Lapponian Herder

Other names : Lapland Reindeer Dog, Reindeer Herder, Lapinporokoira, Lapsk vallhund

Photo: adult dog of Lapponian Herder breed
© Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Lapponian Herder breed
© Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock

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. 

Checked by animal care professional
Comment Share

Life expectancy

The Lapponian Herder has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years

Temperament

Size

Medium

Adult size

Female Between 17 and 19 in
Male Between 19 and 21 in

Adult weight

Female Between 55 and 60 lb
Male Between 55 and 60 lb
Coat colour
Black
Type of coat
Long Hard
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Lapponian Herder costs between £735 and £1

Good to know

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.

FCI classification of the Lapponian Herder

  • Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

  • Section 3 : Nordic Watchdogs and Herders

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 Draconian measures will cause this dog to become withdrawn and aggressive.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: 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.

Do you want a Lapponian Herder dog ?

Oh no...
There are no Lapponian Herder adoption profiles at the moment...

Animals for adoption
Do you have a question about the Lapponian Herder ?

Is the Lapponian Herder right for you?

take the test
Leave a comment on this breed
Connect to comment
If you want to share this profile: