Finnish Lapphund
The Good
- Friendly and loyal nature
- High intelligence
- Gentle temperament
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to train
The Real
- Heavy shedding
- Rare breed in Australia
- Prone to barking
- Independent nature
- Poor heat tolerance
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Finnish Lapphund is one of those breeds that instantly captures your heart with their spitz-like smile and incredibly thick, weather-resistant coat. Originally bred by the Sami people of Lapland to herd reindeer in harsh Arctic conditions, these medium-sized dogs are surprisingly muscular and substantial beneath all that gorgeous fur.
What makes Lappies special is their remarkable balance of traits - they're tough enough to work in extreme conditions yet gentle enough to be wonderful family companions. Their sweet, friendly nature combined with high intelligence makes them excellent pets for Australian families who understand their needs. However, they do come with some considerations that potential owners should know about upfront.
These dogs are naturally vocal - it was essential for their herding work - so expect a chatty companion who'll let you know about everything happening in the neighbourhood. They're also independent thinkers, which can make training interesting but never impossible. Their thick double coat means they handle cooler Australian climates beautifully but struggle in the heat of Darwin or Perth summers.
Finnish Lapphunds crave companionship and don't do well when left alone for long periods. They're the type of dog that wants to be part of everything you do, whether it's weekend camping trips to the Grampians or just hanging out in the backyard. If you're looking for a loyal, intelligent companion who'll be your shadow and occasional comedian, a Lappy might just be perfect for you.
History
History
The Finnish Lapphund's story begins thousands of years ago with the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland - that vast region stretching across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northwestern Russia. For centuries, these remarkable dogs were essential partners in reindeer herding, working alongside the Sami in some of the world's harshest conditions.
The breed we know today developed from two varieties of Lapponian herding dogs - the long-haired type (our modern Finnish Lapphund) and a short-haired version called the Lapponian Herder. Life changed dramatically for these working dogs during the 20th century as modern technology reduced the need for traditional herding methods, and the Sami people adopted more settled lifestyles.
Interestingly, the breed nearly disappeared after World War II due to a devastating distemper epidemic that swept through Scandinavia. This crisis actually sparked serious conservation efforts, and breed enthusiasts worked tirelessly to preserve these incredible dogs. The first breed standards were written in 1945, though they looked quite different from today's dogs - early Finnish Lapphunds were larger and longer than the compact, sturdy dogs we see now.
The breed gained international recognition when the FCI (World Canine Organisation) accepted them in 1955, and they've been refined over the decades to achieve the consistent, delightful temperament and appearance we see today. The name "Finnish Lapphund" was officially adopted in 1993, replacing the earlier "Finnish Lapponian Dog." While they're incredibly popular in Finland - regularly ranking in the top ten most beloved breeds - they remain relatively rare in Australia, though dedicated breed enthusiasts are working to introduce more Australians to these wonderful dogs.
Traits & Characteristics
Finnish Lapphund characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Finnish Lapphunds are generally robust, healthy dogs with fewer genetic issues than many breeds - a testament to their hardy working heritage. With proper care, you can expect your Lappy to be your companion for 12-15 years, which is excellent for a medium-sized breed.
The main health concerns to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, which are common in many medium to large breeds. These conditions affect joint development and can lead to arthritis if not managed properly. Responsible Australian breeders will have their breeding dogs tested through hip and elbow scoring schemes. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another condition that can affect the breed, potentially leading to vision loss over time. Again, good breeders will DNA test their dogs to avoid passing this on.
Some Finnish Lapphunds may also be prone to degenerative myelopathy and Pompe disease, though these are relatively rare. The breed can also experience standard dog health issues like ear infections - those lovely, heavily furred ears can trap moisture and debris, especially important to watch during Australia's humid seasons.
One thing that works in favour of Australian owners is that many of the parasites and diseases that affect dogs in Scandinavia aren't present here. However, you'll need to be vigilant about tick prevention, particularly if you're in areas where paralysis ticks are common.
Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping up with preventive care will go a long way toward ensuring your Finnish Lapphund stays healthy. Their thick coat can hide weight gain, so hands-on checks are important. Most Australian vets are becoming more familiar with the breed as numbers slowly increase, though you might need to educate your vet about breed-specific considerations initially.
Feeding a Finnish Lapphund isn't dramatically different from feeding other medium-sized breeds, but there are some considerations that'll help keep your mate in top condition. These dogs have a moderate metabolism and aren't typically prone to overeating, but their thick coat can hide weight gain, so you'll need to keep an eye on their body condition through regular hands-on checks.
Most adult Lappies do well on two meals per day - morning and evening - which helps prevent bloat and keeps their energy levels steady. Puppies need smaller, more frequent meals, typically three times daily until they're about six months old, then gradually transitioning to the adult schedule.
Quality matters more than quantity with these dogs. A high-grade commercial dog food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) will provide balanced nutrition without the guesswork of home-prepared diets. Look for foods with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
During Australia's warmer months, you might notice your Lappy eating less - this is normal for cold-climate breeds dealing with heat. Ensure fresh water is always available, especially important given their thick coat makes them more susceptible to overheating. In summer, consider feeding during cooler parts of the day.
Treats are fantastic training tools with these intelligent dogs, but keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories. Many Australian owners find success with small training treats during their extensive socialisation and training needs.
If you're considering raw feeding, consult with a canine nutritionist familiar with the breed's needs. Finnish Lapphunds don't have any specific dietary restrictions, but like all dogs, they benefit from consistent, high-quality nutrition that supports their active lifestyle and maintains that gorgeous coat.
Here's where owning a Finnish Lapphund gets interesting - that absolutely gorgeous double coat is both their crowning glory and your biggest commitment. Think of it as having a living, breathing lint factory in your home, but one that's so charming you won't mind the extra housework too much.
Their coat consists of a weather-resistant outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat that sheds seasonally. In Australian conditions, you'll typically see major shedding periods in spring and autumn, though some hair comes off year-round. During shedding season, daily brushing isn't just recommended - it's essential if you want to maintain any hope of keeping your furniture fur-free.
Weekly brushing is the minimum for maintenance, but most Australian owners find that 2-3 times weekly works better for keeping ahead of the shedding. You'll need a good slicker brush, an undercoat rake, and a metal comb for working through any mats. Pay special attention to areas that mat easily - behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
Never shave a Finnish Lapphund, even in Australia's heat. Their double coat actually helps regulate temperature in both hot and cold weather, and shaving disrupts this natural system. Instead, ensure they have access to shade and cool areas during hot weather.
Bathing is needed monthly or when they're genuinely dirty - their coat naturally repels dirt quite well. Use a gentle, oatmeal-based shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils. Those beautiful ears need weekly checks and cleaning to prevent infections, especially during humid weather.
Regular nail trims, teeth cleaning, and eye checks complete the grooming routine. Many Australian owners find that professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps manage the coat and gives them a break from the daily maintenance routine.
Finnish Lapphunds are brilliant dogs with a delightful quirk - they're independent thinkers who like to have their say in matters. This makes training engaging but requires patience and consistency from Australian owners who understand that these dogs were bred to make decisions on their own while herding reindeer.
Their exercise needs are surprisingly moderate for a working breed. A good hour to 90 minutes daily is typically sufficient, but it needs to be quality time - not just a quick walk around the block. They love variety: morning walks through your neighbourhood, afternoon play sessions in the backyard, and weekend adventures to places like the Dandenongs or coastal walks along the Great Ocean Road.
Early socialisation is absolutely crucial, especially given their natural wariness of strangers. Puppy school is essential, followed by ongoing training classes. These dogs excel at dog sports popular in Australia - agility, rally, obedience, and tracking all appeal to their intelligent, active nature. Many Australian dog clubs are starting to recognise the breed's potential in these areas.
The biggest training challenge? That voice! Lappies are naturally vocal - it was essential for their herding work - and they'll bark to communicate about everything from the postie's arrival to interesting smells on the wind. Teaching a "quiet" command early is essential, especially if you're in suburban areas where neighbours might not appreciate the running commentary.
These dogs thrive on mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and jobs around the house keep their intelligent minds engaged. A bored Lappy can become destructive or excessively vocal, so keeping them mentally challenged is just as important as their daily walks. They're also natural comedians who seem to enjoy making their families laugh.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Finnish Lapphund owner in Australia is someone who appreciates having a genuine canine companion rather than just a pet. These dogs form incredibly strong bonds with their families and want to be involved in everything you do - from weekend trips to Phillip Island to simply pottering around the garden on Sunday afternoons.
You'll need to be home more often than not, as Lappies don't cope well with being left alone for long periods. They're ideal for retirees, families with flexible work arrangements, or anyone who works from home. If you're a FIFO worker or frequently travel for business, this probably isn't the breed for you unless you have strong support systems in place.
Patience is essential during training, as these intelligent dogs like to think things through rather than blindly follow commands. First-time dog owners often do well with Lappies because they're forgiving and gentle, but you'll need to commit to consistent training and socialisation from day one.
Your living situation needs consideration too. While they can adapt to apartment living in places like Melbourne or Sydney, they do best with at least a small yard where they can patrol and investigate interesting smells. That said, they're not high-energy dogs who need massive properties - a suburban block with secure fencing works perfectly.
Climate-wise, they're better suited to cooler Australian regions. Melbourne, Canberra, Tasmania, and the cooler parts of NSW and Victoria are ideal. If you're in Queensland, Darwin, or Perth, you'll need to carefully manage their comfort during hot weather with air conditioning, cooling mats, and adjusted exercise schedules.
Most importantly, you need to embrace the shedding and the talking. If you can't handle dog hair on everything or occasional vocal contributions to neighbourhood conversations, look elsewhere. But if you want a loyal, intelligent, slightly quirky companion who'll make you laugh daily, a Finnish Lapphund might just be perfect.
Interesting facts about the Finnish Lapphund
Interesting Fact
The Finnish Lapphund is the 173rd breed recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC), first imported for breeding in 1987
Interesting Fact
They're also known as Lapinkoira in their homeland and sometimes called "Suomenlapinkoira" which translates to "Finnish Lapponian Dog"
Interesting Fact
These dogs have a unique "startle reflex" - a quick dodging movement that developed from centuries of avoiding ornery reindeer antlers
Interesting Fact
In Finland, they consistently rank in the top ten most popular breeds, but remain relatively rare outside Scandinavia
FAQ
Absolutely! Finnish Lapphunds make excellent family pets for the right household. They're gentle with children, highly intelligent, and form strong bonds with all family members. However, they do need families who can provide consistent companionship and don't mind a chatty, occasionally vocal dog who sheds quite a bit.
Finnish Lapphunds are naturally vocal dogs - it's part of their herding heritage. They'll bark to communicate about visitors, interesting sounds, or just to chat with you. While training can help manage excessive barking, you should expect a fairly talkative companion. They're not ideal for apartments with noise restrictions or close neighbours who might be bothered by regular canine commentary.
Their thick double coat makes them better suited to cooler climates. In places like Melbourne, Canberra, or Tasmania they do well year-round, but in hotter regions like Queensland or Darwin, you'll need to carefully manage their comfort with air conditioning, shade, and adjusted exercise schedules during summer months.
Plan on brushing 2-3 times weekly minimum, daily during shedding seasons (spring and autumn in Australia). Their coat sheds considerably, so you'll want to invest in good grooming tools and a quality vacuum cleaner. Monthly baths and regular ear cleaning complete the routine. Never shave them - their double coat actually helps with temperature regulation.
Yes, Finnish Lapphunds can work well for first-time owners because they're gentle, intelligent, and forgiving. However, you'll need to commit to consistent training and socialisation from puppyhood. Their independent thinking means they're not push-button obedient, but they're eager to please once they understand what you want.
Moderate exercise needs - about 60-90 minutes daily of quality activity. They enjoy walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation more than intense jogging or running. Weekend hikes, beach walks, or playing in a secure yard usually keeps them happy. They're not couch potatoes, but they're not marathon runners either.