Swedish Lapphund Dogs

History

The Swedish Lapphund has a history that dates back thousands of years. They were first bred by the Sami people of Lapland to protect their reindeer. They were later on used to herd reindeer and soon became a beloved pet, living and sleeping with the Sami people. They are classed as a Spitz type breed alongside their Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky. They are a smart breed and make for a good all round dog. They remain quite rare outside of Scandinavia.

Behaviour

The Swedish Lapphund, or simply just “Lappie”, makes for an affectionate and lively companion. They are great pets and get along well with children, other pets and even dogs if raised together. They can make for a good watchdog and will warn you when someone is at the door. Infact, excessive barking can be a problem and you may want to teach them the “quiet” command. They are naturally wary of strangers and will need correct socialisation to become fully acceptive of others. As mentioned above, they are friendly and playful with children and are rarely aggressive towards those around them. The Lappie is laid back and will happily cuddle up with you at home.

This breed was bred with work in mind, they need to have something to do. Training needs to be started early on in their lives in order for them to get used to the idea that you are in charge. As is the case with all Spitzes, they have a strong independent streak and will need firm and consistent training to get the best out of them. Many owners choose to enter their dogs into herding trials and agility competitions as they perform very well in both of these. They can be stubborn, but usually if you’re doing something that stimulates their mind, they'll be happy to listen. They like to please their owners, which makes training a bit easier.

You will need to provide this breed with plenty of exercise, a stroll around the block or around the back garden won’t be enough. At least an hour walk, minimum, each day will be in order. Games will also be needed to help burn off any extra and to keep their minds fit. They make good jogging partners and have heaps of stamina. Recall tends to be very good and they listen to their owners in almost every situation. They are rarely aggressive and in general are a loving breed.

Bred in a cold climate, this breed is not well suited to the hot weather. They have dense fur and can overheat easily. They will seek out the coolest place to sleep. They should never be walked during the heat of the day. Lappies moult a lot of fur and regular brushing will be needed to remove dead hairs.