Now beloved as an alert, friendly, and gentle canine companion, the Finnish Lapphund was originally bred to herd reindeer in its native Finland. This is an ideal cold weather breed that makes a loving and affectionate family pet, but prospective owners of Finnish Lapphunds should be aware of this breed’s propensity to bark. If you’re not sure whether a Finnish Lapphund would fit well with your lifestyle, please read on. The following information will help you decide.
In terms of size, Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs, standing 16-21 inches tall and weighing 33-53 pounds. The average lifespan of a Finnish Lapphund is 12-15 years, so this is a long-lived breed.
Finnish Lapphunds are quite playful and highly affectionate with family members. With the proper socialization, they make wonderful companions for kids, including young children, and get along well with other dogs.
While outgoing and friendly with strangers, a Finnish Lapphund does remain somewhat vigilant and makes a moderately good watchdog. This is an adaptable breed that can adjust to changes in routine. This breed of dog craves the company of its humans and can quickly become miserable if left alone for long. Apartment dwellers and first-time pet parents can consider a Finnish Lapphund.
It is not too challenging to train a Finnish Lapphund. They are intelligent dogs that love to bond with their owners and therefore respond well to reward-based training approaches. However, they can be somewhat strong willed and independent.
Finnish Lapphunds are moderately active and require some form of physical exercise and mental stimulation every day. A brisk walk or play session in the yard is usually sufficient. One thing worth noting is that Finnish Lapphunds are very vocal and bark a lot.
The Finnish Lapphund’s medium-length double coat requires a thorough weekly brushing in terms of grooming care. The coat sheds quite a bit and requires more frequent brushings during shedding season. These dogs can drool occasionally but not excessively.
All in all, Finnish Lapphunds are tough herding dogs that adapt extremely well to cold climates. They are friendly, sweet looking, quick on their feet, and bark a lot.
If you think a Lappy would be the perfect pet for your family, check out listings of Finnish Lapphund breeders on Puppy Hero. We pre-screen all breeders so you can bring home your new four-legged friend with peace of mind.
