Swedish Lapphund Breed Profile: Essential Facts
The intelligent Swedish Lapphund is lovable and easy to train, making this dog a great family pet.
- AKC Group: Foundation Stock Service
- Weight: 30-45 lbs.
- Height: 16-20 in.
- Life Span: 12-14 years
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Key Characteristics of Swedish Lapphunds
Swedish Lapphunds, a.k.a. Lappies, are medium-sized herding and guarding dogs that are also the national dog of Sweden.
Lappies have a dark nose and round, large brown eyes framed by small, wide-set, triangular ears. The high-set tail is carried over the back, and the oval toes have fur between the pads. The weather-resistant double coat is thick, as is the frizzy undercoat.
Coat colors include black, liver, or black and liver, and there may be white patches on the chest, feet and tail.
Where Swedish Lapphunds Come From
Lappies are the oldest of the dogs native to Sweden, descended from ancient spitz breeds. They were hunting, guarding and eventually herding companions for the Sami people of Lappland.
The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1903, and the Federation Clinologique Internationale (FCI) followed suit in 1944. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 2007, adding the breed to its Foundation Stock Service.
How Friendly Are Swedish Lapphunds?
Lappies are happiest when they have a job to do. Trainable, lively and intelligent, they're independent thinkers and sometimes stubborn. They respond best to positive reinforcement.
Lappies prefer to be with people inside the home, not outdoors. They love being with children and can get along well with cats when raised together. They are usually protective of the home and wary of strangers.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
MEDIUM: This active breed needs daily exercise and regular, consistent training. They don't like heat , so keep your Swedish Lapphund in a cold climate or indoors during hot or humid weather.
Lappies can live in apartments if they can get daily walks and frequent play time.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Brush the thick double coat often, even daily, if possible. Lappies shed seasonally and can blow their coats twice a year, when shedding will be heavier.
As you would do with any dog, trim your Swedish Lapphund's nails, clean the ears and brush the teeth.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: There are few health concerns for the Swedish Lapphund, including: Hip dysplasia Epilepsy Progressive retinal atrophy Diabetes
More Stats About Swedish Lapphunds
| Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of Training | ★★★★★ |
| Barking/Howling | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tolerate Being Alone | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Very Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
Check out this adventurous Lappie:
How to Adopt a Swedish Lapphund
Swedish Lapphunds are considered rare, so the breed will remain listed in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service until more of these dogs are registered in the United States.
Though these dogs are difficult to find, please check adoption resources and rescue groups first. Get started now with Petful’s online dog adoption search.
If you go through a breeder, meet the puppy's parents and look for warning signs that the breeder is not taking proper care of the dogs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Swedish Lapphund puppy typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location.
Yes, Swedish Lapphunds are considered rare, especially outside of Sweden. Their population is small compared to other Nordic breeds.
Swedish Lapphunds are typically smaller and have a thicker, fluffier coat, while Finnish Lapphunds have a more fox-like face and a slightly longer body. Both breeds are intelligent and were historically used for herding reindeer.
Swedish Lapphunds are generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and patellar luxation. Regular vet checkups help manage these risks.
References
- "Swedish Lapphund." American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/swedish-lapphund/.
- "Introduction — Swedish Lapphund." Lapphund Club of Finland. http://www.lappalaiskoirat.fi/english/?id=club/introduction_rlk.
- "Swedish Lapphund." Federation Clinologique International. http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/135g05-en.pdf.
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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