Finnish Lapphund is the hardy and substantial reindeer herder from north of the Arctic Circle. Once he is certain that you are not a thief of reindeer, this type of dog is among the nicest of all. Finnish Lapphunds are easily distinguished from other Nordic dogs because to their luxurious coat, endearing spitz-like face, and thickly covered tail that curves over the back. They are swift and dexterous, moving with ease and being able to transition quickly from trotting to full galloping. Lappies are affectionate and obedient companions, albeit a little leery of strangers. A strong “startle reflex” that developed over centuries of dodging rogue reindeer antlers is a distinguishing attribute of the breed.
Finnish Lapphund dogs measure 18 to 21 inches in height, while bitches measure 16 to 19 inches, at the shoulder. The usual weight range is 33 to 53 pounds.
Finnish Lapphunds are usually healthy dogs, with the life expectancy being 12 to 15 years.
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The Lapphund, often known as the “Lapps’ dog,” is a heavily covered spitz-type dog that the Sami evolved in the past to hunt reindeer across vast stretches of desolate tundra. As reindeer herders, the Sami moved sizable herds of reindeer in search of pastureland. The Lapphund evolved alongside Sami civilization. They continued to serve as hunting dogs, guard dogs, and close companions to their humans while transitioning, like their masters, from hunting reindeer to herding them. Even though technology has encroached over traditional reindeer range, Lapland still contains several hundred thousand reindeer, and it is still possible to watch the Finnish Lapphund and its sister breed, the Swedish Lapphund, driving herds through the wide icy north.
The first thing people notice when they watch Finnish Lapphunds ringside is the array of colors and markings. Lappies (what we affectionally call the breed) should be easily recognizable, but they are not a cookie-cutter breed. Each dog is ...
