What makes the Lapponian Herder Unique?
The Lapponian Herder a very energetic, friendly, loyal and affectionate working breed. It loves pleasing its owner and forms strong bonds with its family. This people-oriented dog loves being involved in any activity with its family and makes a great companion. If you socialize your dog properly it will get along well with even small children.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 48 to 54 cm (19 to 21 inches) Females – 43 to 49 cm (17 to 19 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 27 to 30 kg (60 to 66 pounds) Females – 27 to 30 kg (60 to 66 pounds) |
| Origin: | Finland |
| Life Span: | 12 – 14 Years |
| Colour: | Black, Black & Brown, Dark Brown / Chocolate, Gray / Salt & Pepper |
| Litter Size: | No record found. |
Is the Lapponian Herder Right For You?
Pastor Lapponian can participate in trials dog agility, carting, mushing, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Herders Lapland exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
As a family pet, the dog displays its calm, friendly and even temperament. It has a sweet nature which is more evident when this playful and lively dog is interacting with children. It is very tolerant of rough handling by children and does not react. Though it is a very friendly breed for its family, the dog is reserved around strangers. With its propensity to bark when playing or working and its alert and protective nature, the dog makes an excellent watch dog. It has a dominant nature around other dogs and pets and will need early age training and socialization. The Lapinporokoira or Laponian herder is an excellent working as well as companion dog for active families that can fulfill high exercise demands of this dog and provide it with a large yard to play and run.
In 5 Words
- Docile
- Vocal
- Calm
- Energetic
- Friendly
Characteristics
Learn About the Lapponian Herder
Description
General Description
A medium sized, spitz-like race, clearly longer than high, with strong but not heavy bone and muscle, and a layer that resists the Arctic climate. The sex of the dog should be readily apparent by visual examination.
Size
The dog is longer than tall. Height should be 51 cm (20 in) at the withers for males, 46 cm (18 in) for females. Males and females should look distinctly different. Weight is between 55-65 pounds, males usually heavier than females.
Coat
Double, outer layer with very long, straight, hard and erect. The inner layer is thin and dense. The hair is usually more abundant in the neck, chest and back of the thighs.
Short History of the Lapponian Herder
It is thought that the Lapponian Herder evolved from dogs that have inhabited the northern parts of Scandinavia since pre-historic times. The origin of the breed is the subject of much debate, however, as the Lapponian Herder clearly deviates from traditional Spitz-type dogs.
The earliest information on reindeer husbandry in Lapland dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and the first mentions of reindeer-herding dogs were included in the book Lapponia, which was published in 1674.
As a breed, the Lapponian Herder is centuries old. An effort was made to launch organised breeding in the late 1930s, but this failed to achieve visible results. Systematic kennel work extended to the breed only in the 1950s.
Temperament
The Lapinporokoira or Laponian Herder is an obedient, docile, intelligent and calm but very energetic dog. It is ready to do work when the owner is ready otherwise it will relax in the house. Not couch potatoes by any means, this dog is very energetic and will need to do work. As an excellent herding dog, it travels miles after miles to herd the reindeers without being hampered by snow. With a pleasing appearance, this tireless and devoted worker dog has been an excellent herding partner for its human masters. It is highly valued for its skills as a herding dog in Sami people or Lapps. This intelligent breed learns fast and is easy to train. As a family pet, the dog displays its calm, friendly and even temperament. It has a sweet nature which is more evident when this playful and lively dog is interacting with children. It is very tolerant of rough handling by children and does not react. Though it is a very friendly breed for its family, the dog is reserved around strangers. With its propensity to bark when playing or working and its alert and protective nature, the dog makes an excellent watch dog. It has a dominant nature around other dogs and pets and will need early age training and socialization. The Lapinporokoira or Laponian herder is an excellent working as well as companion dog for active families that can fulfill high exercise demands of this dog and provide it with a large yard to play and run.
Caring for Your Lapponian Herder
Grooming & Bathing
The fairly long coat is self-cleaning but brushing it once or twice a week will help distribute skin oils evenly to the body. Teeth and ears should be cleaned once per week.
Exercise & Training
Pastor Lapponian can participate in trials dog agility, carting, mushing, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Herders Lapland exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
Lapponian Herder Picture Gallery
