Finnish Lapphund Breed Guide

Feb 17, 2025

Meet the Finnish Lapphund, a fluffy, friendly herding dog who looks like they’ve stepped straight out of an Arctic fairytale. Bred to herd reindeer in the frozen tundras of Finland, these dogs are hardy, intelligent, and, let’s be honest, absolutely adorable with their big fluffy coats and cheeky expressions. But don’t let their cute looks fool you—these pups are more than capable of keeping up with active families and handling life’s adventures, all while making you smile with their charm.

If you’ve ever wanted a dog that can herd reindeer, enjoy a good play session, and then curl up on the sofa for snuggles, the Finnish Lapphund might just be the perfect addition to your family.

The Basics:

Category: Pastoral
Size: Medium (15-24 kg of pure floof and energy)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day (with plenty of zoomies in between)
Grooming: High maintenance (floof alert!)
Coat: Thick, double coat (perfect for chilly days and endless cuddles)
Shedding: Heavy (you’ll become best friends with your hoover)
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Home Needs: Medium to large home with a secure garden
Sociability: Friendly with family, a bit reserved with strangers, great with children and other pets

History: From Arctic Herding to Modern Family Life

The Finnish Lapphund has a long history as a reindeer herder for the Sámi people in the Arctic regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. These tough little dogs were bred to withstand freezing temperatures, help herd reindeer across vast expanses of snow, and protect their herds from predators. With their thick double coats and natural agility, they were perfectly suited to this harsh environment.

In modern times, the Finnish Lapphund has left behind its days of herding reindeer (though they’ll still try to herd your children or other pets if given the chance) and is now a popular family companion, known for their gentle, loyal nature. Despite their working-dog past, they’ve adapted beautifully to modern family life, bringing their friendly temperament and intelligence along for the ride.

Personality: Friendly, Intelligent, and Always Up for Fun

The Finnish Lapphund is a people-loving pooch who thrives on family life. They are incredibly loyal and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their humans. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a shadow that’s also a ball of fluff, you’ve found your match. These dogs are known for their friendly nature, making them wonderful companions for families with children or other pets.

That said, Finnish Lapphunds can be a bit reserved with strangers. While they’re never aggressive, they may take a few minutes to warm up to new people. Once they’ve deemed you trustworthy, though, you’ll have a friend for life.

And let’s not forget their intelligence! Finnish Lapphunds are incredibly smart and love to learn new tricks and commands. They’re eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train—especially if you’ve got some Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats in your pocket to keep them motivated.

Exercise Needs: Energetic but Not Hyper

While the Finnish Lapphund isn’t a dog that will bounce off the walls all day, they do need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A daily 1-2 hours of exercise is enough to satisfy their needs, which can include long walks, playtime in the garden, or even a bit of agility training to keep their clever minds sharp.

Because of their working-dog roots, they also enjoy mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, obedience training, or games that challenge their brains will keep them engaged and prevent boredom. If you can provide them with a balance of physical and mental exercise, you’ll have a happy, satisfied dog.

Grooming: All That Floof Needs a Little TLC

The Finnish Lapphund’s thick double coat is one of their most striking features, but it does require a bit of attention. Regular brushing is essential to keep their coat free of tangles and to remove loose hair—especially during shedding season (spring and autumn), when you’ll be amazed at how much floof comes off! Aim for a good brush a few times a week, and daily during those heavy shedding periods.

While they may shed a lot, Finnish Lapphunds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to bathing. Their coat is naturally dirt-resistant, so they only need a bath occasionally, unless they’ve had a particularly messy adventure.

Their ears and teeth also need regular care. Because they have upright ears, dirt can build up, so cleaning them weekly is a good habit to get into. For their teeth, regular brushing or Scrumbles Gnashers will keep their dental health in check and their breath fresh (ideal for when they try to sneak a cuddle on the sofa).

Health: Strong but Watch the Hips and Eyes

The Finnish Lapphund is generally a healthy breed, but like many medium-sized dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common concerns, so it’s important to keep your Lappie at a healthy weight and ensure they don’t overexert their joints. Regular vet check-ups can help catch any issues early.

Another potential concern is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that affects eyesight. Responsible breeders screen for this, but it’s always a good idea to monitor your dog’s eye health, especially as they age.

Fun Facts About the Finnish Lapphund

Reindeer Wranglers: These dogs were once used to herd reindeer in the harsh Arctic conditions. So, if you’ve got a herd of reindeer in the garden (or just some energetic kids), your Lappie’s got you covered!
Talkative but Not Barky: Finnish Lapphunds are known to be quite vocal, especially when they’re excited or playing. But don’t worry, they’re not the type to bark non-stop—they just like to chat.
Snow Lovers: With their thick double coats, Finnish Lapphunds love cold weather. Snowy days are their time to shine, and they’ll happily romp through the snow with glee.

Living with a Finnish Lapphund: Floof, Fun, and Family Time

Living with a Finnish Lapphund is like having a fluffy, loyal best friend by your side at all times. These dogs are perfect for families who want a friendly, affectionate, and energetic dog who can keep up with kids but also knows how to relax after a day of fun. Their love for outdoor adventures and strong bond with their family makes them a joy to be around.

Finnish Lapphunds thrive in homes where they can be included in daily activities, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new trick, or just snuggling up with their humans at the end of the day. As long as you don’t mind a bit of shedding (okay, a lot of shedding), you’ll find that the Lappie is a wonderful, loyal companion who will bring endless love and joy into your life.

Best Food for the Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphunds are active, energetic dogs that need a balanced diet to support their lively nature and thick coat. A protein-rich diet with high-quality meat sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish is essential to fuel their activity. Omega fatty acids are also important for keeping their coat and skin healthy. Additionally, recipes that include joint care support can help maintain their mobility as they grow.

Thankfully, we've got just the thing ... Scrumbles! All our recipes focus on gut health, with all-natural ingredients, plenty of lean protein, and pre, pro or postbiotics. Here are some of our top picks:

Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food: Packed with high-quality protein to keep your Lappie energised and their coat shiny.
Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food: Rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support joint health and maintain a healthy, lustrous coat.
Scrumbles Duck Wet Dog Food: A tasty and nutritious option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Scrumbles Salmon Softies: Perfect for rewarding good behaviour during training sessions or simply as a delicious snack for your fluffy companion.
Scrumbles Gnashers: Great for maintaining dental health, keeping their teeth clean and breath fresh—because no one wants bad breath during cuddle time!

Is the Finnish Lapphund the Right Dog for You?

If you’re looking for a loyal, intelligent, and playful dog who thrives in a family setting, the Finnish Lapphund might just be the perfect fit for your home. They’re adaptable, friendly, and always up for an adventure, but they’re also happy to settle in for a cosy evening with the family. Just make sure you’re ready for regular brushing and plenty of snuggles!