The Finnish Lapphund is a strong, robust, medium sized, agile dog with the stamina and endurance to do a full day's work.

The breed is a loyal, affectionate, energetic, intelligent family companion and watch dog and it thrives on and demands human attention. Its attractive, playful appearance often belies its true character. It remains a true working dog, tough and independent at times, not a dog for everybody.

The life expectancy of the average Finnish Lapphund is 15 to 17 years.  They tend to mature slowly and remain active well into their senior years.

Basic obedience training must start from the moment you bring your puppy home. The training and socialization of the puppy actually starts in the whelping box with its dam and siblings. In general, puppies should not be removed from their litter mates until they are about 8 weeks old. They should also have significant human contact during this
time for proper socialization. A foundation that includes the proper training and socialization of the puppy and adolescent Finnish Lapphund will result in an adult that will be a wonderful companion.

Daily doses of exercise are a must or the Finnish Lapphund will provide its own exuberant exercise indoors. Finnish Lapphunds require an owner as active, involved and intelligent as they are or they will soon be running the household and getting into mischief.

The robustness and high spirits of this herding dog should be understood as natural exuberance just as its working qualities make it quite an active breed. The Finnish Lapphund has a unique sense of humor and its owner
needs a sense of humor as well. It may show tendencies of independence but overall it still a friendly, endearing breed who loves more than to get the usual attention and affection it gets from its owner.

 

Training

 

The Finnish Lapphund is extremely intelligent and is easily trained. They make wonderful obedience dogs, agility dogs and herding dogs. It is important to remember that this breed is not just a pretty face nor is it just fluff. Left to its own devices it can become a household demon. It is essential that basic obedience lessons begin early in the dog's life. Training must be kept interesting or the lappie will become bored and your training efforts will be counter productive.

Puppies undergoing the stage of teeth breaking out can be a bit mouthy. Proper supervision, numerous toys, confinement in a safe comfortable area such as a dog crate when not under supervision and proper training will help channel and control this mouthiness. They also have a tendency to dig, so be prepared to give up any semblance of a garden when you have a lappie in your household.

House training is not difficult provided you set aside the required time and are consistent with your training. Consult with the breeder of the puppy for recommended techniques.