FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Are Finnish Lapphunds With Kids?
The Finnish Lapphund is great with children and teaching proper manners to both will reap rewards for both as they become lifetime friends.

Do Finnish Lapphunds Get Along With Other Dogs?
The Finnish Lapphund is not an aggressive dog and will generally not go looking to start trouble; however, they won't back down, either. Puppy introduction is quite easy as the puppy will know its place in the "dog pack." Adult introduction, especially with two intact dogs reasonably close in age, requires a bit more effort and it is recommended that you ask your breeder for guidance.

Do Finnish Lapphunds Get Along With Cats?
The Finnish Lapphund can indeed share a household with cats and while it is easier to train a puppy to co-exist, even adults can learn to live with a cat.

Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark?
Because the Finnish Lapphund is a herding breed, they are a natural when it comes to "alerting" to a stranger coming up the walk to your front door or someone lurking around your property after dark yet one doesn't have the concerns of owning an aggressive dog. It is important to remember that the Finnish Lapphund used their bark to perform their job of herding reindeer so barking during the excitement of play is to be expected. If your Lappy is a problem barker it is probably because he is bored and looking for your attention.

Do Finnish Lapphunds Shed?
Yes. Finnish Lapphunds have thick coats that will require weekly brushing to keep it clean, well-groomed, and free of dead or loose hair. They shed seasonally, usually in the Spring and Fall, and daily brushing may be required during these periods of heavier shed.

Will Finnish Lapphunds Dig?
Any dog will dig, especially puppies. Generally speaking, the Finnish Lapphund is not as persistent about digging as some other breeds; however, finding occasional holes in your yard as they go for those tantalizing smells after a fresh rain is to be expected.

Are Finnish Lapphunds Easy to Train?
Coming from the "herding" family, which includes Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and Border Collies, the Finnish Lapphund is intelligent and quick to learn yet at the same time can be independent and strong-willed. Often referred to as a "thinking" breed, the Lappies do very well in all aspects of performance from obedience to agility, rally, CGN (Canine Good Neighbour), therapy dogs, tracking and even search and rescue. 

How Long Will a Finnish Lapphund Live?
With routine veterinary health care, the overall good health of the breed and few genetic disorders in the Finnish Lapphund, you can expect an average lifespan of around 12-15 years with some living longer and most living closer to the 15 year age. For more information about the genetic issues that can affect the breed, please click on the "Health and Training" tab.