Finnish Lapphund Facts

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog that was bred to herd reindeer in its native country, Finland. These intelligent and energetic dogs are extremely popular in the Nordic countries, but can be difficult to find in other places. Read on to find out more amazing Finnish Lapphund facts and information!

They Were Bred To Herd Reindeer

The Finnish Lapphund was developed by the indigenous Sami or Lapp people, who lived in the Arctic Circle. Originally, they developed the Finnish Lapphund to hunt reindeer, but over time, they switched from hunting reindeer to herding them. This group of people became nomadic, and used the Finnish Lapphund to help guide herds of reindeer as they traveled across the frigid Arctic Circle.

The Finnish Lapphund’s Job Has Changed A Bit

The Sami people stopped using the Finnish Lapphund as much after the invention of the snowmobile. However, the Finnish Lapphund is still a popular choice for sheepherding and other rural work.

They Come In Many Different Colors

Another one of the fun facts about Finnish Lapphund dogs is that they can come in many different possible colors. Most Finnish Lapphunds have one primary color that covers most of the body, and a secondary color on the face, legs, tail, neck, and underside of the body. Although the Finnish Lapphund can be any color, the most common color is black.

They’re Difficult To Find

The Finnish Lapphund is incredibly popular in Finland, and is also quite easy to find in the other Nordic countries. Outside of these Nordic countries, however, the Finnish Lapphund is a rare breed. If you’re determined to bring home a Finnish Lapphund of your own, it might take some time scouring breeders online to find the dog of your dreams! Still, this dog’s lively nature and extreme intelligence make it well worth the hard work.

They Make Good Watchdogs

This breed makes a good watchdog, because Finnish Lapphund barking is a very loud and distinctive sound. While these dogs can be yappy, their noisiness can be lessened through training. The Finnish Lapphund may be good about warning its owners about strangers, but it does not make a good guard dog, as they aren’t an aggressive breed.

They’re Easily Startled

An interesting fact about Finnish Lapphunds is that they scare quite easily. This trait was actually bred into them in order to help keep them safe while herding reindeer. Reindeer kicks can be incredibly deadly, and they tend to move very quickly.

The Finnish Lapphund was bred with a strong startle response to avoid injury and even death. While they do get startled by loud noises or sudden movements very easily, they are also able to recover quickly.

Their Coat Is Perfectly Suited To The Cold

One of the distinctive Finnish Lapphund characteristics is their thick, medium-length double coat. Their top coat is water-resistant, which makes the dog perfectly suited to working in snowy terrain. Their coat also protects them from the frigid temperatures of their native country, Finland. Because their coat is both thick and long, however, they require regular grooming.

They Are Easy To Train

The Finnish Lapphund is highly intelligent, as well as eager to please. Some people even argue that this particular breed has the unique ability to think about its actions before doing them. Despite their rarity outside of the Nordic countries, a striking number of these dogs have won many agility and obedience competitions.

The Finnish Lapphund Is Very Friendly

Although the Finnish Lapphund was first bred as a working dog, they’re becoming increasingly popular as family pets. Their intelligence, curiosity, and sweet nature make them the perfect family companion. Although they do require high amounts of exercise, this is an adaptable breed that is easy to train and care for.

They’re Amazing With Children

One of the coolest Finnish Lapphund facts is that this breed is perfect for families with children of all ages. Although energetic, they are gentle with young children, and very in tune with a child’s needs. This breed also makes a popular therapy dog due to its gentle nature towards the elderly as well as people with disabilities.

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