About Finnish Lapphunds
Finnish Lapphund brochure [PDF, 1.7MB]
Origin & Purpose
The Finnish Lapphund traces its origin back to the dogs kept by the Lapp people. They were used as reindeer herders and watchdogs in Finnish Scandinavia and in the northern parts of Russia. Over the years, as reindeer herding subsided, the dogs were effectively used on sheep and cattle. The breed name was changed from Lapponian Herder to Lapphund in 1967 and again changed in 1993 to Finnish Lapphund. Today the breed is very popular in the whole of Finland, mainly as a house and hobby dog.
General Appearance
Smaller than medium sized, its conformation is strong for its size, slightly longer than the height at the withers. Long and thick coated with pricked ears.
Important Proportions: The depth of the body is slightly less than half of the height at the withers. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. The skull is slightly longer than broad, the depth is the same as the breadth.
Temperament
Keen, calm and willing to learn. Friendly and faithful. Excellent with children.
Size
Ideal height for males at the withers: 49 cm (19 inches)
Ideal height for females at the withers: 44 cm (17 inches)
With a tolerance of +/- 3 cm (just over 1 inch)
Type is more important than size
Coat
Skin: Tight overall without wrinkles.
Hair: Profuse, the males especially have an abundant mane.
The outer coat is long, straight and harsh. On the head and on the front of the legs, the coat is shorter. There must be a soft and dense undercoat.
Colour
All colours are permitted. The basic colour must be dominant. Colours other than the basic colour can occur on head, neck, chest, underside of the body, on legs and tail.
From: CKC Standard (Finnish Kennel Club translation March 1999)