Swedish Lapphund
The Swedish Lapphund is a striking medium-sized spitz breed with deep roots in Scandinavian heritage.
Originally developed by the Sami people of northern Sweden, these dogs were traditionally bred to herd and guard reindeer across vast, frozen landscapes.
19-21kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Swedish Lapphund
Standing 45–51 cm tall and weighing 19–21 kg, they possess a compact, sturdy build perfectly suited to harsh Nordic climates. Their thick double coat provides excellent insulation during cold winters, whilst their alert expression and intelligent eyes reflect their working dog ancestry. Despite their ancient origins as hardy working dogs, Swedish Lapphunds are renowned for their affectionate and loyal temperament. They are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please, making them rewarding companions for active families. These dogs are naturally protective and vocal watchdogs, qualities that stem from their herding background. They require up to one hour of daily exercise and thrive when mentally stimulated through training, play, or outdoor activities. Swedish Lapphunds are particularly suited to owners who appreciate lively, spirited dogs and can commit to consistent training and socialisation. They adapt well to both homes with secure gardens and apartment living, provided their energy needs are properly met. With a lifespan of 12–15 years, they make devoted family members for those ready to embrace their engaging, intelligent nature.
Swedish Lapphund at a Glance
- Group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 19–21 kg
- Height
- 45–51 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Swedish Lapphund Lifestyle
The Swedish Lapphund suits a modest-sized house and is well suited to a home with a small to medium garden. They are comfortable in either a town or rural environment.
Dog Food for Swedish Lapphund
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Swedish Lapphund
Swedish Lapphund Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Swedish Lapphund weighing around 20 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£3.90 - £4.16
Per month
£117 - £125
Per year
£1424 - £1518
Swedish Lapphund Characteristics
The Swedish Lapphund is an active breed that needs a lot of exercise and is easy to train. They are one of the most child-friendly breeds you'll find, but are okay left alone for a few hours at a time. The coat is manageable with a regular brushing routine and sheds steadily throughout the year. Exceptionally clever, they thrive when given jobs to do or puzzles to solve.
Swedish Lapphund Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate, with strong working instincts that make them excellent companions for active families
- Highly intelligent and trainable, with a talent for canine sports and obedience
- Adapts well to different living environments, including flats, as long as they get enough exercise
- Patient and gentle with children of all ages, fitting well into family life
Cons
- Needs regular mental and physical outlets or risks becoming bored and destructive
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods without company
- Sheds moderately year-round with seasonal peaks that require consistent grooming
- A vocal breed by nature, so early training to manage barking is worth investing in










