When Lappies lived alongside the Indigenous people of Lapland, their diet was incredibly sparse. Surviving in the Arctic was (and still is) no easy feat! Food sources were limited to Arctic berries, seasonal birds, seals, fish, and reindeer. But even then, reindeer were vital to survival, so only a few were slaughtered for food and humans food intake was prioritised.
For the reindeer herding dogs, this meant they received the smallest rations. In the Summer months, they were often left to fend for themselves, hunting small rodents to obtain their own food. Despite minimal food, these hardy dogs would routinely be expected to run 30-60km a day, especially when migrating areas.
I saw this myself first hand during my expedition to Arctic Russia in 2018. Here I lived with the Nenets Indigenous tribe, in order to study the 'Nenets Laika', a dog that is a close relative of the Finnish Lapphund and is used to this day by the Indigenous Nenets people for reindeer herding. The dogs I observed were 7-11kg (visual weight assessment only) and incredibly lean, by modern western standards we would say underweight. They were running upwards of 30km a day in the course of their 'work' for the day, and were provided with the most meagre of rations of food. Their one meal a day consisted of no more than 100g of left overs from sacrificed deer- not meat, the left over of organs, mixed with water and paper or cardboard from packaging brought into the area, which had been dissolved in water.
We do need to keep in mind when relaying conditions of Indigenous groups past and present, that there was not a consistent approach. Each family/tribe would have their own way of doing things- some similar, some the same, some entirely different. However it's reasonably safe to say that the reindeer herding dogs of the north were not generally provided with an abundant diet.
Due to generation after generation of reindeer herding dog living this way, Lappies have biologically become accustomed to surviving on small amounts of food. I also wonder whether Lapphunds have slower metabolisms, as is norm for animals that survive in extremely cold climates.
Fast Forward to Today
Nowadays, and in our Western world, we have an abundance of food, and we love to spoil our dogs. We adore their happy faces when they get treats! But the reality? Many Lappies today are overweight. 😔 Here’s why:
1. Feeding Recommendations on Packets 🌍
Lappies are genetically wired to need less food than most dogs. The standard feeding recommendations on dog food packets? They just don’t apply to this breed. Feeding them based on those guidelines is often too much!
2. A Distorted View of Healthy Weight 🏋️
Obesity is on the rise—not just for humans but for pets, too. We’ve become so used to seeing overweight dogs that even some vets might not recognize when a Lappie is carrying extra weight.
3. Portion Sizes That "Look Wrong" 😳
Because Lappies need so little food, their portions can seem shockingly small compared to what we expect. But feeding based on looks rather than actual needs leads to unnecessary weight gain.
4. Conflicting Information Online 🌐
Lappies are still relatively new in modern hands, and misinformation is everywhere. With their wide range of sizes (actual heights from 38cm to 55cm!), ideal weights vary wide, making it impossible for owners to focus on a set goal weight.
5. Loving Them Too Much 💕
We all want to spoil our Lappies, but overfeeding is literally loving them to death. Excess weight contributes to serious health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and even heat intolerance in summer.
What’s a Healthy Weight for an Orical Lappie?
We do have a few exceptions, but by and large Orical Lappies are generally on the small to average size.
Normal weights for Orical Lappies:
Females: 10kg - 14kg
Males: 14kg - 17kg
If your Lappie weighs more than this, they may be overweight.
Puppy Feeding Guide 🍽️
Baby puppies: Can eat as much as they want, 3 times a day (Generally is 150-600g raw per day).
4-7 months: Slowly reduce food intake, feel their waist and adjust portion sizes accordingly.
By 7 months: They should be on adult-sized portions (150g-250g for females, 200g-400g for males).
8-12 months: Be extra cautious—excess weight at this stage can permanently damage growing joints and bones! 🦴
* Figures are for raw feeding and do not apply for kibble feeding. Also does not allow for treats, adjust if treats are given.
Important Feeding Tips 💡
✔ Gave treats today? Reduce dinner size.
✔ Gave a meaty bone? That counts as dinner!
✔ Less activity today? Feed less.
✔ Neutered? Reduce food by 25-50%—their metabolism slows dramatically! 📉
And remember: Hunger is NOT an indicator of how much to feed. Lappies are programmed by nature to always feel hungry for survival. Be strong—it’s for their own good! ✅
Stay Vigilant! ⚡
With my own Lappies, I notice their weight can change in just two weeks. A raw diet varies in calorie content, so constant monitoring is key.
Unfortunately, I often see Orical Lappies at 16-20kg for females and 18-22kg for males. That’s obese, and it will impact their long-term health. This is a sensitive topic, but as a breeder, I feel a duty to be honest with you—I know you want your Lappie to live a long, happy life! ❤️
If your female Orical Lappie is over 15kg, she’s likely overweight.
If your male Orical Lappie is over 17kg, he’s likely overweight.
That said, some females at 14kg and males at 16kg are also overweight—it depends on their build!
We’re Here to Help! 🐶
Want a weight assessment? Send us a video of your Lappie walking and running (side-on), along with their weight and diet info, and we’ll help as best we can!
You can also consult:
Katrina (co-breeder & experienced Lappie pet sitter/owner- you'll often find her at a Sydney show)
Kaylene Innes (expert Lappie groomer & pet sitter, will give you honest and spot on advice on body weight during grooms)
Unfortunately I have seen many obese Lappies being told that they are a healthy weight by vets. One such dog was 10kg overweight, and sadly had developed hip problems due to the excess weight.
We’re here for you and your Lappie—because keeping them at a healthy weight is completely within your control. Let’s keep our beloved Lappies happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come! 🤗✨
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