The preferred color is black and tan. The Finnish Lapphund or Lapinkoira is the original native breed. It is a medium-sized dog, heavily coated and very sturdily built. All colors are allowed, although the principle color is to predominate. Typical colors include black, black and tan, sable, brown, and grey in various shades.
Finnish breeders remain concerned with temperament and working ability as well as appearance.
The Finnish Lapphund is stable, intelligent, willing and affectionate. When young, some Lapphunds have a tendency to nip at the heels or hands of their owners, but this can easily be corrected. As is often the case with the spitz breeds, they may enjoy using their voices. They will notify their owners of visitors, but do not tend to show aggression. In Finland the Lapphund is still used for herding reindeer and as a farm dog, and is bred in the Lapp region as well as in the south.