Swedish Lapphund

Also called Svensk Lapphund, Black beauty of Norrland

Recognised breedFCI group 5Short profile

From Northern Sweden (Lapland), from dogs of the Sami people1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male45 to 51 cm1 2

Height, female40 to 46 cm1 2

Sizemedium

FCI ideal is 48 cm for males and 43 cm for females, plus or minus 3 cm.

lively and alert

kind and affectionate

eager to learn

Coat and looks how to spot one

profuse double coat with straight, stand-off outer hair and dense undercoat

A medium-sized Nordic spitz with a thick, weatherproof coat that stands out from the body. The hair is shorter on the head and front legs and fuller on the chest, hindquarters and curled tail.1 2

Coloursblackblack with bronzingbear brownsmall white marks on chest, feet and tail tip permitted1 2

Personality what they are like

A bright, friendly and attentive dog with a strong will to work. It picks things up quickly and enjoys training, which makes it a versatile partner in many dog sports.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high. It needs regular physical and mental exercise and does well in obedience, agility, herding, rally and tracking.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The profuse double coat benefits from regular brushing, especially when the undercoat is shedding.1 2

Home where they are happiest

A hardy Arctic breed that copes well with cold weather and suits an active household.1 2

Company who they like around

A warm, people-oriented companion that thrives on a steady routine and time with its family.1 2

The story where it all began

One of Sweden's oldest breeds, the Lapphund comes from the all-purpose dogs the Sami kept to herd reindeer, hunt and keep watch over camps. Today it is mainly kept as a lively family companion and sporting dog.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In Sweden it is nicknamed 'the black beauty of Norrland'.2
2
It was traditionally used to herd reindeer for the Sami people.1
3
It shares an ancient maternal DNA line with other Nordic breeds such as the Finnish Lapphund and Norwegian Elkhound.2

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 135 (Svensk Lapphund), Group 5, Section 3 (Nordic Watchdogs and Herders); standard dated 22 Feb 20121

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Swedish Lapphund. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

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Finnish Lapphund

Lapponian Herder

Norwegian Elkhound

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

FCI breed standard No. 135: Svensk Lapphund fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
Wikipedia: Swedish Lapphund en.wikipedia.orgused for height range, weight, nickname, genetics, activities

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.