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About Finnish Lapphunds
The original Finnish Lapphunds were the helper dogs of a tribe of semi-nomadic people, the Sami located in Lapland (the northern region of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and in part, Russia). Archeological digs in Lapland have unearthed remains of Lapponian dogs estimated as old as 7000 BC. Over hundreds of years, the originally nomadic Sami culture evolved into a more sedentary existence, which revolved around the keeping of reindeer herds. (learn more about Finnish Lapphund history here).
“The Finnish Lapphund is a medium sized breed that combines the look of the northern type dog with the temperament of the herding dog.They are intelligent, alert, agile, friendly and eager to learn. Developed to live and work outside, north of the Arctic Circle, the breed is strongly built and thickly coated. These dogs were never intended as guardians, and are particularly submissive towards people. Despite its strength, the Finnish Lapphund conveys a certain softness, particularly in expression. Males are recognizably masculine and females feminine.” (AKC Breed Standard)
Breed Characteristics
This is a breed that has a rainbow of colors! Many different colors and markings making no one dog look the same even if they are the same color. That is one of the many fun things about this breed.
The ideal male stands at 19.5 inches tall and females at 17.5 inches.
The head and expression is one of the most identifying features of the Finnish Lapphund. The head is strong, but expression soft.
The tail is mobile and often drops at rest while relaxed. While in motion, the tail is carried curled over the back.
Movement is effortless and changes easily from a trot to a gallop, which is the most natural style of movement for the breed. This is a single tracking breed.