Finnish Lapphund

Overview

The Finnish Lapphund worked with the Sami people herding reindeer across Lapland and sleeping outside through arctic winters. It is a sturdy spitz type with a profuse double coat, a sweet face and a temperament that has made it one of the more successful Nordic breeds in UK homes.

Lappies are friendly, soft and quick to learn, with a liking for company and a habit of barking when excited. They are easy for a walker to get on with, and the main management is weather and coat.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour and a quarter a day keeps most adults happy. They are not high-drive dogs and are content with a good walk, a little play and some sniffing.

In summer, shorten walks and go early. In winter, this is the dog that wants to stay out longer than you do.

On the walk

• Recall: Usually good; they want to stay with their person. Reindeer herding instincts can show as an urge to circle or round up moving dogs.
• Other dogs: Gentle and sociable, rarely confrontational. They fit well into group walks.
• Heat: The coat insulates in both directions but the dog still overheats quickly in a warm British summer. Watch for heavy panting.
• Barking: Lappies bark to express joy, surprise and the sight of a cat. Not aggressive, but loud.

Tips for professional walkers

1. Carry water in any weather above mild; the coat holds a lot of heat.
2. Check the coat behind the ears and in the trousers for mats after wet walks.
3. Let the dog paddle if the owner agrees; cooling the belly is the quickest way to bring it down.

What to ask the owner

• At what temperature does the owner want walks shortened or cancelled in summer?
• Does the dog herd or chase cyclists and runners, and how is that managed?
• Any eye conditions? Some Lappies carry these and it affects how they cope with dusk walks.

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