Understanding the Finnish Lapphund means delving into their unique characteristics, honed over thousands of years in the Arctic Circle. The breed’s work ethic, loyalty, and friendly nature were crucial for the survival of the Sami, a tribe of semi-nomadic people, in the harsh Arctic conditions.
The Finnish Lapphund, a medium-sized breed, sports a profuse coat adapted for hunting, protecting, and herding reindeer for the Sami. Their luscious warm coat is probably why this friendly breed with a sweet expression craves companionship, especially on a cold night.
Hannu Makela/Shutterstock
In Finland, the Finnish Lapphund is called a “Suomenlapinkoira” or “Finnish Lapponian Dog.” “Pronouncing this name takes practice,” says Kendra Hutch, past President and Health Committee Chairperson of the Finnish Lapphund Club of America.
In the United States, the Finnish Lapphund was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 2011 and is affectionately known as a “Lappie.” The Finnish Lapphund takes its name from the Sami, or Lapp, people who inhabited Lapland. This region lies north of the Arctic Circle and consists of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northwestern Russia.
Although no documented evidence exists of the Finnish Lapphund’s origin, the earliest record of this type of dog appears in cave depictions. Archeological excavations in Lapland also discovered the remains of Lapponian dogs in 7000 BC.
Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives
From the cold, frozen landscape of the tundra, Lappies are considered a Spitz-type breed. “Spitz” in German means “pointed” and refers to the Lappies’ wolf-like appearance, including pointy, pricked ears, almond-shaped eyes, a heavy double coat, and a feathery tail curled over the back. The long, thick topcoat coat and short, fluffy undercoat and tail kept the dogs warm when winter temperatures reached minus 60 degrees. The Finnish Lapphund’s thick weatherproof coat also warmed and kept the Samis dry during wet, frigid nights.
The Sami tribes developed these lush-coated Spitz-type dogs to hunt bears, boars, moose, and reindeer and protect the tribe from predators. Selected for their refusal to chase large game, these Nordic dogs are not killers but trailers who bark to signal the hunter when they find their quarry.
Over the centuries, the originally semi-nomadic Sami transitioned from a semi-nomadic lifestyle of hunter-gatherers to a fully nomadic way of life. As reindeer became a vital part of their subsistence, the Sami turned to herd in search of pasture land across the barren tundra. The Finnish Lapphund, originally bred for reindeer hunting, adapted to a new role of moving thousands of reindeer during their Spring and Fall migrations.
With herds consisting of nearly half a million reindeer traveling up to 3,000 miles, the Sami trained the Finnish Lapphunds to move the reindeer with a sharp bark. “For 5,000 years, the Sami bred the Finnish Lapphunds to develop a distinct ear-splitting bark,” Hutch says. “It’s an unusual, powerful sound the dogs have retained over the years, but positive training at home helps curb the bark.”
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When a reindeer strays from the herd, the dog runs the perimeter with a menacing bounce. “The reindeer is so annoyed, it follows the dog’s direction,” Hutch says. “It’s almost as if the reindeer says, ‘Okay, just shut up and I’ll move.'” Harder to herd than sheep, the reindeer can turn, lower their heads, and use their antlers to stab at the dog. “Reindeer aren’t always the docile creatures you think of with Santa Claus, and if they gore a dog, they can cause serious damage,” Hutch says.
Known as the “startle reflex,” Finnish Lapphunds have learned how to watch, dodge, and duck reindeer antlers that get too close. This skill requires agility, courage, and intelligence. The dogs know how to control and work the reindeer at a distance. “Unlike other herding breeds who move animals by nipping at them, Finnish Lapphunds won’t nip at the reindeer’s heels,” she says. “The Sami won’t breed a dog that nips.”
The breed’s favorite position in the middle of the field is to keep a watchful eye on the herd. “The dogs can see everything without moving, and they don’t need to be right up against the reindeer,” Hutch says. Moving large herds of reindeer without spooking them takes patience, skill, and dedication. But with generations of practice, the Finnish Lapphund knows how to perform. Despite the bitter cold, the dogs are constantly alert. They’re ready to guard and warn their owners if wolves or bears threaten the herd.
When people began using snowmobiles to move reindeer, dogs became less necessary. Today, they’re rarely used, but the breed has retained its herding instinct. Owners use them on livestock and sheep in the United States.
©Bigandt.com - stock.adobe.com
Finnish Lapphunds share ancestry with the Swedish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder. When later divided into three distinct breeds, the Swedish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder were known as working breeds, and the Finnish Lapphund was a herding companion dog.
“We have a wide diversity in the breed, and we draw genetically from all three of these breeds,” Hutch says. “Finland, Norway, and Sweden focused on the breed’s genetic diversity and want different looks, especially the colors.”
All colors of the Finnish Lapphund are acceptable. The breed’s standard includes a few color requirements: “The primary color which covers the largest portion of the dog must cover the body, bands of different colors on a hair shaft is considered a single color, and secondary colors are allowed on the head, neck, chest, underside of the body, legs, and tail.”
“In every litter, the puppies will always be different colors,” Hutch says.
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After owning other herding breeds, Hutch liked the Lappie after seeing the Finnish Lapphund on a televised dog show in 2012. “For three years, I researched the breed, and the combination of attributes seemed perfect,” she says. Hutch appreciated the breed’s size, intelligence, expression, and the way the dog looked at her.
After finding a breeder, Hutch brought “Sisu,” a female puppy, home nine years ago. “She is the embodiment of the Finnish spirit,” she recalls. “For 25 hours, we drove home in a snowstorm, and she was quiet the whole time.”
“Having this breed was like having a friend I could relate to,” she says. “Finnish Lapphunds are clowns. They think life is all a big game.” Using their paws like hands, Lappies can open doors.
“Best of all, they thrive with being with you and learning new things,” Hutch says. “They’re great at dog sports, and they need daily exercise. Still, they have an off switch and love cuddling with you on the couch.”
The post Finnish Lapphund History: From Nordic Reindeer Herder to Devoted Companion appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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The Finnish Lapphund, a medium-sized breed, sports a profuse coat adapted for hunting, protecting, and herding reindeer for the Sami. Their luscious warm coat is probably why this friendly breed with a sweet expression craves companionship, especially on a cold night.
Hannu Makela/Shutterstock
Naming the Finnish Lapphund
In Finland, the Finnish Lapphund is called a “Suomenlapinkoira” or “Finnish Lapponian Dog.” “Pronouncing this name takes practice,” says Kendra Hutch, past President and Health Committee Chairperson of the Finnish Lapphund Club of America.
In the United States, the Finnish Lapphund was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 2011 and is affectionately known as a “Lappie.” The Finnish Lapphund takes its name from the Sami, or Lapp, people who inhabited Lapland. This region lies north of the Arctic Circle and consists of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northwestern Russia.
Ancient Origins of the Finish Lapphund
Although no documented evidence exists of the Finnish Lapphund’s origin, the earliest record of this type of dog appears in cave depictions. Archeological excavations in Lapland also discovered the remains of Lapponian dogs in 7000 BC.
Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives
From the cold, frozen landscape of the tundra, Lappies are considered a Spitz-type breed. “Spitz” in German means “pointed” and refers to the Lappies’ wolf-like appearance, including pointy, pricked ears, almond-shaped eyes, a heavy double coat, and a feathery tail curled over the back. The long, thick topcoat coat and short, fluffy undercoat and tail kept the dogs warm when winter temperatures reached minus 60 degrees. The Finnish Lapphund’s thick weatherproof coat also warmed and kept the Samis dry during wet, frigid nights.
An Adaptable Breed
The Sami tribes developed these lush-coated Spitz-type dogs to hunt bears, boars, moose, and reindeer and protect the tribe from predators. Selected for their refusal to chase large game, these Nordic dogs are not killers but trailers who bark to signal the hunter when they find their quarry.
Over the centuries, the originally semi-nomadic Sami transitioned from a semi-nomadic lifestyle of hunter-gatherers to a fully nomadic way of life. As reindeer became a vital part of their subsistence, the Sami turned to herd in search of pasture land across the barren tundra. The Finnish Lapphund, originally bred for reindeer hunting, adapted to a new role of moving thousands of reindeer during their Spring and Fall migrations.
With herds consisting of nearly half a million reindeer traveling up to 3,000 miles, the Sami trained the Finnish Lapphunds to move the reindeer with a sharp bark. “For 5,000 years, the Sami bred the Finnish Lapphunds to develop a distinct ear-splitting bark,” Hutch says. “It’s an unusual, powerful sound the dogs have retained over the years, but positive training at home helps curb the bark.”
©ekim - stock.adobe.com
When a reindeer strays from the herd, the dog runs the perimeter with a menacing bounce. “The reindeer is so annoyed, it follows the dog’s direction,” Hutch says. “It’s almost as if the reindeer says, ‘Okay, just shut up and I’ll move.'” Harder to herd than sheep, the reindeer can turn, lower their heads, and use their antlers to stab at the dog. “Reindeer aren’t always the docile creatures you think of with Santa Claus, and if they gore a dog, they can cause serious damage,” Hutch says.
Known as the “startle reflex,” Finnish Lapphunds have learned how to watch, dodge, and duck reindeer antlers that get too close. This skill requires agility, courage, and intelligence. The dogs know how to control and work the reindeer at a distance. “Unlike other herding breeds who move animals by nipping at them, Finnish Lapphunds won’t nip at the reindeer’s heels,” she says. “The Sami won’t breed a dog that nips.”
The breed’s favorite position in the middle of the field is to keep a watchful eye on the herd. “The dogs can see everything without moving, and they don’t need to be right up against the reindeer,” Hutch says. Moving large herds of reindeer without spooking them takes patience, skill, and dedication. But with generations of practice, the Finnish Lapphund knows how to perform. Despite the bitter cold, the dogs are constantly alert. They’re ready to guard and warn their owners if wolves or bears threaten the herd.
When people began using snowmobiles to move reindeer, dogs became less necessary. Today, they’re rarely used, but the breed has retained its herding instinct. Owners use them on livestock and sheep in the United States.
©Bigandt.com - stock.adobe.com
A Trio of Breeds Comprises the Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds share ancestry with the Swedish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder. When later divided into three distinct breeds, the Swedish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder were known as working breeds, and the Finnish Lapphund was a herding companion dog.
“We have a wide diversity in the breed, and we draw genetically from all three of these breeds,” Hutch says. “Finland, Norway, and Sweden focused on the breed’s genetic diversity and want different looks, especially the colors.”
All colors of the Finnish Lapphund are acceptable. The breed’s standard includes a few color requirements: “The primary color which covers the largest portion of the dog must cover the body, bands of different colors on a hair shaft is considered a single color, and secondary colors are allowed on the head, neck, chest, underside of the body, legs, and tail.”
“In every litter, the puppies will always be different colors,” Hutch says.
animalinfo/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Home Companions
After owning other herding breeds, Hutch liked the Lappie after seeing the Finnish Lapphund on a televised dog show in 2012. “For three years, I researched the breed, and the combination of attributes seemed perfect,” she says. Hutch appreciated the breed’s size, intelligence, expression, and the way the dog looked at her.
After finding a breeder, Hutch brought “Sisu,” a female puppy, home nine years ago. “She is the embodiment of the Finnish spirit,” she recalls. “For 25 hours, we drove home in a snowstorm, and she was quiet the whole time.”
“Having this breed was like having a friend I could relate to,” she says. “Finnish Lapphunds are clowns. They think life is all a big game.” Using their paws like hands, Lappies can open doors.
“Best of all, they thrive with being with you and learning new things,” Hutch says. “They’re great at dog sports, and they need daily exercise. Still, they have an off switch and love cuddling with you on the couch.”
The post Finnish Lapphund History: From Nordic Reindeer Herder to Devoted Companion appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
