If you're falling in love with these fluffy herders, you've likely noticed that finnish lapphund colors come in just about every shade imaginable. Unlike some breeds where you only have one or two choices, "Lappies" are a bit of a genetic lottery in the best way possible. You might see a litter of six puppies and end up with six completely different looking dogs. It's one of the things that makes the breed so special—every dog feels like a unique work of art.
The breed standard is actually pretty generous. It basically says that all colors are permitted, provided that the primary color covers the majority of the body. This open-minded approach to aesthetics stems from their history as reindeer herders in the Arctic. To the Sami people, a dog's ability to work in the freezing cold was way more important than whether its fur was brown or black. Because of that, we've inherited a massive palette of colors and patterns that keep things interesting for owners today.
The Most Common Bases
When you start looking at Lappies, you'll notice a few "base" colors that pop up more often than others. Black is probably the most frequent. A solid black Finnish Lapphund is striking, but they usually aren't just one flat color. Most of the time, they have "points"—markings on their face, chest, and legs that stand out against the dark fur.
Then you have the brown or "chocolate" Lappies. These range from a deep, dark cocoa to a lighter reddish-brown. If you've ever seen a liver-colored dog, it's a similar vibe. What's really cool about the brown ones is that their nose and eye rims usually match their fur. Instead of the standard black nose, they'll have a liver-colored one, which gives them a very soft, approachable expression.
Cream and gold are also fairly common. These dogs can look a lot like Samoyeds or even Golden Retrievers from a distance, but they still have that distinct Lapphund shape and curled tail. Some creams are almost pure white, while others have a deeper, wheaten tone that looks like a toasted marshmallow.
The Magic of Wolf Sable
If you want a dog that looks like it stepped straight out of a wilderness documentary, you're looking for wolf sable. This is easily one of the most stunning Finnish lapphund colors. Sable refers to hair that is one color at the base (usually tan, grey, or cream) and tipped with black at the ends.
When a Lappie is wolf sable, they have a salt-and-pepper look that mimics the coat of a wild wolf. These dogs often have very dramatic facial markings, including dark "spectacles" around their eyes. As they move, the shifting layers of color in their coat create a beautiful shimmering effect. It's a very traditional look for the breed and remains a huge favorite among long-time enthusiasts.
Tan Points and the "Four Eyes" Look
Regardless of the base color, many Finnish Lapphunds sport what we call tan points. You'll see this most often on black or brown dogs. These tan or cream markings usually appear above the eyes, on the muzzle, the chest, the legs, and under the tail.
The spots above the eyes are particularly charming. In many cultures, these markings are called "four eyes." There's an old legend that dogs with these spots can see into the spirit world or guard their owners even while they're sleeping. Whether you believe that or not, there's no denying that those little "eyebrows" make the dog look incredibly expressive. It feels like they're constantly raising an eyebrow at you when you say something silly.
What Are Spectacles?
In the world of Finnish lapphund colors, "spectacles" aren't something the dog wears to read the Sunday paper. It refers to rings of lighter-colored fur around the eyes, often accompanied by a dark line extending toward the ears.
This gives the dog the appearance of wearing glasses. It's most common in sables and cream-colored dogs. Combined with their naturally upright, furry ears, spectacles give the Lappie a scholarly, wise look. It's just another one of those little details that makes you want to take a thousand pictures of them.
Do Colors Change as They Grow?
One thing new owners should be prepared for is the "color shift." Finnish Lapphund puppies are basically round balls of soot or fluff, and their adult colors might not fully emerge for a year or two.
A puppy that looks almost entirely black might develop bright tan points as it gets older. A wolf sable puppy might start out very dark and "clear up" to a much lighter grey as the adult coat pushes through. Even the texture of the fur can change how the color looks; the thick, weather-resistant outer coat often has a different sheen than the soft, insulating undercoat.
If you're picking a puppy based solely on a specific shade, you might be in for a surprise. It's always better to focus on the puppy's personality, because that coat is going to do whatever it wants anyway!
Rare and Unusual Shades
While black, brown, and sable are the "big three," you'll occasionally run into some rarer Finnish lapphund colors. Blue (a diluted grey) and lilac (a diluted brown) do exist, though they aren't very common. These colors happen when a dog inherits specific recessive genes from both parents.
There's also the domino pattern, which is named after a famous Afghan Hound but appears in Lappies too. Domino dogs usually have a very pale face with a dark "widow's peak" on the forehead. They look a bit like a Husky in terms of facial contrast. While these are striking, they're a bit of a rarity in your average neighborhood stroll.
White Patches and Markings
Most Finnish Lapphunds aren't a perfectly solid block of color. White markings are very common and perfectly acceptable. You'll often see "white socks" on their paws, a white tip on the tail (which is great for spotting them in the brush), or a white blaze on the chest.
Some dogs have more white than others, but generally, breeders try to ensure the primary color remains dominant. A dog that is mostly white with just a few colored patches is less common and sometimes discouraged in the show ring, but as a pet, they are just as gorgeous and healthy.
Does Color Affect Temperament?
A common question people ask is whether the color of the dog influences its personality. You might hear people talk about "spunky reds" or "mellow blacks," but in reality, there's zero scientific evidence that finnish lapphund colors have anything to do with how the dog behaves.
A black and tan Lappie is just as likely to be a couch potato as a wolf sable one. Their temperament is much more about their breeding line and how they're raised. These dogs are generally known for being smart, a bit vocal (they are herders, after all), and incredibly loyal. Whether they're chocolate brown or creamy white, they're going to want to be right in the middle of whatever the family is doing.
Keeping Those Colors Bright
Whatever color your Lappie ends up being, you're going to have to deal with the "fluff factor." To keep those colors looking vibrant, regular grooming is a must. Because they have a double coat, they can hold onto a lot of dust and loose fur, which can make their coat look dull or "muddy."
A good weekly brushing helps remove the dead undercoat and allows the natural oils to spread through the fur, giving it that healthy glow. When they blow their coat (which happens twice a year and involves enough fur to knit a whole second dog), you'll really see the transition between the old, faded hair and the bright, new colors underneath.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between all the different finnish lapphund colors is probably the hardest part of getting one of these dogs. They're all so pretty that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you like the classic look of a black and tan "four-eyed" dog, the wild appearance of a wolf sable, or the soft warmth of a chocolate brown coat, you really can't go wrong.
At the end of the day, once that fluffy tail starts wagging and they give you that famous Lappie smile, you won't care what color they are. You'll just be happy to have such a colorful character in your life.