Lapponian Herder
Other names : Lapland Reindeer Dog, Reindeer Herder, Lapinporokoira, Lapsk vallhund
The Lapponian herder is a rare breed of dog unique to Finland. It is one of three Scandinavian Lapphund types that are descended from a dog used by the Sami people for herding and guarding reindeer. This particular breed is thought to have come about as a result of a union between a female wolf and male dog after domestication.
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Life expectancy |
The Lapponian Herder has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Medium
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Adult size |
Female
Between 17 and 19 in
Male
Between 19 and 21 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 55 and 60 lb
Male
Between 55 and 60 lb
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Coat colour
The medium to long coat is usually black in different shades, sometimes seen of grey or dark brown. |
Black
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Type of coat
Double coated: the topcoat is straight and harsh and the undercoat is fine and dense. |
Long
Hard
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Eye colour
Dark brown. |
Brown
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Purchase price |
The Lapponian Herder costs between £735 and £1 |
It is not wise to try to force the Lapponian to interact with new visitors. The dog will be painfully shy to begin with and will ‘meet and greet’ when it is ready. Patience on behalf of the owner will ensure a meeting between the dog and new people takes place without a hitch.
More details about the Lapponian Herder
Lapponian Herder: Origins and history
The ancient Sami tribes of Scandinavia have bred Spitz-type dogs for herding and flock protection for centuries. Most reindeer dogs were lost to the villainy of the Nazi occupation. Following the war local breeders attempted to recreate the original Sami reindeer dog. The breed enjoyed a resurgence of numbers in the 1950s and 60s and its popularity continues to this day.
Physical characteristics of the Lapponian Herder
This dog is longer in body than it is high at the withers. It is a strong and muscular dog perfectly adapted to Arctic weather. The ears are abundantly feathered and stand small and pricked. The dog’s gait is effortless and lilting.
FCI classification of the Lapponian Herder
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Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
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Section 3 : Nordic Watchdogs and Herders
Lapponian Herder: Characteristics
An affectionate and even-tempered dog is the well-socialised Lapponian.
This is a playful and energetic dog that does not shy from boisterous play. Play may be interspersed with periods of docile inaction.
A calm dog, yet alert and fully aware of its surroundings; the Lapponian is not quick to fright.
An intelligent dog, the Lapponian enjoys exercise and obeys commands; it has a great desire to please its owner.
The Lapponian is a herding dog rather than a hunter. It is not likely to exhibit predatory behaviour but it is known to be aggressive towards other dogs and animals.
Lapponians tend to be very wary of new people and take some time to warm to a visitor in their home.
The Lapponian can be wilful and dominant, but its love of praise and family love dampens any desire it may have to take command of the household.
Lapponian Herder: Behaviour
The Lapponian does not tolerate solitude particularly well.
Firmness, patience and confidence are needed of a trainer for this dog. The Lapponian will respond well to training that is consistent and forthright. Draconian measures will cause this dog to become withdrawn and aggressive.
This dog tends to bark regularly, especially when it feels threatened.
The Lapponian can easily be taught the recall command and will on most occasions respond to it. However, training and reinforcement of the command are necessary to ensure this dog does not run away.
The Lapponian can cause extensive damage inside the house if it is anxious and upset.
The Lapponian is not known to be a glutton.
The Lapponian is an excellent watchdog. Its bark is backed up by fearlessness.
Training a Lapponian Herder
Firmness, patience and confidence are needed of a trainer for this dog. The Lapponian will respond well to training that is consistent and forthright. Draconian measures will cause this dog to become withdrawn and aggressive.
Lapponian Herder: Lifestyle
A flat is too small and confined a space in which to keep such a highly-strung animal.
The Lapponian needs a great deal of outdoor exercise and family interaction.
A well-trained Lapponian will tolerate travel.
Breed compatibility Lapponian Herder
This dog is not suited to a household where a non-canine pet already resides.
Generally speaking, other dogs are not the friend of the Lapponian. This dog is very territorial.
This dog’s gentleness of spirit and love of boisterous play will appeal to children.
Because it is a dog that requires a lot of exercise the Lapponian is not a good choice for people of senior years.
The Lapponian should not be considered as a first dog. The dog requires structured, consistent and clever training.
Lapponian Herder: Purchase price
Expect to pay anywhere between £735 and £1,400 for a purebred puppy. It will cost between £80 to £110 per month to care for this breed.
Lapponian Herder: Grooming
This dog requires at least a weekly brushing. Using a slicker brush, de-shedder and metal comb will achieve the best results and keep the coat looking its best.
Lapponian Herder: Health
Overall the Lapponian is a healthy and robust breed of dog that is not prone to any specific illnesses. Its life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
This dog is fearless, strong and confident.
The Lapponian is reasonably tolerant of hot weather but will get hot very quickly due to its thick double coat.
The Lapponian is very tolerant of cold and wet weather. The coat must be dried thoroughly after a wet walk.
If a Lapponian is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will become obese.
- Ear Infections
- Gastric Torsion
- Hip and elbow Dysplasia
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