One of the dog breeds that is native to Finland, the Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, muscular, medium-sized spitz-type dog with a friendly disposition, who is very keen to learn. It is one of the dogs that the  nomadic people of Northern Scandinavia employed to hunt and herd reindeers.

The Finnish Lapphund is used by the Saami people to assist them with herding reindeers. They are also used as watchdogs and family companions. The Finnish Lapphund is an old breed believed to be around since the 7000 BC based from various archeological cave paintings and writings showing the presence of Arctic spit breeds during those periods. It was believed that they were originally a guarding/hunting breed, able to protect the reindeer herd and same time hunt for food. With further domestication, the Saami found that these Arctic dogs are quite intelligent and trainable for herding purposes.

Although the breeds official recognition in North America is quite recent, they are quite popular as herding dogs and family pets in Finland and in other European countries. Here in North America, the breed is becoming more visible, through the efforts of various individuals who been taking on the task of showing and promoting the breed in various venues and dog competitions. As of 2005, there are over 300 registered Finnish Lapphunds here in North America.

 

Character and General Appearance

The Finnish Lapphund is neither shy nor aggresive, quite intelligent,friendly toward people and other dogs. At the same time, he possessess an independent streak. Mild mannered and eager to please, he exhibits a strong sense of loyalty to its family. Sometimes, one wonders if he sees his family as reindeer herd, a flock to be tended. Being a working breed, his trainability and ability to learn is quite apparent, qualities that makes him suitable to excel in dogs sports.

The breed is relatively a well balanced dog of small to medium size with a strong base and muscle. The average female Lapphund is smaller from its male counterpart and characterwise is more biddable. Males range in
height from 46-52 cms (18-20.5 inches) while females range from 41-47 cms (16-18.5 inches). However, the breed standard specified that type is more important than the size. He is a genuine arctic spitz with long, straight and coarse coat, and a thick dense downy undercoat, commonly categorized as a "double coat.” The harshness of its coat needs minimal maintenance and is quite water resistant. Features that proves valuable in the harsh climates of the Arctic. The ears which are small to medium sized are either pricked (erect), or have folded tips and are well furnished with hair inside.

All colours are allowed as long as one basic primary colour is dominant with colours other than the main colour occuring in the head, neck, chest or the underside of the body. Another interesting feature of the lapphund is the presence of spectacles, the light hair colouring around the eyes that gives an impression of the dog wearing"eyeglasses".