Finnish Lapphund: size, sleep, exercise and care

At a glance

Size

Medium

Adult weight

15–24 kg

Height at the shoulder

41–53 cm

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Exercise needs

Moderate · 30–60 min per day

Sleep needs

Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.

Puppy18–20 h

Adult12–14 h

Senior12–15 h

06121824 h

These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Finnish Lapphund specifically. A heavily coated Nordic dog often looks for the coolest spot in a warm house, so let it choose between a bed and the floor.

Puppy sleep calculator →

Exercise needs

The Royal Kennel Club guideline is up to an hour a day. SKK describes the breed as energetic, enduring and willing to work, so obedience, herding and agility suit it well. The dense undercoat keeps the dog dry and warm in snow, but it makes heat hard work: in summer, walk in the cool hours, bring water and shorten sessions. The coat sheds heavily twice a year (SKK).

Dog walk calculator →

Potty training

Lapphund puppies are social and easy to teach. Use a steady schedule (on waking, after meals, after play and before bed) and reward at the spot.

Cold and snow rarely bother them, so winter routines are easy. On warm summer days, pick shaded spots and keep breaks short.

Puppy potty schedule calculator →

Feeding

Puppies usually get three or four meals a day and adults two. The thick coat can hide both weight gain and weight loss, so feel the ribs and waist regularly rather than judging by eye.

Keep fresh water out at all times and add extra on warm days and after exercise.

Puppy feeding schedule calculator →