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🐶 Dog · size Medium

Lapphund suédois

dog breed

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

5–30 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

11–14 ans

Energy

Très élevé

Origin

Suède

Coat

Solid black or bicolor.

Maintenance

Élevé

Training

Moyen

The Swedish Lapphund or Swedish Lapp Dog is a dog breed originating from Sweden. Traditionally raised by the Samis to guard reindeer herds, it is one of the oldest dog breeds. It is a medium-sized dog, of Spitz type with a black coat.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Très élevé

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Élevé

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3Very high energy level — plan for 1.5+ hours of daily exercise minimum.
  • 4Regular grooming — brushing 3 to 5 times per week.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Lapphund suédois

Origins & history

A story told

The exact origins of the Swedish Lapphund are still unknown: it may be the oldest Nordic breed and the ancestor of the Spitzes. The Samis traditionally used dogs of the same type as the Swedish Lapphund to guard reindeer. The breed has adapted to the harsh climate of Lapland. With motorization, the breed was on the verge of extinction at the end of the 19th century and it was thanks to a few passionate breeders that the breed was preserved. It is the oldest national breed officially registered in Sweden. In 1944, the breed was recognized by the International Cynological Federation. The Swedish Lapphund, which has become a companion dog, is well represented in Sweden, Norway, Finland and to a lesser extent in Denmark. The Swedish Kennel Club registers less than one hundred births annually. In France, the first female was imported in 1999 by the breeding of the Dunes of Flanders, a few births were registered between 2001 and 2008.

Character

Daily temperament

The Swedish Lapphund is described as a lively, vigilant, kind and affectionate dog in the FCI standard. The Lapphund is attentive and willing to work. It is easy to train, resistant to fatigue and hardy. It is a very versatile dog and is suitable for obedience training, agility, herding work, tracking or water trials. The Swedish Lapphund requires firm and consistent training, especially in the first year. The Swedish Lapphund can adapt to apartment living.

Physical

Breed standard

The Swedish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog of Spitz type, robust with solid bone structure. The movements are broad and light. The body fits within a rectangle slightly longer than tall. The tail is rolled on the back. The head is of lupoid type, very typical with a well-marked stop. The small triangular ears are slightly rounded at the ends. The eyes are expressive, round and dark brown; well apart, they are placed almost horizontally. The coat is composed of abundant straight and coarse hair, described as weather-resistant. The hair is longer on the chest, tail and rear limbs. The undercoat is very soft, dense and finely curled. The coat is black: the bronze tone, in shades of brown "bear color", is typical. Some white can be found on the chest, the tip of the paws and the whip (tip of the tail).

Chapter 2

Daily life

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Lapphund suédois of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of lapphund suédois (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a lapphund suédois ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

29years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a lapphund suédois ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

18 kg
5 kg33 kg
Moderate

Result

221 g

per day · 839 kcal

111 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Lapphund suédois (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

Maintenance

Daily care

Weekly brushing is sufficient to maintain its coat. During shedding periods, brushing should be more frequent, every two to three days.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Lapphund suédois

Is the Swedish Lapphund suitable for apartment living?+
It depends on the individual: their size requires space and exercise, as long as you meet their exercise needs.
How much exercise per day for a Swedish Lapphund?+
1.5 to 2 hours of activity per day minimum, ideally with mental stimulation (games, tracking, canine sports).
What is the life expectancy of a Swedish Lapphund?+
Between 11 and 14 years on average. Appropriate diet, regular veterinary follow-up and exercise contribute to a longer life.
Is the Swedish Lapphund good with children?+
To be assessed by individual: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with an animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Lapphund suédois.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.