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Breed Characteristics
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Swedish Lapphund
| Other Names | Svensk Lapphund, Lapinkoira, Lapland Spitz, Lapplandska Spets, |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
| Weight | 33 - 44 lbs. (15 - 20 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 17.5 - 20 in. (45 - 51 cm) Females: 15.5 - 18 in. (40 - 46 cm) |
| Coat | The Lappie has a thick double coat that forms a ruff around the neck and is longer on the back of the legs and the tail. |
| Colour | Black and brown (with or without white markings). |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | The Swedish lapphund has its origins among the ancient hunting tribes of northern Scandinavia, from the land that the Sámi people call Sapmi. One assumes that the lapphund followed the first Sámi, who migrated to Scandinavia in the neolithic era, about 9,000 BCE. In Sámi mythology it is said that the lapphund sought the post of worker amongst the Sámi people in exchange that it would always be well-treated. The lapphund has been used mainly for hunting and guarding, but studies have also shown that during the Stone Age, dogs were kept as pets. When the Sámi people started to keep domestic reindeer in the mid-18th century, the lapphund's repertoire was expanded to include herding. Historians and archaeologists have long agreed that the Swedish lapphund has an ancient ancestry—a belief supported by the fossil record. Advancing gene technology has also shown that the breed is old and carries some genetic origins unique or very rare among currently existing breeds. Hard work in the barren landscape of northern Scandinavia has created a very resilient breed. The shifting climate demands a weatherproof coat that is easy to maintain. The rough terrain and the varied work demand a dog with endurance, agility, intelligence and independence. The resulting Swedish lapphund is a well-rounded working dog, well suited both for work as a farm, hunting, and herding dog, and as a pet. |
| Personality | The Swedish Lapphund is lively, loving, and alert, making him an excellent family companion and watchdog. He may be aloof toward people he doesn’t know. And like most herding breeds and Spitz dogs, he barks a lot. If you don’t want him to annoy the neighbors, you’ll need to teach him when it’s okay to bark. The Lapphund is active and intelligent, so he requires daily exercise that will challenge him physically and mentally and prevent him from becoming destructive or noisy in an attempt to entertain himself. Plan to exercise him for 20 to 30 minutes at least once a day. Overall health permitting, he’ll enjoy going for a long walk, run or hike, or playing a vigorous game of fetch or flying disc. He performs well in dog sports such as agility, flyball, herding, obedience, and rally, and is a sturdy and tireless playmate for kids. If the Lapphund is brought up with cats, he should get along just fine with them. Swedish Lapphunds respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as play, praise, and food rewards, but they are independent thinkers, so don’t expect unquestioning obedience from them. Keep training sessions short and fun so they don’t get bored. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at 8 weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Never wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a headstrong adult dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Swedish Lapphund, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. |
Care Requirements
| Health | All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Avoid any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Although the Swedish Lapphund is thought to be a relatively healthy breed, diabetes mellitus and progressive retinal atrophy are a few of the medical conditions that have been identified in the breed. Perhaps because they are so rare, popularity and overbreeding have yet to take a major toll on their health, but it’s a good idea to ask breeders about the incidence of hip dysplasia and eye problems, since those are common in many different breeds. Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Lapphund at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. |
| Grooming | Brush the coat weekly to keep it clean and remove dead hair. During spring and fall shedding seasons, daily brushing will help keep excess hair under control. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every few weeks. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Check the ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that could indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian. Start grooming your Lappie at an early age so he learns to accept it willingly. |
| Exercise | This is a dog that needs extensive amounts of exercise. Without it, the dog could become problematic for its owners. It should be taken on walks daily, and this dog is great for healthy people who love to jog and hike. |
| Other Considerations | While it can live in an apartment, it may do better in a small yard. It is important for owners to make sure these dogs are given lots of space to move around in. |
