Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are fast in short bursts, but they can’t maintain a top speed for long, and they aren’t as quick as breeds specifically developed for speed, such as the Greyhound, Saliki, and Whippet. Instead, Finnish Lapphunds were developed to maintain endurance while herding reindeer over long distances. Their short bursts of speed are useful when needing to nimbly and quickly move out of the way of a distressed reindeer or to rapidly move a straying individual back toward the herd.

Finnish Lapphunds are from the northernmost regions of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia — a region known as Lapland. This breed originated with the indigenous and semi-nomadic Sami people. According to the American Kennel Club, the ancestors of Lapponian dogs can be traced back to 7,000 B.C.

Finnish Lapphunds typically live 12 to 15 years, which is comparable to the lifespans of similar Spitz-type breeds such as the Finnish Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, Samoyed, and Keeshond. 

Several factors influence the lifespan of Finnish Lapphunds, including genetics, diet, exercise, vet care, and their living environment. A balanced, high-quality diet helps prevent obesity and supports overall well-being, while consistent exercise maintains a healthy weight, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. 

Routine vet care, including check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive measures like dental cleanings and parasite control, is vital for early detection and management of health issues. Additionally, a supportive living environment, socialization, breed-specific enrichment or herding tasks, and a loving home can significantly enhance their quality of life and longevity.

Finnish Lapphunds were bred by Sami people to accompany them and assist in reindeer herding throughout the challenging climates of the far North and Arctic Circle. In addition to becoming a popular house pet throughout the Nordic countries, this hardy and enthusiastic breed continues to herd reindeer and live alongside traditional Sami people to this day. 

The coat and build of the Finnish Lapphund are perfectly adapted to assist with herding reindeer in the harsh environments of Lapland. Their dense double coat provides excellent insulation against extreme cold and wet conditions.

Their sturdy and athletic medium-sized build gives them the agility and endurance needed to navigate the rugged and often snowy terrain of the far north. This robust yet agile build allows them to move swiftly and efficiently, which is crucial when herding reindeer over large areas.

Finnish Lapphunds are fully grown by 18 months old. They typically reach their full height around 12 months of age, but it can take them until they’re 18 months old to reach their full adult weight. Genetics play a big role in determining their final size, but factors like nutrition and exercise are crucial, too. 

Growth plates, which are areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones, generally close around the 12-month mark, signaling the end of major bone growth. When transitioning your Finnish Lapphund to adult food, it’s recommended to start around 12 months. This will ensure they get the right balance of nutrients during their puppyhood. Growth progress check-ups with the vet will also help to confirm they’re on the right track developmentally.

No, Finnish Lapphunds are not hypoallergenic. They have a dense and fluffy double coat and shed heavily seasonally. 

Weekly grooming is key to minimizing shedding and reducing pet allergens in your home. Brushing your Lapphund’s coat at least a few times a week helps remove loose fur and prevents it from accumulating around your house. Bathing them occasionally with a dog-friendly shampoo can also help keep their coat clean and reduce allergens.

Additionally, vacuuming carpets and furniture regularly, especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of time, helps to pick up loose fur and dander. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can trap smaller allergen particles effectively. Washing your dog’s bedding frequently in hot water can also help reduce allergens in their sleeping area.

Maintaining good air circulation and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can further help reduce allergens in your home. Finally, washing your hands after interacting with your canine pal can help minimize allergic reactions.

Yes, like most dogs bred for herding, Finnish Lapphunds can bark a lot. Vocalizing through barking, whining, and yipping can help direct and guide the movement of the herd animals. They may also bark when excited or expressing themselves. 

To keep them from going overboard with barking, there are a few things you can do that really fit their breed traits. First off, these pups thrive on activity and mental stimulation and can bark when restless and understimulated. They’re smart cookies, so keeping them busy with walks, playtime, herding games, and challenging puzzle toys can help channel their energy in a positive way. 

Socialization is also key. Getting them used to different people, animals, and environments from an early age can help them feel more secure and less likely to bark out of anxiety or excitement. With the right mix of exercise, mental enrichment, training, and understanding their triggers, you can keep their barking in check and have a happy, quieter household together.

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are often good with cats and can happily share a household with their feline counterparts. They were not bred to be hunters and don’t possess a strong prey drive, although some Finnish Lapphunds may need extra support in not chasing or attempting to herd their kitty friend. 

Proper socialization from a young age, which includes positive interactions with cats, can help them develop respectful and peaceful relationships. However, as with any dog-cat introduction, it’s crucial to supervise initial interactions and provide guidance to prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts. Some Finnish Lapphunds may be naturally more tolerant and curious towards cats, while others might need more time, training, and a longer period of scent-based intros before face-to-face meetings to adjust to living with them peacefully.

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are affectionate. This breed is known to be loyal, loving, and often seeks out physical affection and attention from their humans. Most Finnish Lapphunds enjoy cuddling, sitting close to their family members, and being involved in household activities. They are also social sleepers and typically prefer to sleep close and snuggle up to their family.

Providing plenty of early socialization and gentle handling when they are puppies will help increase the likelihood of your pup being a cuddly adult.

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are smart. Their intelligence manifests in several ways that make them versatile and capable companions. These pups have a knack for problem-solving, are highly trainable, and are socially intelligent. They are adaptable and can think quickly on their feet thanks to their centuries of breeding as nimble and sharp herding dogs.

These smart, athletic, and high-stamina canines can excel in a variety of dog sports and disciplines, such as herding, agility, and rallying.

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds can be easy to train with rewards and utilizing your strong bond to communicate and teach them cues and tasks. This breed has a cooperative nature and tends to be highly motivated to engage with their pet parents. Finnish Lapphunds can be quite attentive throughout training sessions and often enjoy problem-solving and game-based learning. Using rewards such as toys, playtime, snuggles, and treats can further their motivation and make the learning process enjoyable for both pup and pet parent.

Don’t be fooled by the “easy to train” label, though. Training dogs takes time (think months and years, not days) and is never instant, regardless of breed.

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds can be good with kids. Their gentle demeanor and reliability around children stem from their historical role of safeguarding and interacting with families in close-knit communities; they have been an integral part of family life for centuries. This background has shaped them into dogs who are not only affectionate and reliable but also adaptable to various living situations, including family homes with children.

However, as with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are good family dogs and have a moderate to active energy level. They tend to adore their humans and are often miserable when not included or when left alone for too long. They are best suited to households where people are often home and plan on taking their pup on adventures together.

Finnish Lapphunds are incredibly eager to engage with their people and are devoted to their families. While they are energetic and playful, these fluffy pups are also quite lovey-dovey and tend to love snuggling up. 

They are sturdy yet agile, with a strong sense of loyalty and intelligence, and a gentle and playful nature. These traits not only make them effective working dogs but also excellent family pets capable of forming strong bonds with their people.

Yes, like most of the more ancient breeds, Finnish Lapphunds are a healthy and robust breed. However, there are still some genetic illnesses that they are prone to developing, including:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to instability and potential arthritis. It can range from mild to severe and may require medical management or surgery.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental abnormality of the elbow joint. It can cause lameness and discomfort, often requiring surgical intervention or lifelong management.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness. It’s inherited and has no cure, but early diagnosis through eye exams can help manage the condition and support affected dogs.

• Cataracts: Cataracts are characterized by opacity in the lens of the eye, which can lead to impaired vision or blindness if left untreated. They can be hereditary or develop due to other factors such as aging or diabetes.

Each of these conditions can impact a Finnish Lapphund’s quality of life if not detected and managed early. Regular veterinary check-ups, genetic testing, timely screenings, and early treatments can help mitigate the risks and ensure proactive care for these potential health issues.