Finnish Lapphund

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, profuse double coat

A sturdy spitz-type dog, a little under medium size and slightly longer than tall, with a chest that reaches about halfway down the body. The weatherproof coat has a long, harsh outer layer that can be straight or slightly wavy, over a soft, thick undercoat that shrugs off cold and wet. Males usually carry a generous mane around the neck. Many dogs have lighter 'spectacle' markings around the eyes, giving a soft, friendly expression.1473

Personality what they are like

A kind, easygoing dog that bonds closely with its family and is known for being one of the friendliest breeds around. It is bright and eager to please but has a mind of its own, so it is sometimes called a thinking breed. It will announce visitors with a bark but is not a guard dog and meets people with good humour. Quick on its feet and alert, it combines calm at home with plenty of energy outdoors.138756

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active, athletic herding dog. Sources suggest anywhere from about one hour a day (Royal Kennel Club) up to two hours (DogTime) of walks, running, hiking and play, along with mental work. It enjoys dog sports, tracking, herding and scent games.257

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A weekly brush through the thick double coat keeps it tidy. The breed sheds, with heavier seasonal moults when the undercoat comes out, so extra brushing helps during those spells.25

Home where they are happiest

Does best in a home with access to outdoor space and a family who enjoy being outside. Its insulating coat makes it very comfortable in cold, snowy weather.653

Company who they like around

A pack-minded dog that wants to be with its people and generally gets along well with children and other dogs when well socialised. It is happiest when included in family life rather than left alone for long periods.53

The story where it all began

Dogs of this type have lived with the Sami people of Lapland, across northern Finland, Sweden and Norway, for a very long time, with remains of Lapponian-type dogs dated as far back as around 7000 BC. They first helped a nomadic people hunt and keep watch, then became herders once the Sami settled into reindeer keeping, holding the herds together in harsh Arctic conditions until snowmobiles took over much of that work. The Finnish Kennel Club drew up the first standard in 1945 under the name Lappish (Lapponian) Herder. In 1967 the long-coated dogs were given their own standard as the Lapponian Dog, while the shorter-coated type became the Lapponian Herder; the name changed again to Finnish Lapponian Dog in 1993. Type settled during the 1970s, and the breed went on to become one of Finland's favourite companions. It reached the United States in 1987 and the UK in 1989, gained UKC recognition in 1994, and joined the AKC Herding Group in 2011.197342

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 189 (Finnish Lapponian Dog), Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types); current standard published 30 Sep 2016; English translation first accepted by FCI in 19991

Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto)

First standard in 1945 as the Lappish/Lapponian Herder; long-coated dogs split off as Lapponian Dog in 1967; renamed Finnish Lapponian Dog in 19931

The Royal Kennel Club

Pastoral Group; not on the vulnerable native breeds list2

UKC

Northern Breed Group; recognised 19943

AKC

Miscellaneous Class 1 Jul 2009; full recognition in the Herding Group 30 Jun 20119

Popularity 3rd most registered breed in Finland in 2024, with 1,063 registrations with the Finnish Kennel Club.10