Finnish Lapphund Sounds: Understanding Their Vocalisations.

Finnish Lapphunds are not only known for their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, but they also have a rich repertoire of vocalisations that reflect their unique personalities and emotions. In this blog post, let’s explore the different sounds Finnish Lapphunds make, what they mean, and share some stories & anecdotes that highlight their expressive nature.

1. The Playful Bark

One of the first sounds you’ll likely notice from your Lapphund is the playful bark. It’s a high-pitched, cheerful sound that often signals excitement or an invitation to play. Whenever they spot a bird, lizard or a friendly dog during walks, their playful barks fill the air, almost like a joyful announcement: “Let’s play!”

One morning at the dog beach, my lappy spotted a group of children playing frisbee. She dashed toward them with tail wagging hoping to join the game. She couldn’t contain her excitement and her playful barks echoed across the beach. These moments capture the essence of a Finnish Lapphund’s spirit – free, enthusiastic, joyful, and very eager to explore the world around them.

Expect to hear the playful bark during times of high intensity excitement, when chasing or rounding up and during zoomies! 

2. The Alert Bark

As a herding breed, Finnish Lapphunds are naturally alert and protective of their families. The alert bark is deeper and more serious than the playful bark, signaling that something or someone is near. My Lappies’ alert bark tends to come out when they hear the mailman approaching or when unfamiliar noises disturb our home. Their protective instinct and vocal alertness made me appreciate their role as both a companion and a guardian.
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In our residential environments many triggers of alert barking are very usual or normal occurrences and with care & training you can help to teach your Finnish Lapphund the difference.

3. The Howl

Finnish Lapphunds can sometimes use distinctive howls, which can vary in tone and intensity. These howls are often used when they’re trying to communicate with someone they can’t see, access a toy they aren’t able to reach, or if they simply want to join you wherever you are. You’ll also see them doing this when they hear emergency sirens, like police, fire or ambulances. If you consider their original life in the Arctic Circle, a howl was a very useful communication to reunite the pack and prevent a beloved family member from getting separated. I love how social these dogs are and how important family bonds and being included is to them.

4. The Whine for Attention

Whining is another vocalisation that Finnish Lapphunds often use, usually when they’re seeking attention or expressing a need. Often its young puppies who do this the most, using a gentle whine when they want to play, go for a walk, or especially when they’re trying to get to an area or toy that they can’t reach. It typically reduces as puppies mature into adult dogs, and it's best to be consistent about when to respond and which occasions to act in, by reading the situation.

5. The Gremlin Noises

This is completely adorable! Finnish Lapphunds, being such a vocal breed, often express their content and happiness with charming low grumbling sounds that resemble little Gremlins! You’ll hear these delightful noises when they’re very happy playing, whether they’re romping with bitey-face games with their best canine friend or in tug-of-war with your kids in the yard.

These gremlin-like vocalisations are an expression of pure joy and they love it when you join in, so mimick their sounds or playfully grumble-gremlin back at them! It adds an extra layer of amusement to your games, especially when you see their playful and silly responses! At the dog park, my lappies regularly delight the owners with their silly gremlin-like noises and playful pounces during a lively play session together. It's incredibly endearing and perfectly captures the adorable, comical, animated and playful nature of Finnish Lapphunds!

Conclusion

Finnish Lapphunds have a rich array of vocalisations that reflect their emotions, desires, and personalities. By listening to your Finnish Lapphund and understanding these sounds, we can strengthen our bond with our gorgeous companions and respond to their needs more effectively. Each bark, howl, whine, and gremlin sound adds to the beautiful tapestry of our lives together.

So the next time your Lapphund vocalises, take a moment to listen closely. What is your lappy trying to communicate? With every sound, there’s a story to tell and a connection to deepen. Embrace the unique language of your Finnish Lapphund, and enjoy the joyful conversations that unfold!