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

Absolutely. Finnish Lapphunds are one of the best family breeds you'll find. They're gentle with children, patient, and naturally sociable. They bond deeply with their people and get along well with other dogs. Their calm indoor demeanor combined with playful outdoor energy makes them perfect for families of all sizes.

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, 2–3 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 12–15 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 (2–3 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.

We'd love to have you in the pack! Follow us on social media to connect with fellow Lappy lovers, share photos of your Finnish Lapphund, and stay updated on new product drops and exclusive deals. Check out our Lapphund Lover's Corner blog for breed tips, fun facts, and heartwarming Lappy stories. Welcome to the family.

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.

Our coasters feature high-quality ceramic tops with durable cork backs for excellent grip and surface protection. Each coaster is printed with vibrant, fade-resistant inks and finished with a protective glaze that resists moisture, heat, and scratches. They're built to last through years of daily use.

Our graphic tees are available in sizes S through 2XL and are unisex-fit. They're made from a soft cotton-poly blend that holds up wash after wash. Each design is printed using high-quality direct-to-garment (DTG) printing for vibrant, detailed artwork that won't crack or fade. Check individual product pages for detailed size charts.

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 available if you want to let a fellow Lappy lover choose their own favorites. They're delivered instantly by email and never expire. Find them in our shop.

Add any 4 coasters to your cart and save 20% on your coaster set with code COASTERPAWS at checkout. Mix and match any designs — every coaster in our collection qualifies. The discount applies to coasters only, so you can combine them with other items in your cart. Your cart will track your progress toward the deal.

Add any 3 or more items to your cart and a 10% discount is applied automatically at checkout. This works on any combination of products — coasters, t-shirts, you name it. You can even stack it with the coaster bundle deal for maximum savings. Your cart page will show a progress bar tracking how close you are to unlocking the deal.

Shopify allows one discount code per order. However, our Buy 3 Save 10% deal is applied automatically (no code needed), so you can still use the COASTERPAWS code on top of it. That means you could save 10% on your total order AND 20% on your coaster set in the same purchase.

We occasionally run special promotions for holidays and new product launches. The best way to stay in the loop is to join the Lappy Pack — our community gets early access to new drops, exclusive discount codes, and first dibs on limited-edition designs. Follow us on social media or check back regularly.

All items are made to order. Production takes 2–7 business days, after which your order ships. Domestic U.S. delivery is 3–5 business days once shipped, Canada is 6–10 business days, Europe is 3–10 business days, and other international destinations range from 7–20 business days. You'll receive two emails — one when production begins and another with your tracking number when it ships. For full details, see our Shipping & Delivery policy.

Yes — we ship worldwide and we're proud to serve the global Finnish Lapphund community! We use USPS, Canada Post, DHL, FedEx, and regional partners depending on your location. Shipping starts at $3.99 for U.S. orders, $6.99 for Canada, and $11.99 for international. Please note that international customers are responsible for any customs duties or VAT charged by their country.

Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and a link to follow your package. Allow 24–48 hours for the tracking info to update after you receive it. If you ordered multiple items, they may ship separately with different tracking numbers. If you have any issues, reach out to us at lapphunddesigns@gmail.com and we'll help locate your package.

Because our items are made to order, we accept returns and exchanges within 14 days of delivery for defective or damaged items only. Unfortunately, we can't accept returns for change of mind or incorrect size selections. If your item arrives damaged or defective, email us at lapphunddesigns@gmail.com with your order number and photos — we'll send a replacement at no cost. For full details, see our Returns & Exchanges policy.

We're sorry to hear that! Please email us at lapphunddesigns@gmail.com with your order number and a photo of the damage within 14 days of delivery. We'll send a free replacement — no need to return the damaged item. We cover the shipping on all approved claims. We take pride in our packaging, but we know things can happen in transit and we've got you covered.