Lapponian Herder

FCI 284 - Nordic Watchdogs and Herders.

The similarities of Lapponian Herder with the Finnish Lapphund they are big: The ancestors of both races served the Sami, who were also called “Lapps” in honor of his native Lapland in times past, like hunters and watchdogs.

As reindeer herding was particularly important to many Sami, this breed next to this town and with the increasing domestication of reindeer, developed more and more in herding dogs. The agile and intelligent ancestors of the Lapponian Herder they mastered this task brilliantly. In the not yet coordinated brood, it wasn't so much appearance that mattered, but rather the character and herding abilities of the dogs. As a result, there was no uniform appearance for a long time. In the middle of the 20th century the first standards were developed. But at that moment, the Lapponian Herder and the Finnish Lapphund they were still considered as one race.

Only in december 1966 the Lapponian Herder was recognized as an independent breed. But, its importance as a reindeer herding dog diminished more and more with time and with the advent of snowmobiles. Today the breed is largely unknown outside of Scandinavia.. In his homeland., However, there are some friends of these dogs, who appreciate this breed as a member of the family. These dogs are mostly kept as companion dogs., but some of them still perform faithful shepherding services.

“Like a mix of Border collie and German Shepherd” – this is the appearance of a Lapponian Herder. But, the trained eye recognizes above all the similarity with other Nordic races such as the Alaskan Malamute.

The Lapponian Herder is a slim and athletic dog of the type Spitz with a height of about 51 cm at the withers in males and about 46 cm in females. It weighs some 25 kg, the weight is not fixed in the standard. This breed is rather long than tall, which means that the length of the body exceeds the height at the withers by one 10 per cent. The Finnish Shepherd of Lapland wears his ears pricked, the long hairy tail hanging at rest, slightly curved when moving. Coat color varies from black to various shades of gray and brown. White markings on the neck are allowed, chest and legs. The breed's coat consists of two layers: a dense, fine undercoat and a stiffer, longer outer coat.

The Lapponian Herder they are great for heavy work like herding dogs. They unerringly track lost cattle and have repeatedly proven themselves to be perfect assistants to herders and cattle breeders.. Animals are considered to be very eager to learn, they are smart and they bark. Due to their pronounced attention they are also excellent watchdogs.. In addition to the courage attributed to him, these dogs are also agile and strong. They are considered good dressage dogs and can also be kept in families. It should be noted, However, that the Lapponian Herder requires a high degree of exercise and effort.

This parent breed is considered robust and hardy and almost never causes inherited diseases.. If you are looking for such a dog, You should definitely support the efforts of serious breeders and only buy a puppy from one of them.. Because responsible breeders place importance on caring for the health of parents, as well as the type and character. Because the coat is adapted to the Nordic climate, the dog should never be asked to perform at its best in temperatures above 15 degrees. Basically, in summer it is advisable to change the longest exercise units to the morning and afternoon hours. Representatives of this breed reach an age of twelve to fourteen years.

The Lapponian Herder it is a muscular animal that likes to move. So adjust the amount of food to your constitution and your actual load. The information on the packaging can only be a guide.. Keep an eye on the slim waist so that you can take measurements in time if you Finnish shepherd start eating bacon. Give the pup up to four servings per day. One Lapponian Herder adult can get by on two meals.

Important:

Give your dog a break after his ration, so always feed him after exercising. It's not just the amount that counts: Be sure to use a high-quality dog ​​food where meat is the main ingredient.. You can recognize this by the fact that meat is at the top of your diet and cheap fillers like grain have been avoided.. This applies to both dry and wet foods..

To meet your dog's chewing needs, can offer you regular dry dog ​​chews, like cow's ears. Like candy or other snacks, remember to include them in your dog's daily ration to avoid overweight. When it comes to snacks, opt for sugar-free treats like jerky servings or rewards with added benefits like dental care snacks. Your pet should always have access to cool drinks.

The Lapponian Herder has many thick hairs, that it shares relatively generously with its surroundings, that is to say: misses. But, the more often you use a brush, less hair will end up on your four walls. During the change of coat twice a year she loses a lot of hair, but brushing shortens the “hairy period”. Better to comb dirt from the coat when it is dry. You should only bathe your reindeer dog when absolutely necessary. So use a mild dog shampoo.. Regularly check the length of eye hairs, the ears and the length of the claws and, if required, use eye and ear cleaners or dog claw scissors. Especially dogs that walk a lot on soft ground can tend to have long claws, which can cause them to get painfully stuck.

Of course: all dogs love being in nature. The Lapponian Herder it's a true all-rounder in this sense. When you have grown up and have had proper training, makes a wonderful jogging companion, cycling or horse riding – and of course on long and extensive walks. Dog sports in a club can also be a lot of fun with the Lapponian Herder: agility, obedience, olfactory work or use as a rescue dog often suits him well. Try what you and your Lapponian Herder enjoy more. Of course, the breed is also predestined for the tasks of herding dogs. It is important to accustom your four-legged friend to regular rest periods., despite proper use of the species, so you don't try too hard and stay balanced.

Are you decided that one will move with you? Lapponian Herder and you can offer him everything he needs for a happy and complete dog life? Cheers! But, you may still have a hurdle to overcome, because: The Lapponian Herder are very rare outside of Finland and Scandinavia. Find out more about potential breeders of a Nordic dog club to make your first contacts. If only overseas breeders are considered, first read the basics of adopting a puppy from abroad and the entry conditions. Although it may be a long way, you should definitely choose a dog from a reputable breeder to support healthy and responsible breeding of the breed. If the search for a puppy of this breed seems too complicated for you, you should also look for other breeds or dogs in animal shelters. Similar to the Lapponian Herder It, of course, the Finnish Lapphund, which is also not common outside Scandinavia, but at least not as rare as its close relative.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Lapponian Herder" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

• FCI CLASSIFICATION: 284
• Group 5: Spitz and primitive types
• Section 3: Spitz and primitive types. Without working trial..

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 5 – Section 3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders.. ⓘ

FCI - Lapponian Herder

1. Lapland Reindeer-Dog, Reindeer Herder, lapinporokoira (Finnish), lapsk vallhund (Swedish) (English).
2. Lapinporokoira (French).
3. Finnischer Lapplandhirtenhund, Lapinporokoira (German).
4. Lapinporokoïra, Pastor de renas da Lapônia (Portuguese).
5. Lapland, Perro pastor finlandés, Pastor lapón (español).