The Finnish Lapphund Community

The Finnish Lapphund is a Nordic herding breed with a history stretching back thousands of years in the Arctic regions of northern Finland and Lapland, where it was developed by the Sami people as a versatile working companion for herding and driving reindeer across the vast, open terrain of the Arctic tundra. One of several spitz-type breeds associated with the indigenous peoples of northern Europe, the Finnish Lapphund was formally recognised and standardised in the twentieth century and has since become popular across Scandinavia and increasingly in the United Kingdom. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Pastoral Group, it has developed a growing and enthusiastic following among families and active individuals who appreciate its combination of gentle character, beautiful appearance and working breed intelligence. The Finnish Lapphund's most striking physical feature is its coat: a profuse, dense double coat with a soft, insulating undercoat beneath a longer, coarser outer coat, designed to protect the dog in Arctic conditions. The coat comes in a wide range of colours and combinations - black, brown, tan, cream, red and sable among others, often with a contrasting mask or saddle marking. The overall impression is of a beautiful, well-coated Nordic dog with an expression of alert, friendly intelligence. Adults typically stand 44 to 52 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 15 to 24 kilograms. The character is one of the Finnish Lapphund's greatest assets and a significant reason for its growing popularity in the UK. It is gentle, calm, friendly and devoted to its family in a way that makes it one of the most pleasant-natured herding breeds. It is genuinely good with children, sociable with other dogs and welcoming of people it meets - not typical of some Nordic breeds that can be more reserved. It is alert without being anxious and active without being extreme. The working background gives the Finnish Lapphund excellent trainability and responsiveness to positive methods. It excels in obedience, agility, herding trials and other activities that engage its intelligence and working instincts. Training from puppyhood is recommended to develop a well-mannered, reliable adult. The coat requires commitment. The Finnish Lapphund sheds heavily twice yearly and during these shedding seasons daily brushing is necessary to manage the volume of loose coat. Outside of shedding seasons the coat is relatively manageable with regular brushing. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is the primary health concern and DNA testing of both parents is the minimum non-negotiable health standard before purchasing a puppy. Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £90 to £160. The Finnish Lapphund Club of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.