Lapponian Shepherd
Loyal, alert, and adaptable, this hardworking breed thrives in active households and enjoys being part of daily routines. Well-suited for families, the Lapponian Shepherd forms strong bonds and excels as a companion.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
51–58 cm (male)
46–53 cm (female)
WEIGHT
30–35 kg (male)
25–30 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–14 years
Lapponian Shepherd: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Lapponian Shepherd isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Lapponian Shepherd's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Lapponian Shepherd is known for being calm, friendly, and devoted to its family, while maintaining a reserved yet alert demeanor around strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick learner, responds well to training
Enjoys activity and regular outdoor exercise
Likes games but not overly boisterous
Adjusts well to different environments and routines

Strengths
- Loyal to family and familiar people
- Good endurance for active lifestyles
- Responsive to consistent, fair training
- Naturally alert and protective instincts
- Adaptable to various weather conditions
Challenges
- Needs significant daily physical exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- High prey drive may emerge outdoors
- Prone to boredom without mental stimulation
- Thick double coat requires regular grooming

Protect your Lapponian Shepherd
Lapponian Shepherd can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Lapponian Shepherds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, showing strong responsiveness to training, especially with consistent, positive methods.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Lapponian Shepherds have moderate to high energy levels and require daily physical exercise along with mental stimulation to stay healthy, content, and well-behaved.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Lapponian Shepherds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Lapponian Shepherd would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Requires experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
Needs space and regular exercise, may become restless in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners and frequent outdoor activities
Kids
Generally gentle but supervision is advised due to herding instincts
Multiple Pets
Can get along with other pets if well-socialized early
Being Left Alone
Struggles with long periods alone and may develop behavioral issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Lapponian Shepherds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lapponian Shepherd
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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