Comparison: Finnish Lapponian Dog and Swedish Lapphund

Finnish Lapponian Dog and Swedish Lapphund are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Finnish Lapponian Dog
Photo: Svenska Mässan from Sweden, modification (background, cropping) Anka Friedrich, CC BY 2.0, source
Swedish Lapphund
Photo: Bjørn Roger Larsen, Public domain, source
Finnish Lapponian DogSwedish Lapphund
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFinlandSweden
CategoryMediumMedium
Recognition features
  • Smaller than medium-sized, strongly built with a long dense coat
  • Profuse coat, males with abundant mane; all colours permitted
  • Well-coated tail, the tip sometimes with a J-shaped hook
  • Typical spitz of slightly less than medium size with proud head carriage
  • Profuse stand-off coat forming a ruff, usually black with "bear-brown" bronzing
  • Tail carried curled over the back in movement
CoatProfuse double coat: long, harsh outer coat and soft dense undercoat; all colours permitted, basic colour must predominate.Profuse double coat standing out from the body with a dense, finely frizzy undercoat; usually solid black with bear-brown bronzing.
PurposeReindeer herder and watchdog of the Sami; now popular as a companion and utility dog.Nordic spitz used by the Sami for reindeer herding, hunting and guarding; now mainly a versatile companion.

Breed page: Finnish Lapponian Dog · Breed page: Swedish Lapphund

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.