Finnish Lapphund: The Friendly Arctic Companion for Your Family
The Finnish Lapphund is a friendly and intelligent herding breed originally developed by the Sami people of northern Finland to herd and manage reindeer in harsh Arctic conditions. Known for their thick double coat, alert expression, and gentle temperament, Finnish Lapphunds combine endurance and adaptability with an affectionate and people-oriented personality that makes them excellent family companions. These energetic but balanced dogs thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and close companionship, as they enjoy being involved in family activities while also having opportunities to work and explore. Finnish Lapphunds are typically social, eager to please, and good with children and other pets when properly socialized from an early age. With their fluffy coat, calm intelligence, and loyal nature, the Finnish Lapphund is an excellent choice for active families seeking a versatile and affectionate companion dog.
⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Finnish Lapphund
- The Finnish Lapphund was traditionally used by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia to herd and manage reindeer across freezing Arctic landscapes.
- Finnish Lapphunds are known for their expressive “smiling” faces and often use a wide variety of vocal sounds, including barking and unique vocalizations, while working.
- Their thick weather-resistant coat is specially adapted to withstand extreme cold temperatures and harsh winter conditions in northern Finland and Lapland.
Overview
- AKC Height: 16–21 inches
- AKC Weight: 33–53 pounds
- Colors: Black, brown, cream, sable, wolf-sable, and more
- Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
- Group: Herding Group
🐾 Quick Facts About the Finnish Lapphund
- Energy Level: Moderate to High — Finnish Lapphunds enjoy outdoor activity and mental stimulation but are generally calm indoors with enough exercise.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate to High — Their thick double coat requires regular brushing, especially during seasonal shedding periods.
- Good With Kids: Yes — Finnish Lapphunds are typically gentle, friendly, and affectionate with families and children.
- Trainability: High — Intelligent and eager to work with people, they respond well to positive training methods.
- Barking Level: Moderate to High — As traditional herding and alert dogs, they often use barking to communicate and notify their family of activity.
History & Origin
The Finnish Lapphund originated in the far northern regions of Finland and Lapland, where it was developed by the indigenous Sami people as a versatile reindeer herding and guarding dog. For centuries, these intelligent and resilient dogs played a vital role in helping manage large herds of reindeer across some of the harshest and coldest environments in Europe.
The breed developed naturally over generations in Arctic conditions where endurance, intelligence, weather resistance, and adaptability were essential for survival. Finnish Lapphunds needed to move comfortably through snow and freezing temperatures while remaining agile enough to guide and control reindeer herds over vast open terrain. Their thick double coat provided critical protection against severe cold, wind, and snow.
Unlike some herding breeds that rely heavily on physical pressure, Finnish Lapphunds often worked using movement, barking, and close cooperation with handlers and livestock. Their calm but alert temperament made them especially valuable for managing semi-wild reindeer without causing unnecessary stress to the animals. The breed also became known for forming strong bonds with people and adapting well to family life in remote communities.
As modern transportation and technology reduced the need for traditional reindeer herding dogs, breeders worked carefully to preserve the Finnish Lapphund and maintain its historic working traits and stable temperament. The breed gradually gained popularity outside Scandinavia because of its friendly personality, intelligence, and beautiful appearance.
Modern Finnish Lapphunds still retain many characteristics shaped by centuries of Arctic herding work. Their endurance, alertness, intelligence, and strong social nature reflect generations of selective breeding for cooperation and survival in extreme northern environments. Beneath the breed’s fluffy coat and cheerful expression remains a highly capable working dog deeply connected to the culture and traditions of Lapland.
Physical Characteristics
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized northern herding breed known for its thick double coat, expressive face, agility, and weather-resistant structure. Originally developed by the indigenous Sámi people of northern Scandinavia for herding reindeer in harsh Arctic climates, the breed combines endurance, intelligence, adaptability, and gentle temperament with classic spitz-type features.
The breed possesses a sturdy, balanced body with moderate bone structure, deep chest, strong hindquarters, and agile movement designed for stamina and all-weather outdoor work. The Finnish Lapphund should appear athletic and durable without excessive heaviness or bulk.
One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its abundant weather-resistant double coat. The dense undercoat provides insulation against extreme cold, while the harsher outer coat protects against snow, moisture, and harsh environmental conditions.
The head is broad and expressive with a moderately tapered muzzle, dark oval-shaped eyes, and highly attentive expression. The Finnish Lapphund’s facial expression is often described as intelligent, gentle, and alert.
The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and erect or semi-erect depending on the individual dog’s mood and attentiveness. Their mobility reflects the breed’s constant environmental awareness while working with reindeer.
Coat colors vary tremendously and may include black, brown, cream, sable, wolf sable, and numerous mixed combinations often accented with lighter facial markings and undersides.
The tail is heavily coated and typically carried curled over the back when alert or moving. Movement should appear smooth, agile, and highly coordinated with excellent endurance and flexibility.
The Finnish Lapphund’s thick coat and compact athletic frame reflect centuries of practical development in demanding northern climates where endurance and resilience were essential.
Although heavily coated and fluffy in appearance, the breed remains fundamentally an agile working dog with considerable stamina and adaptability.
Overall, the Finnish Lapphund projects warmth, intelligence, agility, and rugged northern working-dog capability through its expressive face and weather-resistant structure.
For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.
Temperament & Personality
The Finnish Lapphund is known for being affectionate, intelligent, gentle, and highly family-oriented. This breed typically forms strong emotional bonds with its people while maintaining the alertness and adaptability of a traditional herding dog.
With family members, Finnish Lapphunds are usually loving, emotionally connected, and eager to participate in daily household activities. Many individuals enjoy remaining close to their people and thrive on companionship and interaction.
The breed is generally friendly and socially adaptable when properly socialized. Finnish Lapphunds often display an approachable and gentle demeanor with both familiar people and strangers.
Because of their herding heritage, the breed is naturally alert and observant. Finnish Lapphunds often notice environmental changes quickly and may make effective watchdogs without excessive aggression.
The breed is emotionally sensitive and generally responds best to calm positive interaction and stable household routines. Harsh correction or chaotic handling may reduce confidence or create anxiety.
Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent and eager learners that often enjoy mentally stimulating activities and close cooperation with their owners.
Many individuals coexist very well with children, other dogs, and household pets when properly socialized. Their gentle and adaptable nature contributes greatly to their popularity as family companions.
Because of their social temperament, Finnish Lapphunds generally do not thrive when isolated for long periods. Without enough companionship and engagement, some individuals may become vocal, bored, or emotionally stressed.
The breed may occasionally display barking tendencies due to its herding background and natural alertness, although proper training and stimulation usually help maintain balance.
Finnish Lapphunds often maintain a cheerful playful personality well into adulthood while still remaining calm and affectionate indoors.
In the right home, the Finnish Lapphund becomes a loyal, intelligent, emotionally connected companion with gentle temperament and impressive adaptability.
For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.
Exercise & Training
The Finnish Lapphund is a moderately active and intelligent breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and behaviorally balanced.
Daily walks, hiking, play sessions, obedience work, scent games, agility, and interactive outdoor activities help satisfy the breed’s physical and mental needs.
Because of the breed’s intelligence and herding instincts, mental stimulation is especially important. Puzzle toys, advanced obedience exercises, trick training, and varied routines help prevent boredom and maintain emotional fulfillment.
Training is generally highly rewarding because Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent, cooperative, and eager to work with people. Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and consistency typically produce excellent long-term results.
The breed responds best to calm leadership and engaging training sessions rather than harsh correction or repetitive forceful handling.
Early socialization is important for encouraging confidence around unfamiliar people, environments, sounds, and animals. Positive exposure during puppyhood helps develop stable adaptable adult temperament.
Finnish Lapphunds often excel in canine sports and activities including agility, obedience, rally, scent work, herding, and therapy work.
Although active outdoors, many individuals settle calmly indoors once exercise and companionship needs have been properly met.
Because of their strong social nature, the breed generally thrives in homes where owners can provide regular interaction, activity, and inclusion in daily routines.
The Finnish Lapphund adapts well to many living environments provided exercise and mental engagement needs are consistently satisfied.
For owners seeking an affectionate, trainable northern breed with moderate activity needs and strong family devotion, the Finnish Lapphund can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.
Learn more on our Dog Training Page.
Grooming & Coat Care
The Finnish Lapphund has moderate-to-high grooming requirements due to its thick weather-resistant double coat and seasonal shedding cycles.
The dense double coat should be brushed several times per week using undercoat rakes, slicker brushes, and combs to remove loose hair and maintain healthy skin and coat condition.
During seasonal shedding periods, especially in spring and fall, the breed may “blow coat” heavily and require daily brushing to manage large amounts of undercoat release.
Bathing is generally needed only periodically because the coat naturally resists dirt and moisture reasonably well. Overbathing should be avoided because it may strip beneficial oils and reduce coat quality.
Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and coat for irritation, parasites, or debris after outdoor activity.
Because of the breed’s heavy coat, proper drying after bathing or swimming is especially important to prevent trapped moisture and skin irritation.
The thick double coat provides excellent insulation against cold weather, although owners should still monitor comfort during extreme heat or humidity.
Owners should avoid shaving the coat unless medically necessary, since the double coat helps regulate body temperature and protect the skin from environmental exposure.
Regular grooming sessions also provide valuable opportunities to monitor overall body condition, skin health, and coat quality throughout the dog’s life.
With proper grooming, exercise, preventive care, and regular maintenance, the Finnish Lapphund maintains its healthy coat, athletic condition, and hardy northern-dog vitality throughout its life.
Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.
Health Overview
The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly adaptable northern herding breed known for its thick weather-resistant coat, gentle temperament, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed by the Sámi people of northern Finland for herding reindeer in harsh Arctic conditions, the Finnish Lapphund is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed, but like many spitz and herding dogs, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Finnish Lapphund health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines endurance, agility, dense coat insulation, and active working instincts, maintaining healthy joints, eye health, mobility, cardiovascular fitness, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.
Health issues sometimes seen in Finnish Lapphunds may include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop allergies, autoimmune disorders, obesity-related joint stress, or hereditary eye conditions later in life. Because the breed was developed for physically demanding outdoor work in cold climates, maintaining proper body condition and long-term orthopedic health is especially important. While not every Finnish Lapphund will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, nutrition, grooming, and preventive veterinary care.
Health Testing & Responsible Breeding
Responsible Finnish Lapphund breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Finnish Lapphund, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, neurological, and overall structural health is especially valuable.
Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations, and genetic testing for progressive retinal atrophy and degenerative myelopathy when appropriate. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, temperament stability, mobility, working soundness, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for epilepsy or autoimmune concerns depending on pedigree history.
Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible Finnish Lapphund breeding programs often place strong emphasis on stable temperament, athletic soundness, and long-term health because the breed was developed for demanding herding work in challenging climates. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Finnish Lapphund involves much more than maintaining coat quality or spitz appearance — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, sensory wellness, and long-term vitality.
Before Finnish Lapphund puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active working breeds place substantial stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, training, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.
A responsible Finnish Lapphund breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.
Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness
Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Finnish Lapphund because this breed is naturally athletic, intelligent, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become anxious, vocal, destructive, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.
The Finnish Lapphund is also an extremely intelligent and emotionally connected breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Hiking, obedience work, agility, scent games, herding activities, puzzle toys, and interactive training sessions all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.
The breed’s thick double coat requires regular brushing and seasonal grooming maintenance to help manage shedding and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for parasites, skin irritation, lumps, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.
Although highly adaptable, Finnish Lapphunds generally tolerate cooler climates better than extreme heat because of their dense insulating coat. Owners should monitor carefully for overheating during hot weather or strenuous activity.
Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic wellness, eye condition, neurological health, hearing, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.
Lifespan & Senior Finnish Lapphund Care
The Finnish Lapphund often lives approximately 12 to 15 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Finnish Lapphunds may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to orthopedic stiffness or sensory decline during the senior years.
As Finnish Lapphunds enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, joint support, continued mental stimulation, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and interactive throughout life, continued companionship and purposeful interaction remain especially important even during old age.
With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Finnish Lapphunds continue to thrive as affectionate, adaptable, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.
Is the Finnish Lapphund Dog Breed Right for You?
The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly adaptable herding breed known for its gentle personality, trainability, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for reindeer herding in northern Finland, the Finnish Lapphund thrives when given companionship, exercise, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.
While loving and highly adaptable, the Finnish Lapphund is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
✔ Ideal for:
- Families seeking an affectionate and interactive companion
- Active owners who enjoy hiking, training, or outdoor activities
- People able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Homes willing to manage grooming and seasonal shedding
- Owners interested in obedience, agility, or dog sports
❌ Not Ideal for:
- People unable to provide regular exercise and engagement
- Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
- Owners unwilling to manage grooming and heavy shedding seasons
- People seeking a low-energy or highly independent dog
- Homes unable to provide training and social interaction
Where to Find a Finnish Lapphund
If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.
Find a Reliable Rescue:
Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.
Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.
Find a Responsible Breeder:
Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.
Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.
Puppy Considerations
Finnish Lapphund puppies are playful, intelligent, and highly observant from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.
Because these puppies mature into active and emotionally connected working dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their herding instincts and problem-solving abilities often become obvious very early in development.
Puppies benefit from:
- Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
- Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
- Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
- Confidence-building exercises and interactive games
- Regular grooming handling and coat-care routines
Because Finnish Lapphund puppies are highly intelligent and emotionally sensitive, calm leadership and consistent routines are especially important during development.
Living With a Finnish Lapphund
Living with a Finnish Lapphund is often rewarding for owners who appreciate affectionate, intelligent, and highly interactive working dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in outdoor adventures and everyday activities.
The Finnish Lapphund requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy hiking, obedience work, agility, scent games, herding activities, and interactive play with their families.
This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to excessive vocalization, destructive behavior, anxiety, or emotional frustration.
Although affectionate and friendly with family members, Finnish Lapphunds may naturally be somewhat reserved around unfamiliar people. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and stable adult.
Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting endurance, mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.
Final Thoughts…
The Finnish Lapphund is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal herding breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and close emotional connection. Their adaptability, trainability, and loving nature make them remarkable companions in the right homes.
With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, and companionship, the Finnish Lapphund can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.
Are you considering adding a Finnish Lapphund to your family?
🐶 Finnish Lapphunds FAQs
How long do Finnish Lapphunds live?
Finnish Lapphunds typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. With proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and a healthy level of activity, many enjoy long, active lives.
This breed is generally healthy but may be prone to certain inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Routine health screenings and responsible breeding help support longevity.
What is the Finnish Lapphund temperament like?
Finnish Lapphunds are known for being friendly, intelligent, and gentle. They are people-oriented dogs that enjoy close companionship with their families.
They tend to be calm and adaptable while remaining alert and responsive. Their balanced temperament makes them pleasant companions in a variety of home environments.
Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs?
Yes, Finnish Lapphunds are often excellent family dogs. They are typically patient and affectionate with children and enjoy being part of family life.
They do well in homes that provide regular interaction and moderate daily exercise. Consistent routines and positive engagement help them thrive.
Do Finnish Lapphunds shed a lot?
Finnish Lapphunds are heavy shedders due to their thick double coat. They shed year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Regular brushing several times per week helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy. During heavy shedding periods, more frequent grooming may be needed.
Are Finnish Lapphunds easy to train?
Finnish Lapphunds are intelligent and generally eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle guidance.
Early training and socialization help develop good manners and confidence. Short, engaging training sessions are most effective.
🐕 Related Breeds You Might Like
If you’re interested in the Finnish Lapphund, you may also enjoy learning about these similar northern and herding breeds:
- Samoyed – A friendly northern breed known for its thick coat, sociable nature, and people-oriented temperament.
- Icelandic Sheepdog – A small herding breed valued for alertness, friendliness, and adaptability.
- Norwegian Buhund – An energetic spitz-type herding dog known for intelligence and versatility.
🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Finnish Lapphund
As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.
If you have a Finnish Lapphund or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.
🛏️ 1. Dog Beds
👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)
One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.
For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.
I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.
* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.
* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.
* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.
✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Finnish Lapphund Coat
Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, weather-resistant double coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat, so using the right grooming tools makes a big difference.
A pin brush works well for regular brushing to keep the coat free of tangles, while an undercoat rake helps remove loose undercoat—especially during seasonal shedding. A metal comb is useful for detail work around the ears, tail, and feathered areas where mats can develop.
Finnish Lapphunds shed heavily during seasonal coat changes (“blowing coat”), and more frequent brushing during these times helps reduce loose hair and keep the coat healthy and manageable.
Regular brushing:
- Helps remove loose undercoat
- Reduces shedding
- Keeps the coat healthy
🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)
- Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
- Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.
- Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.
👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels
I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.
It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.
🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation
Finnish Lapphund are active, so giving them something to do is important.
An enrichment toy can help:
- Prevent boredom
- Reduce unwanted behaviors
- Keep their mind engaged
When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.
🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash
From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.
Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.
Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.
Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.
👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes
I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.
💡 Lisa’s Tip:
You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.
🔎 Affiliate Note
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, Dog-Breeds.net may earn a small commission that will help us to continue our message of dog owner education—at no extra cost to you.
Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care: