Lapphund | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 12 years

Exercise

Lapphunds thrive with daily long walks and regular engaging play sessions.

Grooming Needs

Lapphunds require regular brushing, ideally several times a week, to manage their thick double coat and reduce shedding. Occasional baths and routine checks for mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs, are also important.

Country of Origin

Finland

Adaptability

Lapphunds are highly adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments, provided they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Shedding Level

Lapphunds shed consistently year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes.

Energiness

The Lapphund is a lively and active breed, needing regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Lapphunds are known to be quite vocal and often bark to communicate or alert their owners.

Trainability

Lapphunds are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to consistent, positive training methods.

Dietary Needs

Lapphunds need a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats to support their active lifestyle and maintain their thick coat.

Weight Range

15-24 kg

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

For Whom?

The Lapponian Herder, an energetic and adventurous breed, is well-suited for an active household that understands and caters to its needs. This dog thrives in a family that enjoys outdoor activities and exploring nature. It requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so its owner should be prepared to spend time engaging in various activities such as long walks, hikes, or agility training.

Since the Lapponian Herder is also very social, it fits well into a family with other dogs or children. Its gentle nature and playful attitude make it an excellent playmate, yet it is robust enough to handle more vigorous play. This breed also needs mental challenges, so puzzle games and training sessions are important for its well-being.

Although the Lapponian Herder is adaptable and flexible, it needs space to move and explore, so a very cramped urban environment might not be the most comfortable for it. An ideal setting would be a detached house with a safe, fenced yard where it can freely romp around. However, this does not mean that a Lapponian Herder cannot adapt to city life, as long as it is provided with sufficient activities and connections to nature.

The owner of a Lapponian Herder should be patient and consistent in training, as the breed's typical stubbornness can sometimes pose challenges. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback are crucial when shaping the behavior of this intelligent and independent breed. The dog's natural desire to please and work alongside humans makes training rewarding for both parties.

The Lapponian Herder is more than just a pet; it is a family member that brings joy, energy, and a sense of security. A home that understands and appreciates these qualities is the ideal place for this magnificent northern breed.

Character

Affectionate

Energetic

Intelligent

Loyal

The Lapland Reindeer Dog, originating from the harsh northern landscapes, is truly a heart of gold. Its loyal and fearless nature makes it an excellent companion for both everyday life and adventure. This brave and confident dog is born to lead and protect, doing so with a big heart and without conditions.

The Lapland Reindeer Dog is extremely intelligent and quick to learn, making it a versatile working dog and a dream partner for an active family. It loves learning new things and is always ready for new challenges, whether it's obedience training, agility, or long hiking trips in nature. With this dog, you'll never get bored as it's always eager and curious to try new things.

Locally known as "Lappari," it is very social and friendly. It gets along well with other dogs and also with children, being gentle yet playful. It is a loyal guardian and friend to its family, intuitively knowing when to be alert and when to relax together with the family.

This breed is not just a pet, but a full-fledged family member that brings joy, security, and a love for adventure. Its ability to adapt to different conditions and life situations is admirable, making it an invaluable friend and companion to many families. With its endurance and perseverance, the Lapland Reindeer Dog is perfectly suited to the Finnish landscape, where it can live and function with all its heart.

Although the Lapland Reindeer Dog is proud and strong-willed, it is also tender-hearted and loving. It enjoys the company of its family and is always ready to share the joys and sorrows of the day. Its gentle eyes and warm presence melt hearts and make each day unique. Lappari is a versatile friend that brings genuine northern magic to life.

History

The Lapphund, or Finnish Lapphund, has roots as deep in the traditional nomadic culture of northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway as the mountains that slice through these rugged regions. This breed has lived in seamless coexistence with the Sami people for centuries, originally tasked with herding and protecting reindeer herds from predators and other threats.

Passed down from one Sami generation to the next, Lapphunds were prized for their excellent instinctual herding abilities and their capacity to endure harsh weather conditions. Their dense coats protected them from the cold and moisture, while their natural caution and independence made them valuable work partners for reindeer herders.

In the early 20th century, as farming and reindeer herding methods began to change, the roles of Lapphunds shifted. They began to lose their status as herding dogs, and the breed was at risk of disappearing. Fortunately, there was a growing appreciation and deliberate breeding effort to preserve their unique heritage and characteristics for future generations.

Today, the Lapphund is a popular family pet, still retaining many of the traits that made it a valued work companion in the harsh conditions of Lapland. Friendly, intelligent, and trainable, its gentle nature makes it an excellent companion for both children and adults. The Lapphund's herding instinct remains intact, and it enjoys tasks that allow it to use its intelligence and collaborate with humans.

The story of the Lapphund is one of survival and adaptation. Although its original roles have evolved over time, it has found a new place alongside humans, offering love, companionship, and loyalty to those who value its unique character and history.