The Finnish Lapponian Dog, also known as Suomenajokoira, is a robust and well-balanced dog breed originating from the Sami people who primarily used it to herd their reindeer. Its popularity in Finland has grown over time, both as a working dog and as a family companion.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Finland
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight: 19-21 kg (male), 18-20 kg (female)
- Height: 46-52 cm (male), 41-47 cm (female)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Exercise Needs: 1.5 to 2 hours per day
- Apartment Living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not suitable for apartment living due to its need for space)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Smart dog and easy to train)
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very affectionate with its family)
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Somewhat protective, but not aggressive)
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Playful and active dog)
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can bark but not excessively)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Obedient dog, but may have some independence)
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Good hunting instinct, particularly for small prey)
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Calm and composed dog in a family environment)
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very active and requires a lot of exercise)
- Independent: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Less independent, prefers to be with its family)
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very compatible, ideal for families with children)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Generally good with other animals)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can be reserved with strangers, but not aggressive)
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not suitable for apartment living due to its need for space)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate maintenance, requires regular brushing)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Average cost for food and veterinary care)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: Weekly brushing is recommended, and 2 to 3 times a week during shedding to remove dead hair.
- Other care: Occasional bath, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 900-1500 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, supplies, food): 500-800 €
🏡 Important note
The Finnish Lapphund is not suitable for apartment living due to its abundant energy and dense coat that requires regular maintenance. It prefers an outdoor space where it can run and explore freely. It is an excellent working dog, but also a great family companion for active households and nature lovers.
👉 An excellent choice for active families and outdoor enthusiasts! 🐾⛰️
