Finnish Lapphund

Rooted in the reindeer-herding dogs of the Sami and northern Finland, the Finnish lapphund, or Suomenlapinkoira, is a medium spitz with a dense double coat, pricked ears, a curled tail, and a friendly, alert expression. It was shaped for work around people and livestock in cold weather, moving reindeer rather than guarding them like a flock guardian. The breed accepts many coat colors and markings, though its outline, weatherproof coat, and moderate build matter more than color.

Modern Finnish lapphunds are commonly kept as companions, sport dogs, and occasional herding dogs. They need regular activity and mental work, and many enjoy agility, rally, tracking, or structured off-leash games in safe areas. The coat sheds seasonally and requires brushing down to the undercoat, especially behind the ears and in the trousers, but it should not be shaved for summer. Barking can become a habit because vocal alerting was useful in herd work. Responsible breeders screen for issues such as hip dysplasia and inherited eye disease, including progressive retinal atrophy, and match puppies to homes that want an engaged northern breed.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Wolf Sable, Yellow