, thick coat, it can be prone to overheating. Exercise should be restricted during the hottest parts of the day, and access to water and shade should be given freely.
