Swedish Lapphund
The Swedish Lapphund is considered Sweden's oldest breed — descended from ancient spitz dogs used by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia for millennia.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Sweden
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
14–20 kg (30–45 lbs)
Height
40–51 cm (16–20 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active medium breed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Swedish Lapphund is considered Sweden's oldest breed — descended from ancient spitz dogs used by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia for millennia. It is very closely related to the Finnish Lapphund but is slightly smaller, always solid-coloured (never multi-coloured), and more lively and vocal in temperament. "Bear-brown" is the most prized and characteristic colour — a rich, warm chocolate-black that resembles the Swedish brown bear. The breed is extremely rare outside Scandinavia.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-sized, profusely coated spitz always in solid bear-brown or black. The coat is very dense and weather-resistant. The face has the characteristic "teddy bear" expression of the Lapphund type. Smaller and slightly finer than the Finnish Lapphund.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Lively, alert, and vocal — more energetic and vocal than the Finnish Lapphund. Loyal and gentle. Excellent with children and other dogs. The vocal nature requires management.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. The profuse coat sheds very heavily twice yearly. Brushing 3–4 times weekly minimum.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Generally healthy.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Swedish Lapphund's "bear-brown" colour — a rich chocolate-black that resembles the Swedish brown bear — is the breed's most prized and characteristic coat colour, and is listed in the breed standard as the traditional and preferred colour.
