Description: Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, intelligent breed originally used for herding reindeer in its native Finland. Known for its friendly demeanor and excellent working capabilities, this breed exhibits a striking appearance with its thick, luxurious coat, which can come in black, sable, and white among other colors. Characterized by keen intelligence and a gentle disposition, Finnish Lapphunds are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, though they do best with space to roam and play. They are highly trainable, which makes them a good fit for a variety of dog sports and activities. This breed is also known for being particularly good with children, making them an excellent choice for a family pet.
Finnish Lapphund ratings
Properties
The Finnish Lapphund, a breed that hails from the arctic regions of Scandinavia, is primarily known as a hardy and competent herding dog. This breed's origin traces back to the traditional reindeer herders of the Sami people, an indigenous group from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and parts of Russia. Despite its working heritage, the Finnish Lapphund has garnered admiration not only for its utilitarian skills but also for its friendly character, making it a beloved pet and companion.
This breed is characterized by its robust and muscular build, thick double coat, and expressive, often fox-like features. Typically, their coat can be found in a range of colors including black, sable, and white, often with distinct markings. The breed's double coat not only serves aesthetic purposes but is also highly functional, providing insulation against severe arctic temperatures. The Finnish Lapphund's bushy tail, which curls over the back, and their alert, prick ears give them a lively and intelligent appearance.
The Finnish Lapphund stands about 16 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a medium-sized breed. Their weight ranges from about 33 to 53 pounds, with males typically being larger than females. This size contributes to their agility and stamina, important traits for a breed used to the demanding physical activities associated with herding.
Temperamentally, Finnish Lapphunds are known for their good nature. They are affectionate with families and excellent with children, often displaying a patient and protective demeanor. Additionally, they are typically friendly towards strangers and other dogs, although they maintain a certain level of alertness and wariness typical of herding breeds. Intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to training, though their independent nature may require a consistent and understanding approach.
Finnish Lapphunds are also incredibly versatile. Besides their traditional role as herders, they excel in various dog sports and activities including agility, obedience, and rally. Their resilience and adaptability make them suitable for both country and city living, provided they are given sufficient exercise to meet their high energy levels. Overall, the Finnish Lapphund is a hearty, friendly, and capable breed, ideal for those who can provide active engagement and a loving home.
Appearance
The Finnish Lapphund is a robust and hardy breed characterized by its thick double coat and wolf-like features that enable it to withstand the harsh Arctic climate. Originally bred by the Sami people of Finland to assist in herding reindeer, this breed combines utility with beauty, making it a popular choice both as a working dog and a companion.
Standing at about 16 to 21 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 33 to 53 pounds, the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog with a strong, muscular build. The breed features a broad head with a slightly convex skull, a pronounced stop, and a snout that tapers but is not pointed. Their expressive, oval-shaped eyes are usually brown and give the face an alert, intelligent look. The ears are medium in size, triangular, and stand erect when the dog is attentive, contributing to their keen and lively expression.
The Finnish Lapphund's most distinctive feature is its luxurious double coat, which serves as insulation against extreme cold. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is longer and coarser, with a profuse mane around the neck and chest, especially prominent in males. This coat can come in various colors and combinations, including black, sable, and wolf-sable, with typical markings on the face, chest, and legs.
The breed has a feathered tail that curls over the back when the dog is active or excited. Its gait is effortless and displays good drive, suited to its origins as a tireless herding dog capable of navigating the varied terrains of its native Lapland. Overall, the Finnish Lapphund's appearance is both functional, aiding in its original working roles, and aesthetically pleasing, exhibiting balance and agility in a sturdy frame.
Regular grooming is essential to maintain the coat's condition and manage shedding, especially during the change of seasons. The breed's friendly demeanor, intelligence, and adaptability also make it an excellent family dog, capable of participating in various canine sports and activities while still being a relaxed and affectionate home companion. This combination of physical attributes and versatile abilities ensures the Finnish Lapphund not only excels in the fields but also makes a wonderful pet and show dog.
History
The Finnish Lapphund has its roots deeply embedded in the culture and survival of the Sámi people, indigenous to the Arctic areas of Scandinavia and Russia known commonly as Lapland. These dogs were traditionally used for hunting and later, predominantly for herding reindeer. The harsh conditions of the Arctic shaped the Finnish Lapphund into an extremely hardy and adaptable breed.
The history of the Finnish Lapphund can be traced back hundreds of years, but it wasn't until after World War II that the breed began to be formally recognized. During the war, the border changes and the displacement of populations also displaced many of the native dogs. Post-war efforts by Nordic enthusiasts sought to preserve and standardize native breeds, including what would be officially named the Finnish Lapphund.
The Finnish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1945 and set the first breed standard. In Finnish, the breed is known as 'Suomenlapinkoira'. At this time, distinctions between various Lapphund breeds were made, separating Finnish Lapphunds from Swedish Lapphunds and Norwegian Buhunds, acknowledging slight differences in size, features, and temperament.
Throughout the 20th century, the Finnish Lapphund gained popularity in its homeland as both a working dog and a companion animal. However, it remained relatively unknown outside Scandinavia until the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The breed has slowly begun to attract attention internationally because of its engaging personality, intelligence, and versatility. It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) under the herding group in 2011 way to cater to its growing popularity in the United States.
Today, the Finnish Lapphund is not just a pastoral dog but also excels in various canine sports and activities, including agility and obedience, and is cherished for its good-natured disposition. It is still used in some parts of Scandinavia for reindeer herding, maintaining its working heritage. As a family pet, it is known for being amiable and gentle, making an excellent addition to households with children and other pets. Its adaptability and friendly demeanor, coupled with its striking appearance and intelligence, continue to increase its popularity across the globe.