Finnish Lapphund
A young race with a long history
The Finnish Lapphund is a way, the youngest of the three breeds that originated in the Sami's working dogs. Although Sami long used these dogs as herding dogs in herding was it was not until 1968 that the first two Finnish Lapphund of today's type is registered by the Finnish Kennel Club. During the 40 - and 50 century there was in Finland a kind of "southern" Finnish Lapphund. A type of dog that did not meet the requirements of the arctic and reconstitution of other races was clear. The type was called Kukonharju-type after the name of the kennel that was leading during this period. The official name was "lapin paimenkoira". Directly translated to Swedish Lapland is the shepherd, not to be confused with today's Lapland herding which in Finnish is "lapinporokoira". The standard for this type of early Finnish Lapphund adopted by FKK 1945th
Today's Finnish Lapphund
The story of today's Finnish Lapland dogs begins in Lapland in 1950 - and 1960's. Then, a number of expeditions to survey the Sami dogs. From the very diverse material could be mainly distinguish two different types of dogs. The first one was longer than it was tall, had short hair and was a well angled trotter, what later became the origin of the Lappish Herder. The second type was a nearly square, long-haired and moderately angled gallop, what is today called the Finnish Lapphund. In the late 60's and early 70's, so was the main difference between these two races consist of the coat texture, which is shorter in the Lappish Herder. It did not take as much account of the body structure. It had the effect of long-haired offspring of Lappish herding dogs were registered as Finnish Lapland dogs. Consequently, both breeds some common ancestors. During the early 70th century it was considered that the type of patch dogs that were found during research trips in Lapland was the right one. The former type was rejected and in 1975 adopted a new breed standard. In principle, the breed was built up again by the dogs that were taken from the Sami. Even today one pattern into the Sami in the breed in order to broaden the genetic base. The breed standard has since been changed several times, particularly of the withers and approved colors. The breeding process of the Finnish Lapland dog has been influenced by the varying colors found naturally in the breed. In old photographs you can see that Sami's dogs had the most varied colors. There are also a number of names for different colored dogs in the Sami language. All colors are allowed but the basic color should be dominant, abnormal signs may be present on the head, neck, neck, chest, legs and tail.
An all-around friendly dog
The breed standard says that the Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent, brave, calm, docile and willing dog with soft features. There is one in all respects consistent description of the all-around dog, the Finnish Lapphund is today. To some extent, still used by the Finnish Sami reindeer dog but is now mostly a companion dog. The Finnish Lapphund is very social, obedient and pleasant, it is therefore suitable as a family dog. Its heavy coat is both beautiful and easy care.
The breed was recognized at the mill and obedience field. 1998 won, for example, a Finnish Lapphund Finnish championship in obedience and a Swedish-Finnish Lapphund managed that year to take the silver medal in the rescue World Cup.
Finnish Lapphund is today one of Finland's most popular breeds in the home country are recorded annually about 1500 puppies. In Sweden, the breed's popularity increased in recent years and 2008 registered nearly 600 puppies.
Quick facts
Application:
Originally used in reindeer herding and guard dog. Today is also a popular companion dog.
Overall impression:
Slightly below average size. Strongly built in proportion to its size. With long, thick coat and erect ears. All colors are allowed.
Behaviour / Character:
Intelligent, courageous, calm and willing to learn. Friendly and very affectionate.
Size:
Ideal height for males is 49 cm and females 44 cm. Tolerance of ± 3 cm.
Fur:
Profuse, especially males have a distinct collar. The outer coat is long, straight and slightly coarse. On head and front of legs, the hair is shorter. There should be plenty of soft, dense undercoat. Despite the abundant hair that does not require an extensive grooming. HAIR allows the formation of tangles and normally fall under the wool only twice a year.
Source: Swedish Lapphund Club translated with Google Translator for the moment