Finnish Lapphund

Dogs of Lapponian type have lived with the Sami across northern Finland, Sweden and Norway for a very long time, first as hunting dogs and later, as reindeer husbandry developed, as herders. The job required a dog that could gather and move animals that were never truly tame, work in deep snow and extreme cold, and survive on very little. Its herding style relies heavily on barking to move and control the herd, which is why the modern breed is so vocal.

Formal breeding began only in the twentieth century. Finnish and Swedish enthusiasts recorded the Lapponian herding dogs after the Second World War, and a standard was first drawn up in the mid-1940s. Long-coated and short-coated dogs were originally registered under a single name, but in 1967 the Finnish Kennel Club separated them: the long-coated dog became the Finnish Lapphund and the short-coated one the Lapponian Herder. The related Swedish Lapphund is a separate breed.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognises the Finnish Lapphund in Group 5, among the Nordic watchdogs and herders. It is one of the most popular breeds in Finland, consistently near the top of national registration figures, but it remains uncommon elsewhere. The American Kennel Club admitted the breed to the Herding Group in 2011, and The Kennel Club registers it in the Pastoral Group. A few still work reindeer in Lapland; most are family dogs and sport dogs.

This is a medium-sized, strongly built spitz that is slightly longer than tall. Males stand roughly eighteen to twenty-one inches at the withers and females about sixteen to nineteen, with weight generally between thirty-three and fifty-three pounds. The head is broad with a distinct stop, the eyes are oval and dark with a soft expression, and the ears are set wide, small to medium, and usually erect, though tipped ears occur. The tail is well furnished and carried curled over the back in movement.

The coat is a profuse double coat: a short, soft, dense undercoat under a long, coarse, straight outer coat that stands off the body, with a pronounced ruff around the neck and shoulders that is more marked in males. All colours are permitted by the standard, with the base colour dominant and lighter markings on the head, neck, chest, legs and tail, which is why black and tan, sable, wolf sable, brown, cream and domino patterns are all seen. The pale markings around the eyes, the spectacles, are typical though not required.

Finnish Lapphunds are notably friendly. They are affectionate with their families, generally sociable with other dogs, usually good with children, and pleased rather than suspicious when visitors arrive. Alertness is separate from suspicion: the dog will announce a caller loudly and then greet them. Owners often describe a courageous but gentle dog, calm indoors once exercised and eager to be involved in whatever the household is doing.

Barking is the trait most likely to surprise a new owner. A herding dog that worked reindeer by voice barks readily, and left unmanaged that can become a habit. It is trainable but needs deliberate attention from puppyhood. A related instinct is a strong reaction to fast movement, so many Lapphunds want to chase and will herd children, joggers or cyclists unless taught otherwise, and a reliable recall in open country takes real work.

Mentally the breed is quick and willing but not slavish. It learns fast, enjoys training and thrives on being useful, yet it retains the northern dog's habit of assessing whether a request is worthwhile. Lapphunds are also sensitive to their people's mood and do not respond well to harsh corrections. They dislike being left alone for long stretches and do best in a household where someone is around much of the day.

The original job was herding reindeer for the Sami, and the breed still does this in parts of Lapland, gathering and steering animals over open ground and through snow. Earlier generations were also used as hunting and general camp dogs. The traits that job produced, endurance, cold tolerance, sound judgement and a loud voice, are all still present in the modern dog.

In sport and service the Lapphund does well in herding trials, agility, obedience, rally, tracking and scentwork, and it is a natural for mushing and skijoring given its coat and stamina. Its friendly, steady manner suits it to therapy visiting. As a family dog it fits an active household with a garden and cool weather better than a warm flat, and it enjoys hiking, snow and long days outdoors.