How Do Finnish Lapphunds Handle the Australian Summer Heat? ☀️

One of the first questions we’re often asked is, “How do Lappies cope in the Australian summer with all that fur?” It’s a fair question! With their thick, fluffy coats, they look like they’d melt in the heat. But in reality, Finnish Lapphunds are surprisingly well adapted to handle both extremes, freezing Nordic winters and our hot Australian summers.

Adaption

The first thing to be aware of is that a Lappies coat somewhat adjusts to suit it's environment. When Lappies live in a cold environment, they build bigger coats, and when living in warmer climates, they lose coat and maintain less coat. When I've imported Lappies from Finland, they have noticeably lost coat within months of arriving in Australia. the Lappies in Queensland generally have less coat, the Lappies in Tasmania more coat. even when I moved from the Central Coast of NSW to the Southern Highlands in 2019, I noticed my dogs got bigger coats as they were now living in a cooler climate. So the key here is, to be aware that Finnish Lapphunds do not have the same coat here in Australia, as they do when living in Finland during their Winter.

The Magic of the Double Coat

Lappies have a clever double coat designed by nature to insulate them year round. The outer guard hairs protect from the sun and allow airflow through the coat, while the soft undercoat helps regulate body temperature. This means the coat acts like insulation, keeping them warm in winter but also protecting them from overheating in Summer.

We often say their coats work a bit like a thermos: they keep the body at a steady temperature by shielding them from outside extremes. In fact, Finland can also reach very warm summer days, so the breed has adapted to handle both snow and sunshine.

That said, many Lappies love to sprawl out inside on a cool tiled floor with the aircon humming. And some, like our Sprinkle, can often be found stretched out in the backyard sun even on 35+ days, happily sunbaking!

Why You Shouldn’t Shave or Trim a Lappie’s Coat ✂️

Something we’re seeing more of lately is groomers trimming or shaving Lappies coats to “help” dogs cope with the heat. But this is actually very damaging for double coated breeds like Finnish Lapphunds.

Here’s why trimming is a bad idea:

• The guard hairs are essential. They allow air to circulate and keep the coat functioning as natural insulation.

• Trimming disrupts coat growth. The undercoat grows back thicker, trapping heat instead of releasing it.

• The outer coat can take up to 2 years to regrow. Sometimes it never returns the same, leaving patchiness or thinning.

• Increased risks. Shaved or clipped Lappies are more prone to sunburn, overheating, and skin conditions.

  
  

The only area trimming is appropriate is around the feet, to help with grip on slippery floors. Otherwise, your Lappie’s coat is best left as Mother Nature intended.

The best way to support them in summer is through regular brushing to remove dead coat, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring they have cool spaces to retreat to.

Keeping Your Lappie Comfortable in Summer

While their coats do a lot of the heavy lifting, there are many ways you can help your Lappie stay safe and comfortable when the mercury rises:

🌲 Provide shade and airflow. Shady trees, covered patios, or best of all, a spot inside with the aircon.

💦 Plenty of water bowls. Always have extras available in case one gets tipped over.

❄️ Frozen treats. Freeze some of their food or broth in containers for a refreshing “pup-sicle.”

☃️ Frozen water bottles. Simple and effective cooling tools for them to lie against.

🔷 Cool mats or damp towels. Many Lappies love a chilled surface to sprawl out on.

🛡 Fans. Pedestal or floor fans can keep air moving and make a big difference.

🌴 Sandpit or clam shell. Filled with cool sand or water, these can become a favourite summer hangout.

🏡 Mind the house heat. Remember that closed rooms heat up fast, always leave safe, ventilated spaces if they’re indoors alone.

🐶 Brush, don’t shave. Removing dead coat helps, shaving damages.

🏵 Weight check. Carrying extra kilos makes the heat harder to handle.

🏃‍♀️ Exercise wisely. No walking, beach trips, or park visits in the middle of hot days. Early mornings or late evenings are best.

🏊‍♀️ Clam shell pool with ice. A fun and cooling way to let them dip in and chill out.

🌱 Check surfaces. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

Final Thoughts

Finnish Lapphunds are far more adaptable to the Australian climate than many people think. Their coats are not a burden, they are a built in cooling and warming system designed to protect them. With some thoughtful summer care and precautions, your Lappie will thrive through the hottest months.

Remember: if you’re hot, your Lappie probably is too. And just like us, they’ll appreciate a cool drink, a shady spot, and a comfy place to rest.