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History
The
Finnish Lapphund is a new as well as an old breed. It is believed that the
arctic spitz breed of Lapland descends as far as from 7000 BC. Being a part of
the Sami culture, the breed gradually changed from a guarding and hunting dog to
a reindeer herder.
The first breed standard was accepted in 1945, the
breed being then called "Lapponian Shepherd Dog". Square-typed, longhaired dogs
found in Lapland were given a breed standard in 1967. This breed forms the basis
of our current Lapphund. The Lapphund register is still open, allowing
"natural", unregistered dogs be admitted to the breed if they meet the standard.
The standard has been renewed in 1996. Since 1993 the official name of the breed
has been Finnish Lapphund.
The popularity of the Lapphund has been on the
increase, and throughout the 1990's it has been among the 15 most popular breeds
in Finland. In 1998, 579 Lapphund were registered.
Sue
and Rodger Dunger imported the first Lapphund into Britain in 1989 and in
November 1995 The Finnish Lapphund Club of Great Britain was provisionally
recognized by The Kennel Club.
Character
The
Lapphund is intelligent (even cunning), independent, humble and co-operative. As
a proof of his intelligence, a Lapphund thinks before going into action. He is a
quick learner. He likes to watch his family's life from aside, treating the
family as a reindeer herd,
a
flock to be tended. Being a humble herder, he will do everything for you upon
encouragement. He is easy to train, a most suitable companion for dog sports,
and also weatherproof.
A Lapphund dog differs from a bitch both in
appearance and in character. A bitch is smaller and more submissive. The breed
easily adapts to different circumstances, and can well be kept in an apartment
building.
Appearance
For a hundred years, the appearance of
the Lapphund has remained the same. He is a genuine arctic spitz with long,
straight and coarse coat, and a thick undercoat. The dog has an impressive
collar of hair. The expression is soft and humble with an individual look. The
ears are prick, or have folded tips.
All
colours are allowed as long as the primary colour is dominant. A Lapphund
specialty is a black dog with "eye-glasses".
The sexual distinctions
between a dog and a bitch are clear. The sexes must be easily distinguished from
one another. The dog and bitch stand 49 and 44 cm at the withers (3 cm less or
more is allowed) respectively. The right type is more important than the
size.
Health and Care
The Lapphund is one of the healthiest
breeds in Finland. Lapphund often reach the age of 13 to 15. A small percentage
of the Lapphund have PRA or HC, and very few hip dysplasia cases are found. The
Lapphund belongs to PEVISA (the program against inheritable diseases), which
requires examination of the breeding stock before the puppies can be
registered.
The thick coat demands only regular brushing and a wash once a
year.
Classification
Spitz
and primitive types
Size
Medium
Height
Males
49 cm (19.5 ins), Females 44cm (17 ins)
Grooming
Regular
Exercise
At
least twice a day
Activity
Medium
Good with children Yes
Good with dogs
Yes
Good with other pets
Yes
Secretary;
- Mrs. Irene Green
The Coach House
Ochiltree
Ayrshire
KA18
2NT
Tel: - 0129 700317
