The Finnish Lapphund: A Docile Companion

The Finnish Lapphund: A Glimpse into the Breed’s History

The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient breed with deep historical roots, originating from the northern regions of Finland. Known for their gentle temperament, striking appearance, and exceptional herding abilities, Finnish Lapphunds have an interesting and rich history that reflects the cultural and environmental conditions of the Scandinavian region. This article will explore the breed’s origins, development, and role in Finnish culture, shedding light on how these dogs became the beloved companions they are today.

The Origins: A Heritage with the Sami People
The Finnish Lapphund’s roots are entwined with the indigenous Sami people, who have lived in the Arctic regions of Finland for thousands of years. The Sami traditionally relied on reindeer herding as their primary means of livelihood, and it is believed that the Finnish Lapphund was bred specifically for this purpose. The dog’s primary role was to herd and protect the reindeer, which were crucial for the Sami people’s survival and together they lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle in Lapland.

The Sami people honed the breed to meet the challenges of their harsh environment. The dogs needed to be versatile, capable of enduring extreme cold temperatures, and possess the intelligence and agility necessary to work alongside the reindeer. Over time, the Finnish Lapphund developed into a hardy, medium-sized dog with a thick, double-layered coat that protected it from the sub-zero temperatures of Lapland.

Development and Recognition of the Breed
While the Finnish Lapphund’s history is deeply tied to the Sami people, the breed did not gain global recognition until the late 19th century. In the early 1900s, as the demands of traditional reindeer herding began to change and the industrial revolution had dramatically changed people's lifestyles, the number of working Finnish Lapphunds began to decline. To preserve the breed, a group of dedicated enthusiasts and breeders started to focus on maintaining the distinct characteristics of the Finnish Lapphund.

Breeders advocated for the breed’s preservation to recognise the Finnish Lapphund's potential as both a working dog and a companion. These breeding programs aimed to enhance the breed’s traits and maintain the breed’s strong work ethic, friendly temperament, and adaptability, all while ensuring it could thrive in modern life.

By 1945, the Finnish Lapphund was officially recognised as a breed by the Finnish Kennel Club, marking an important milestone in the breed’s history. Over the next few decades, Finnish Lapphunds began to gain popularity beyond Finland, spreading to Sweden and Norway, and eventually to other countries around the world. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1993, further cementing its position on the global stage.

Physical Characteristics: Adapted for Survival
The Finnish Lapphund is well-suited for its native environment, with unique physical characteristics that helped it survive and thrive in the cold, snowy conditions of Lapland. The breed is medium-sized, with males typically larger than females. Their thick, double coat is one of the breed’s most distinctive features, providing insulation against the bitterly cold temperatures. The outer coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is dense and soft, providing warmth and protection. The coat comes in various colors, including black, brown, cream, sable, wolf sable and domino, and may have distinctive markings or a solid color.

In addition to their remarkable coat, Finnish Lapphunds have a gorgeous fluffy tail that curls over their back, typical of spitz breeds, which is another trait that helps keep them warm in frigid temperatures. Their attractive fluffy ears are also well-suited to the environment, as they help prevent snow from accumulating inside, while their keen sense of smell and hearing makes them exceptional herders.​

Personality and Temperament: The Friendly and Intelligent Herding Dog
Finnish Lapphunds are known for their friendly, affectionate, and intelligent nature. While they were originally bred for herding reindeer, they are also highly adaptable and can make excellent family pets, as they are known for getting along well with children and other animals. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being involved in family activities. Despite their independent streak, typical of spitz breeds, Finnish Lapphunds are loyal and eager to please, making them highly trainable.

Their herding instinct remains strong, and they may try to herd other animals or even children, especially if not properly socialised. However, they are not as driven to work as some other herding breeds, making them more suited for a relaxed lifestyle when compared to highly energetic breeds like Border Collies. Nonetheless, their intelligence and problem-solving skills shine, and they excel in dog sports, obedience training, and agility competitions.

Preserving the Finnish Lapphund: A Modern Day Role
Today, the Finnish Lapphund continues to be a versatile, gentle and beloved dog that thrives in a variety of environments, from rural farms to urban homes. Although they still retain their ancient herding instincts, they are more commonly kept as companion animals. The breed’s popularity has been growing worldwide, particularly in Europe, North America, and Australia. Finnish Lapphunds make excellent pets for active families, as they enjoy outdoor activities and exercise. However, true to their name, many lower drive lines are very content to be a lap dog (aka cuddle bear) living the life of pampered couch luxury!

As their popularity has spread beyond Finland, breeders and enthusiasts remain dedicated to preserving the Finnish Lapphund’s unique breed, temperament and qualities. All ethical breeders work extremely hard to preserve and protect the breed, as custodians of an ancient and very special heritage. There is an ongoing global effort to ensure that the breed retains its strong working heritage, size and features while adapting to modern life as a family-friendly companion.

Conclusion
The Finnish Lapphund’s history is a testament to the breed’s resilience and adaptability. From its origins as a reindeer herder for the Sami people in the Arctic tundra, to its current role as a loyal companion in homes across the globe, the Finnish Lapphund continues to shine as a breed that embodies the perfect balance of work ethic and affectionate companionship. As the breed gains recognition worldwide, it is important to remember and celebrate the rich ancient cultural heritage that shaped the Finnish Lapphund into the beloved dog it is today.