Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is described by the AKC as alert, agile, friendly, a member of the Herding Group, originally from Finland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 18-21 inches (male), 16-19 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 33-53 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Agile / Friendly [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Finland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 127 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Finnish Lapphunds are calm dogs with moderate exercise requirements. A long, brisk walk every day is usually enough to keep the breed healthy and happy. Lappies tend not to exercise themselves, but a half-hour play session with their owner and a ball, or with another dog, can also satisfy their exercise needs. [1]
Grooming
The Finnish Lapphund has a double coat: a smooth outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat. Weekly brushing'¿daily during shedding season'¿will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. Lappies don't have a doggie odor, so an occasional bath is usually sufficient. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few conditions the breed is prone to. Two of these are elbow and hip dysplasia, both of which can be detected with X-rays. Also present in some Lappies is progressive retinal atrophy, which causes vision loss. Responsible breeders check their breeding stock for conditions that can affect the breed. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Pompe Disease (GSD II) - DNA Test, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Finnish Lapphund in 2011. [1]
- It ranked No. 127 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 169 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Lappy.” [1]
- The AKC lists Finland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 7 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do Finnish Lapphunds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Finnish Lapphund get?
AKC breed information lists height 18-21 inches (male), 16-19 inches (female) and weight 33-53 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Finnish Lapphund?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Finnish Lapphund, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.