Finnish LapphundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that for hundreds of years the Sami people have used dogs of this type as reindeer herders and guard dogs in northern Scandinavia, Finland and Russia. Wikipedia says the Finnish Lapphund most closely resembles the long-haired dogs used by the Sami, which were preferred in winter for working with reindeer herds.

The first standard, under the name “Lapponian Herder”, was set by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1945. The breed was called “Lapponian Dog” from 1967 and “Finnish Lapponian Dog” from 1993. In the 1970s the type and qualities of the breed became established.

How the breed developed

• Hundreds of years – The dogs work with the reindeer herds of the Sami people.
• 1945 – The first standard, under the name “Lapponian Herder”.
• 22 August 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1967 – The breed is renamed “Lapponian Dog”.
• 1993 – The breed is given the name “Finnish Lapponian Dog”.
• 30 September 2016 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a dog slightly below medium size, strongly built for its size, slightly longer than it is tall, with a long, dense coat. The AKC says it is surprisingly muscular and can go from a trot to a gallop in a second.

General appearance

The AKC says it is instantly recognisable as a northern breed by its profuse coat, sweet spitz face and bushy tail curled over the back. The erect ears are very mobile, and Wikipedia mentions the distinctive markings on the face.

The standard allows all colours, but the base colour must dominate. Other colours may appear on the head, neck, chest, legs and tail. Wikipedia mentions black and cream, black and tan, white and grey, brown and white, black, white and grey.

The standard describes it as intelligent, brave, calm and docile, friendly and faithful. The AKC says that, like other herding dogs, it is smart and learns quickly, but it can also be independent.

The AKC recommends early socialisation and puppy classes, with gentle exposure to new people, places and situations between 7 weeks and 4 months of age.

Tips for effective training

• Start socialisation early. The period between 7 weeks and 4 months is the most important.
• Use rewards. It learns quickly with positive methods.
• Work on the barking. The AKC gives it the top score for barking.
• Try herding. Many Lapphunds love herding trials.

The AKC says it is a calm dog with moderate exercise needs: one long, brisk walk a day is usually enough. It does not exercise much on its own, but half an hour of play with its owner or another dog keeps it happy.

Tips for a balanced life

• Do not clip it: the AKC says the coat helps it keep cool.
• In summer, give it shade and water.
• It copes very well with cold.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the double coat should be brushed weekly, and daily during shedding. Lapphunds have no doggy smell, so an occasional bath is enough. They should never be clipped.

Common health problems

The AKC says Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy, but a few problems can occur:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age. Too many treats lead to obesity, and table scraps should be given rarely or not at all.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Do not give it cooked bones.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The dog of the Sami people. The Sami have used it with their reindeer herds for hundreds of years.
• Three names in 50 years. The breed was renamed in 1967 and in 1993.
• No doggy smell. The AKC says it does not have the typical doggy smell.
• From trot to gallop in a second. The AKC says it is very fast and agile.
• Very popular at home. It is one of the most popular breeds in Finland.

What was the Finnish Lapphund bred for?

For guarding and herding the reindeer of the Sami people.

How big does it get?

Males ideally measure 49 cm and females 44 cm at the withers; they weigh about 15–24 kg.

Does it shed a lot?

Yes, the AKC gives it a high score for shedding; in season it must be brushed daily.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.