Below we have provided some summary information about the breed, however we do advise you to check any specific queries with your chosen breeder in the first instance.Please do not be mislead by the commercial Find a breed/puppy websites which often given incorrect information about our breed, if your chosen breeder cannot help then please contact one of the breed clubs for further information:
Southern Finnish Lapphund Society
Finnish Lapphund Club of GB
Breed traits
- Noisy – like many spitz breeds they can be vocal, as they like to chat with you, but they are trainable and can be taught not to talk back.
- Greedy – their love of food makes them easy to train
- Independent – they can be rather independent which may mean their recalls have to be worked on – chasing a squirrel may be more fun that returning for a dog biscuit.
- Intelligent – very quick to learn (good & bad!)
- Loving – very affectionate breed, loving all the family and extended family
Socialisation
The Finnish Lapphund is a very sociable breed, and loves people, your puppy should be outgoing and friendly when you pick it up from the breeder and hopefully used to normal household noises. Once your puppy has settled in his new environment, it is good to start puppy socialisation, the Kennel Club provide socialisation information to follow
Using a puppy pen/crate
Many breeders advocate using a crate to keep your puppy safe when unattended. Puppy pens/crates should not be used for punishing the puppy but simply to provide a safe haven. If the pen is appropriately sized it can serve as bed and play pen.
Additionally in a busy house – your puppy may find too much stimulation around him to sleep during the day, having a crate will allow you to put the pup to bed throughout the day – just as you would put a baby down for a nap.
Remember a tired puppy may become overstimulated and may nip and show frustration.
Travelling
As with children, some puppies are travel sick, many are not. It is important to ensure that early trips in the car are pleasant. Ensure your pup is secure, as being thrown about loose in the back of the car can give a poor experience. Short fun journeys with positive outcomes will ensure your pup looks forward to going out in the car with you.
Training Classes
Puppy training starts on day one. Using your puppy’s food as a reward you can teach sit and down very quickly. There are numerous fun and motivational training courses online, remember the more fun the experience the easier it is for you to have a happy, keen puppy, who wants to please you.
When selecting training classes – pop along before you take your pup to see what techniques they use, and if you like their methods, then sign up. The Kennel Club Find a Club Service lists classes near you.
A good training class will encourage you to work towards the Good Citizen Scheme, from puppy foundation to Gold Good Citizen
Grooming
Responsible breeders will have started getting your puppy used to grooming, and it is important to continue with this from an early age. Weekly grooming helps develop your relationship/bond with your pup, and ensures you can handle and inspect them for any health issues.
The Lapphund coat is pretty low maintenance and half an hour a week will result in a smart dogs without knots. It is important to use a bristle/nylon brush and brush the coat in layers to get to the roots.
Weekly trimming of the nails is necessary until your dog is having regular walks – when you will find the nails are worn down, except of course for the dew claws which will continue to require trimming.
Whether to bath your dog or not is entirely up to you, generally they do not get very dirty or smelly but if they need a bath you should use dog shampoo. Over bathing is however likely to strip the coat of its natural oils which will lead to it attracting more dirt.
Feeding
The Lapphund is generally a good eater, and your breeder should advise on the diet that suits your puppy. If you wish to change your pup’s diet please ensure you do it gradually – so as not to upset the tummy. Options include prepared kibble or raw food (BARF), there are advantages to both, and you are advised to research your options, and discuss with your breeder.
Exercise
An adult Lapphund will require a minimum of one hour’s exercise a day, but would love more, and it would be hard to tire one out!
Puppy exercise needs to be more conservative with most guides recommending 5 mins per month, till fully grown.
Breed Standard
The Kennel Club breed standard and other general information about the breed is available