The Finnish Lapphund are an ancient breed that have been used for centuries by the semi-nomadic people of Scandinavia known as the Sami. These people have always used dogs as part of their way of life. They were used as reindeer herders and to watch over stock; primarily the smaller domestic herds of reindeer, which involved short fast bursts of work.  They proved to be quick thinkers keeping out of the way of antlers and many hooves and of course they needed to be hardy and robust to endure and survive such harsh weather conditions.

  In recent times the life of the Sami people have changed  considerably, they have become less nomadic and modern technology has decreased the need for the dogs due to the introduction of the snow mobiles.  Todays Finnish Lapphunds still do their original work of herding and watching, but more are being kept as a companion or sports dog.  Finland is home to around 10,000 Finnish Lapphunds.

In 1970 they began to export them outside of Finland; the first Finnish Lapphund arriving in Australia in 1996.