Swedish Lapphund

The Sami people (formerly known as Lapps) bred the Swedish Lapphund to herd reindeer. This furry black (sometimes brown) dog is the oldest of Sweden‘s native dog breeds. It is a northern spitz breed with a distinctive, weather-proof double coat that repels dirt and water and sheds year-round. “Lappies,” as they are called, are comfortable in cold, Arctic weather.

They are intelligent dogs that like to work and are very trainable. Lappies excel at herding trials, agility courses, rally work, and obedience trials. They like to run and make excellent companions for joggers or bikers.

Playful, active, affectionate, and lively, the Swedish Lapphund makes a great family dog. Historically, they spent time with the families that owned them, and the tribe revered them. They have a lot of energy and love to play outside, but at the end of the day, they like to settle in with their family.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Swedish Lapphund 

The Best Dog Food for the Swedish Lapphund

Like many active breeds, the Swedish Lapphund can gain weight if overfed or under-exercised. Feeding a balanced diet with meat as a primary ingredient and monitoring portion sizes is recommended.

Size and Weight

The Swedish Lapphund is a small to medium-sized dog. The male is about 18-20 inches high at the shoulder and weighs 30-45 pounds. The female is slightly smaller at 16-18 inches at the shoulder and weighs 30-45 pounds.

Common Health Issues

The Swedish Lapphund is a generally healthy breed. The rarity of the Lappie means that there have been fewer issues due to inbreeding. Some dogs, however, have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and progressive retinal atrophy. There may be an increased likelihood of other eye disorders.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to ask the breeder whether the genetic line has a history of hip dysplasia. A reputable breeder will give you honest answers to questions about the dog’s genetic history. Also, ask for vaccination and screening records to evaluate the dog’s health.

Temperament

The Swedish Lapphund is playful, lively, energetic, and an excellent companion and family dog. The Lappie is interested in being with the family, and it finds joy in work and interaction. It has a great deal of energy, and it enjoys playing with children.

How To Take Care of a Swedish Lapphund  

Maintenance and Grooming 

The Swedish Lapphund’s distinctive double coat sheds year-round and requires weekly brushing and an occasional bath. It will go through a heavy shedding period once or twice a year, referred to as “blowing” its coat. During this time, it may be helpful to take the dog to a groomer to help with the additional hair. The coat should never be shaved.

Brush the dog’s teeth weekly and inspect the ears for wax and debris buildup. Clean the ears regularly. Finally, trim the dog’s nails regularly, as well.

Training 

Lapphunds have a high need for activity and mental stimulation, so they enjoy activities where training is required. Begin their training as early as possible. Lappies are very good at agility, obedience, rally, and herding. They respond well to positive reinforcement, so keep the sessions short and incorporate praise and rewards.

Exercise 

The Lapphund has high energy resources and needs at least a 20-30 minute walk daily. It would also be helpful to incorporate a game of fetch or other games in the backyard or at an enclosed park. Agility, obedience, rally, or herding drills can also help to burn off some energy. The Lappie also enjoys going along for a run or trotting alongside a bike. When the family settles down, the Swedish Lapphund can also sit and enjoy quiet time with the family.

Puppies 

Training for Swedish Lapphund puppies should begin as soon as they get home. They are very trainable but have a slight independent streak that can get them into trouble if they’re not trained early on. Continue their training by socializing them through a puppy kindergarten class at 10 to 12 weeks. If their vaccinations aren’t completed, socialize them at home with friends and family until they can begin classes.

Swedish Lapphund and Children

Swedish Lapphunds are playful and active, and can play with children all day. Introduce the Lappie to children early, and of course, small children should never play unsupervised with a dog. Children should be trained to properly handle a dog from an early age and instructed to read cues from the dog’s behavior.

Dogs Similar to Swedish Lapphund

• Finnish Lapphund: The Finnish Lapphund is closely related to the Swedish Lapphund. When the Sami tribe raised Lapphund to hunt reindeer, they roamed across the northern portions of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The Finnish and Swedish people developed their distinctive breeds from the line created by the Sami.
• Samoyed: The Samoyed is also a spitz dog. It has a heavy white coat that keeps it warm in extreme Siberian winters. Historically, it herded reindeer and pulled sleds.
• Lapponian herder: The Lapponian herder is another Sami reindeer dog. It was thought to be the same as the Finnish Lapphund until 1966. It is popular in Finland and Sweden.