Swedish LapphundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Swedish Lapphund. · Bjørn Roger Larsen / Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Cropped and resized.
The Swedish Lapphund (Svensk lapphund) is a Nordic Spitz slightly under medium size, usually solid black, once used by the nomadic Sami for herding reindeer, hunting and guarding. The FCI standard describes it as lively, alert, kind and affectionate, very receptive, willing to work, easy to train, hardy and tough. Wikipedia says it is often called “the black beauty from Norrland”.
Quick facts
| Common name | Swedish Lapphund (Svensk lapphund) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Sweden |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 19 January 1955 (group 5, Nordic watchdogs and herders; standard no. 135); the AKC lists it in the Foundation Stock Service |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | ideally 48 cm at the withers (±3 cm); 14–20 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | ideally 43 cm at the withers (±3 cm) |
| Coat type | Double, abundant, with a dense, slightly curly undercoat |
| Common colours | Black, often with “bear brown” tinges |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, with enough exercise |
| Temperament | Lively, alert, kind, affectionate, willing to work |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Moderate |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the Swedish Lapphund has been known for centuries in northern Europe. It is a Nordic Spitz once used by the nomadic Sami for herding reindeer, hunting and guarding. Today it is kept mainly as a versatile companion dog.
Wikipedia says it is probably one of Sweden's oldest breeds and one of the three Lapphund breeds, all descended from the dogs the Sami used for reindeer. Genetic studies show, in the breeds linked to the Sami, a branch of DNA resulting from a cross between a female wolf and a dog.
How the breed developed
- Centuries ago – The reindeer dog of the Sami.
- 19 January 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 2011 – The current FCI standard.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★★☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★★ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a typical Spitz, slightly under medium size, with a rectangular body and a proudly carried head.
General appearance
The coat is double and abundant: the hair stands straight out from the body, and the undercoat is dense and slightly curly. On the chest, the back of the legs and the tail the hair is longer, and around the neck it forms a ruff. The coat protects it from bad weather.
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 48 cm; females: 43 cm (±3 cm) |
| Weight | 14–20 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Double, abundant |
| Colour | Black |
| Type | Spitz |
The colour is usually solid black, often with bronze tinges, “bear brown”. White on the chest, feet and tail tip is permitted.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as lively, alert, kind and affectionate, very receptive and willing to work, easy to train, suited to obedience, agility, herding and tracking.
The AKC says it is curious and very easy to train, but has an independent mind and can sometimes be stubborn, so training calls for a light touch, patience and humour. The AKC gives it 4 out of 5 for barking.
Tips for effective training
- Be patient and fun. That is what the AKC recommends.
- Try dog sports. It excels at agility and obedience.
- Teach it “quiet”. It can bark quite a lot.
- Do not leave it alone for long. It needs its family.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it has medium to high energy and needs daily exercise, but it has an “on/off switch”: it is very energetic, but it can also relax. It needs regular physical and mental exercise so that it does not get bored.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Agility or obedience | several times a week | A busy mind |
| Play | daily | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- Never shave it.
- Brush it more often during shedding.
- Include it in family activities.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the double coat is brushed weekly, with the occasional bath. Once or twice a year the undercoat sheds heavily, and a groomer can help. The AKC says the coat should never be shaved.
Common health problems
The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | Gradual degeneration of the retina | Poor night vision, then blindness |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' hip and eye tests.
- Brush it often during shedding.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 kg | 810 kcal | 910 kcal | 200–260 g |
| 17 kg | 940 kcal | 1,050 kcal | 240–300 g |
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- “The black beauty from Norrland”. That is what it is often called.
- The reindeer dog. The Sami used it to herd reindeer.
- An on/off switch. The AKC says it also knows how to relax.
- One of the oldest Swedish breeds. So says Wikipedia.
- Bear brown. The black often has brown tinges.
Frequently asked questions
What colour is it?
Usually black.
Is it easy to train?
Yes, but it can be stubborn.
Does it bark a lot?
Quite a lot; the AKC gives 4 out of 5.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–14 years.
