Lapponian Herder

The medium to long coat is usually black in different shades, sometimes seen of grey or dark brown. 

Double coated: the topcoat is straight and harsh and the undercoat is fine and dense. 

Dark brown.

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. 

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. 

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 Draconian measures will cause this dog to become withdrawn and aggressive.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

The Lapponian should not be considered as a first dog. The dog requires structured, consistent and clever training.

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. 

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 sheds continuously throughout the year. 

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

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.