Swedish Lapphund
SWEE-dish LAP-hund
Sweden· Lapland, northern Sweden
The Swedish Lapphund is a small to medium-sized black spitz breed originating with the Sami people of northern Sweden, where it herded and guarded reindeer.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Any size home
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, more when shedding
Coat length
Medium, double coat
Sheds
Yes, seasonally
Lifespan
12-15 years
Town or country
Adaptable to both
Garden size needed
Small to medium, fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Swedish Lapphund
In the far north of Sweden, the Sami people relied on a hardy, weatherproof dog to herd and guard reindeer across vast, cold terrain. Considered one of the oldest Scandinavian breeds, the Swedish Lapphund's role shifted from reindeer work to general farm and companion duties as herding practices modernised.
- Region
- Lapland, northern Sweden
- Climate it was bred for
- Cold subarctic climate
- Original job
- Reindeer herding and guarding
The long read
About the breed
Its herding heritage produced an agile, watchful dog with a strong voice and good stamina, able to work long hours in freezing conditions.
At home it is affectionate, intelligent and eager to please, generally adapting well to family life, though it retains a watchful nature and benefits from regular mental stimulation and exercise.
Today it is kept mainly as a companion and occasional working dog in Scandinavia, still uncommon outside the region but slowly gaining recognition elsewhere for its trainability and even temperament.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Swedish Lapphund greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Swedish Lapphund is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Swedish Lapphund's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
Ancient
Sami herding origins
Developed by the Sami people of Lapland to herd and guard reindeer, among Scandinavia's oldest breeds.
1800s
Diversifying role
As reindeer herding methods changed, the breed took on broader farm dog and companion duties.
1944
Swedish Kennel Club recognition
The breed was formally recognised in Sweden.
1970s
Standard refined
The breed standard was clarified to distinguish it from related Lapland breeds.
2000s
International growth
The Swedish Lapphund began attracting a small but growing following outside Scandinavia.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly longer than tall, well-muscled with a level back.
- coat
- Dense, weatherproof double coat, longer around the neck and tail.
- ears
- Medium, triangular and erect.
- eyes
- Dark brown, oval and lively.
- head
- Wedge-shaped with a moderate stop and pointed muzzle.
- size
- Dogs about 45cm, bitches about 43cm
- colour
- Black, black with brown or white markings, or brown.
- temperament
- Alert, affectionate and intelligent, eager to work and please its handler.
- general appearance
- Small to medium-sized, sturdy spitz with a slightly longer than tall build and a lively, watchful expression.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Swedish Lapphunds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Swedish Lapphund
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Swedish Lapphund illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Swedish Lapphund Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Swedish Lapphund illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Swedish Lapphund Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Swedish Lapphund illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Swedish Lapphund Mug
Ceramic mug with the Swedish Lapphund illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Stainless Dog Bowl
Weighted, non-slip base. Dishwasher safe.
Fits any dog
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