Frequently Asked Questions

The Finnish Lapphund (Suomenlapinkoira) is a medium-sized spitz breed with roots going back over 7,000 years to the indigenous Sámi people of Lapland. Originally bred to herd reindeer across the Arctic tundra, they're now cherished worldwide as loyal, intelligent, and incredibly affectionate family companions, famous for their expressive eyes, thick double coat, and legendary "Lappy smile."

Finnish Lapphunds are a medium-sized breed. Males typically stand 46 to 52 cm (18 to 20 inches) at the shoulder and weigh 17 to 25 kg (37 to 55 lbs). Females are slightly smaller at 41 to 47 cm (16 to 18.5 inches) and 16 to 20 kg (35 to 44 lbs). Don't let the floof fool you, underneath all that fur is an athletic, well-proportioned dog!

Yes, and it is the thing the breed is best known for. Lapphunds are gentle with children, patient, and sociable with other dogs. They were bred to work alongside people rather than independently, so they stay close and settle indoors, then switch on outside.

Yes, Lappies have a thick double coat and shed heavily twice a year during seasonal "coat blows" (usually spring and fall). During these periods, daily brushing is essential. The rest of the year, 2 to 3 brushing sessions per week keeps their coat manageable. Pro tip: invest in a good undercoat rake and embrace the floof.

Finnish Lapphunds need moderate daily exercise, about 60 minutes of walking, play, or mental stimulation. They were bred to work all day in harsh Arctic conditions, so they have great stamina but aren't hyperactive. They love hiking, agility, and nose work. A tired Lappy is a happy Lappy, but they're also content to curl up beside you after a good walk.

Finnish Lapphunds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them very trainable with positive reinforcement. They can be slightly independent-minded (a herding heritage trait), so patience and consistency are key. They respond beautifully to treats, praise, and play-based training. Many Lappies excel in obedience, agility, and therapy dog work.

Finnish Lapphunds can be vocal, it's in their DNA. They were bred to bark while herding reindeer to keep the herd moving. As family dogs, they'll alert you to visitors and unusual sounds. With proper training, excessive barking can be managed, but you'll always have a Lappy who "talks" to you. Most owners find it endearing.

Finnish Lapphunds are generally a healthy, hardy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, and cataracts. Reputable breeders test for these conditions. Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise go a long way in keeping your Lappy thriving.

Start with the Finnish Lapphund Club of America (FLCA) or your country's national breed club, they maintain directories of responsible breeders who health-test their dogs. You can also check the AKC Marketplace or attend dog shows to meet breeders in person. Always ask to see health clearances. A great Lappy is worth the wait.

Both breeds descend from the same ancient Sámi dogs, but they were officially split into two separate breeds in 1967. The Finnish Lapphund (Lapinkoira) has a long, fluffy double coat, while the Lapponian Herder (Lapinporokoira) has a shorter, rougher coat. Both are herding breeds, but the Finnish Lapphund has become more popular as a companion breed.

Finnish Lapphunds come in a wide range of colors. The most common are black, brown, tan, cream, and wolf-sable. Many have distinctive facial markings called "spectacles", lighter fur around the eyes that gives them their famously expressive look. All colors are accepted by breed standards, so every Lappy is unique.

While Finnish Lapphunds were bred for Arctic conditions, they can adapt to warmer climates with proper care. Their double coat actually insulates against both cold and heat. Never shave their coat, it disrupts natural temperature regulation. Provide shade, fresh water, air conditioning, and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

Regular brushing (2 to 3 times per week) with a slicker brush and undercoat rake keeps their coat healthy and reduces shedding. During seasonal coat blows, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe only when needed, their coat has natural oils that keep it clean. Don't forget regular nail trims, ear checks, and dental care.

Generally, yes. Finnish Lapphunds are sociable and tend to get along well with other dogs, especially when properly socialized from a young age. Their herding instinct may cause them to try to "herd" smaller pets or children by circling or nudging, but this is gentle behavior and can be redirected with training.

Join the Lappy Pack for new designs and the occasional discount, or follow along on social media where owners post their dogs. The Lapphund Lover's Corner blog has the longer breed and grooming guides.

We create original Finnish Lapphund-themed gifts and accessories that celebrate the breed we love. Our collection includes beautifully designed cork-back coasters, graphic t-shirts, and more, all featuring original Lappy artwork. Every product is made to order with care through our print partner. Browse our full collection here.

A glossy hardboard top with a natural cork back that grips the table and keeps rings and scratches off it. The print is water repellent and heat resistant, so a hot mug or a cold glass is fine and it wipes clean. $15.95 each, sold individually.

Sizes S through 2XL, unisex fit, in a soft cotton and poly blend. Designs are printed direct to garment, so the artwork sits in the fabric rather than on top of it and will not crack or peel. The unisex cut runs slim, so size up for a relaxed fit. Every product page has a size finder that asks two questions and gives you a size.

Every single design is 100% original artwork created specifically for Lapphund Designs. We're Finnish Lapphund enthusiasts who create art that captures the personality, charm, and spirit of the breed. You won't find these designs anywhere else, each one is made by Lappy lovers, for Lappy lovers.

Yes. Digital gift cards are delivered by email and never expire, which suits anyone who would rather pick their own design. You can find them in the shop.

Add any 4 coasters to your cart and 20% comes off the set automatically. There is no code to enter. Mix and match any designs you like, every coaster in the shop counts, and your cart tracks how close you are. The discount applies to the coasters, so anything else in the cart is unaffected.

Yes. Orders over $75 ship free to 43 countries: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, all of Europe including Finland, and Australia and New Zealand. It applies at checkout on its own, no code needed, and your cart shows a progress bar. Dog bowls within Canada are the one exception, because their size makes them genuinely expensive to send. Under $75, shipping is a flat rate worked out at checkout from your address.

Shopify allows one discount code per order. Our two standing offers, free shipping over $75 and 20% off a set of 4 coasters, are automatic rather than codes, and they work together. A discount code does not combine with them, so at checkout you get whichever leaves you better off.

We run the occasional promotion around holidays and new drops. Joining the Lappy Pack is the way to hear first: the list gets new designs before the shop does, and the seasonal codes go there.

Everything is made to order. Production takes 2 to 5 business days, up to 7 from October to December. Once it ships, typical delivery is 4 to 6 business days in the United States, 2 to 6 in Canada, 2 to 4 in the UK and Europe, 6 to 14 in Australia and New Zealand, and 7 to 20 elsewhere. You get an email when production starts and another with tracking when it ships. Full detail is on the Shipping & Delivery page.

Yes, we ship worldwide, using USPS, Canada Post, DHL, FedEx and regional carriers depending on where you are. Rates start at $5.35 to the United States, $6.95 within Canada and $5.80 to the rest of the world, and the exact cost is shown at checkout before you pay. Orders over $75 ship free to 43 countries. Outside those, customs duties or VAT are set by your own country and are paid by you on arrival.

You get an email with a tracking link as soon as your order ships. Give it 24 to 48 hours to start updating, that gap is normal. Items made at different facilities ship separately and each gets its own tracking number. If the email has not arrived, check your spam folder, then email lapphunddesigns@gmail.com and we will resend it.

Because every item is made for your order, we take returns and exchanges on items that arrive damaged or defective. Email lapphunddesigns@gmail.com within 14 days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we send a replacement at no cost. We cannot take returns for a change of mind or the wrong size chosen, so use the size finder on the product page before you order. Full detail is on the Returns & Exchanges page.

Email lapphunddesigns@gmail.com with your order number and photos of the item and the packaging, within 14 days of delivery. We deal with the printer and the carrier ourselves and send you a replacement at no cost. You do not need to ship the damaged one back unless we ask.