The Lapponian Herder: A Complete Guide to This Lively, Loyal Nordic Breed
Quick Summary:
| | |
|–|–|
| Popularity | #162 out of 195 AKC breeds |
| Purpose | Herding reindeer, family companion |
| Weight | Male: 55-65 lbs, Female: 45-55 lbs |
| Temperament | Intelligent, active, devoted, independent |
| Energy Level | Very high |
| Good with Children | With training and socialization |
| Shedding | Seasonal heavy shedding |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing, more during shedding |
| Trainability | Moderate; independent thinkers |
| Height | Male: 19-21 inches, Female: 17-19 inches |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
Are you seeking an adventurous, good-natured companion to join you for marathon hikes, camping trips, and agility sessions? Look no further than the Lapponian Herder! This spunky, smart herding breed from the Arctic tundra of Finland is happiest when given a job to do alongside their beloved human partners. With their thick double coats, tireless work ethic, and loyal dispositions, Lapponian Herders can tackle any challenge you throw their way, from managing livestock to acing obedience trials.
As a proud Lapponian Herder owner myself, I‘ve seen firsthand how these lively, loving dogs wriggle their way into your heart with their goofy antics, eager-to-please attitudes, and unbreakable devotion. Although Lapponian Herders are still quite rare outside their native Finland, their popularity is growing worldwide among active dog lovers craving a highly trainable, endlessly energetic companion. Could this brainy, bearded beauty be the dog of your dreams? Read on to find out!
Breed History: From Herding Reindeer to Cherished Companions
The Lapponian Herder, known as the Lapinporokoira in Finnish, originated in the harsh, frigid regions of Lapland, the northernmost province of Finland stretching into the Arctic Circle. For thousands of years, the indigenous Sami people relied on ancestors of today‘s Lapponian Herders to help manage their sizeable, semi-nomadic reindeer herds. These hardworking dogs earned their keep by tirelessly trotting alongside the herds, keeping the reindeer grouped together and safe from predators like wolves and bears.
Roaming the remote wilderness in such challenging conditions, Lapponian Herders evolved into hardy, self-reliant canines well-suited for the nomadic herding lifestyle. These dogs boast a weather-resistant coat, incredible stamina, keen intelligence, and an independent spirit that allows them to confidently make decisions while working far from human direction.
Over the centuries, as the Sami people gradually transitioned from full-time nomadism to more settled villages, Lapponian Herders continued serving as herding and guard dogs, although machines began to replace them. Facing a dwindling population after World War II, the breed might have vanished altogether if not for the dedicated efforts of Finnish breeders in the 1950s-60s to preserve these special dogs.
The Finnish Kennel Club first recognized the Lapponian Herder as the "Lapp Reindeer Dog" in 1945. But for over two decades, Lapponian Herders and the similar Lapponian Shepherd/Finnish Lapphund breeds were categorized together under the Lapphund name. In 1967, due to the tireless work of breed fanciers, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) acknowledged the Lapponian Herder as a distinct breed.
While a couple thousand Lapponian Herders still work as herding dogs in their native Finland and Sweden, many more have transitioned into versatile sporting and companion dogs worldwide. The American Kennel Club added the Lapponian Herder to its Foundation Stock Service in 2017, where the breed‘s population has steadily grown. As of 2023, the AKC recognized about 500 Lapponian Herders in the US, with just over 100 new puppy registrations per year.
Physical Characteristics: Built for Endurance and Agility
Lapponian Herders are medium-sized, muscular dogs with the strength and agility needed for long days herding reindeer over punishing Arctic terrain. The AKC breed standard describes Lapponian Herders as slightly longer than tall, with males standing 19-21 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55-65 pounds, while females average 17-19 inches tall and 45-55 pounds.
One of the Lapponian Herder‘s most eye-catching features is its stunning, weatherproof double coat. The straight, harsh outer coat and thick, soft undercoat provide superior insulation against the elements, allowing these dogs to work comfortably in sub-zero temperatures. Coat color varies from black to brown and tan, often with white markings on the face, chest, and legs. Some Lapponian Herders sport a striking "wolf-gray" coat with banded hairs of black, white, and gray.
Weekly brushing keeps the Lapponian Herder‘s coat looking its best, but expect a blizzard of shedding a couple times a year as the undercoat dumps out. These seasonal coat "blows" may have you vacuuming up furballs for weeks! But the rest of the year, Lapponian Herders are relatively low-shedding and low-odor dogs that only need occasional baths.
Lapponian Herders have handsome, well-proportioned heads with medium-length muzzles, almond-shaped brown eyes, and small, prick ears. The breed‘s characteristic "smile" comes from the slightly upturned corners of the mouth, giving Lapponians an eternally cheerful expression. Strong, sturdy legs with compact, catlike feet provide the nimbleness required for herding. And you can‘t miss the Lapponian Herder‘s luxuriously plumed tail curled up and over the back in a jaunty circle.
Temperament: Smart, Social, and Always Up for Adventure
I fell in love with the Lapponian Herder‘s sparkling personality the moment I met my first pup at a local herding trial. These brainy, busybodies want nothing more than to spend every waking moment with their favorite humans, whether that means splashing through a stream on a trail run or snuggling on the couch for a Netflix marathon.
As herding dogs accustomed to making decisions without human guidance, Lapponian Herders tend to be independent thinkers with minds of their own. They‘re the gifted kids in the canine classroom, always looking for new concepts to master and complex puzzles to solve. Training a Lapponian Herder feels more like a collaboration than a dictatorship – you provide the goals and guidance, but your dog will offer plenty of opinions on how to get there!
While Lapponian Herders bond intensely with their families, they can be more reserved with unfamiliar people until they‘ve decided you‘re friend, not foe. Chalk it up to their history as vigilant watchdogs tasked with guarding their reindeer herds from intruders. Lapponian Herders will typically welcome visitors with polite wags once their owners give the okay, but don‘t expect them to gush over every stranger on the street.
That said, well-socialized Lapponian Herders usually get along swimmingly with other dogs, especially if raised with them from puppyhood. These peppy, playful pups can match any canine comrade stride-for-stride on the agility course or in a game of chase. Some Lapponian Herders will test their doggy friends with bossy body-slamming and muzzle-grabbing, so teaching appropriate play skills is a must.
With their deeply ingrained prey drive, Lapponian Herders have a strong instinct to chase anything that moves quickly and erratically. From squirrels and strange cats to flailing toddler limbs, if it darts, your Lapponian will want to follow. They may even try to "herd" children and other pets by circling and nipping at their heels. Firm, positive training and plenty of supervised socialization can help teach your Lapponian Herder to resist the urge to pursue.
At home, Lapponian Herders tend to be curious, affectionate, and sometimes comically goofy companions. My Lapponian mix never fails to crack me up with her "kidney bean" sleeping positions and silly play-growling. But like many herding breeds, Lapponian Herders are also quite sensitive and attuned to their owners‘ moods. Your Lapponian may try to comfort you with licks and snuggles when you‘re feeling down, or hide under the bed if your tone gets too harsh. Gentle, reward-based training methods like clicker training work wonders with these soft, eager-to-please dogs.
Exercise Needs: Born to Run, Hike, and Play All Day
With their heritage as tireless trotting dogs capable of covering dozens of miles herding reindeer, Lapponian Herders are endurance athletes with sky-high exercise needs. At a bare minimum, expect to provide your Lapponian Herder with at least an hour of heart-pumping aerobic exercise per day, preferably broken up into multiple sessions.
In addition to leashed walks and refreshing swims, Lapponian Herders thrive when given the chance to sprint off-lead in a securely fenced area. Imagine the joy on your Lapponian‘s face as they race through the woods, bounding over fallen logs and weaving through trees at lightning speed. My 7-year-old Lapponian mix still runs circles around my younger dogs with her effortless, ground-eating gallop.
If you don‘t have livestock for your Lapponian Herder to boss around, never fear! These bright, biddable dogs take to dog sports like ducks to water. The sky‘s the limit when it comes to teaching your Lapponian Herder new tricks and skills. From flying over hurdles on the agility course to strutting their stuff in the obedience ring, Lapponian Herders flourish with an outlet for their physical and mental energy. And with their superb scent-tracking abilities, Lapponian Herders can shine in nose work, barn hunt, or even search-and-rescue work.
Of course, you don‘t need to be a serious competitor to keep your Lapponian Herder happy and content. These spunky Spitz dogs make fantastic hiking and camping buddies, following their owners anywhere and everywhere with wagging tails. Lapponian Herders generally love the great outdoors, unfazed by a bit of rain or snow. With such thick, weatherproof coats, Lapponian Herders often overheat in hot weather, so plan your adventures for cool mornings or evenings in summer.
Training Tips: Keep It Positive and Consistent
Like any dog with a long history of working independently from humans, Lapponian Herders can have a bit of a stubborn streak. They‘re not obstinate or uncooperative by nature, but these brainy herders bore easily and need creative, upbeat training sessions to keep them engaged. Harsh corrections will only shut your sensitive Lapponian Herder down, so stick to reward-based techniques emphasizing treats, toys, and tons of enthusiastic praise.
My favorite way to train Lapponian Herders is through shaping games, where you break complex behaviors into baby steps and reward your dog for figuring out each incremental stage. Shaping teaches your Lapponian to try new things and problem-solve on their own, boosting their confidence and strengthening your bond. Before you know it, your clever Lapponian will be offering behaviors left and right in hopes of earning that coveted liver treat!
Impulse control games are another must for curbing your Lapponian Herder‘s chasing instincts and building a reliable recall. Start by teaching your dog that the very best things in life – treats, toys, meals, walks – only happen when they‘re sitting calmly. Have your Lapponian Herder practice waiting at doorways until released, staying on their bed while you prepare dinner, and watching the squirrels without giving chase. With time and repetition, your Lapponian will develop the self-restraint to make good choices even with temptation all around.
Because Lapponian Herders are so attuned to body language, they quickly pick up on any nervousness or inconsistency from their handlers. If you seem unsure about what you want, your Lapponian may decide to take charge and make their own (often mischievous) decisions! Calm, confident leadership will get you much further with these sensitive souls than shouting or physical force.
Choosing a Lapponian Herder Breeder: Look for Health, Temperament, and Transparency
Lapponian Herders are still an uncommon breed worldwide, so finding a reputable breeder near you may take some effort. Most Lapponian puppies are bred and born in Finland or other Nordic countries, then transported to their new homes after reaching 8 weeks old. The United States averages just 100-200 Lapponian Herder puppies born per year.
When researching Lapponian Herder breeders, prioritize operations that conduct genetic health testing on all breeding dogs and work to match puppies‘ temperaments to the right homes. Bonus points for breeders who compete with their dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, herding trials, or other events, proving their dogs‘ abilities. Avoid any breeder who always has puppies available, doesn‘t ask you questions about your lifestyle, or refuses to show health certificates.
Expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $3000 for a well-bred Lapponian Herder puppy from fully health-tested European lines. While puppies can be hard to find in North America, breeders will often agree to ship a puppy to you, or you can travel to pick up your new bundle of fluff in person.
This was my experience when importing my own Lapponian Herder pup from Finland – after many months on a waitlist, I flew to Helsinki to meet the litter and bring my girl home in the cabin. Meeting the breeder, dam, and littermates in person gave me such valuable insight into my puppy‘s background and early socialization. Those first photos of my tiny fluffball exploring the Finnish tundra are some of my most cherished memories.
Lapponian Herders Excel as Work-Oriented Companions
Whether your ideal weekend involves hiking a mountain, learning a new dog sport, or just curling up at home with a good book and a cuddly canine, a Lapponian Herder might be your perfect match. With their endearing expressiveness, tireless work ethic, and utter adoration for their owners, Lapponian Herders wiggle their way into your heart like few other breeds.
From the first day you bring your clever, curious Lapponian Herder puppy home, you‘re signing up for a life of laughter, learning, and limitless outdoor adventures. No matter the weather or terrain, your plucky Lapponian pal will be right by your side with a big doggy grin and a wagging tail. And after a long day of romping through the woods or wowing the crowds at a rally competition, nothing beats a Lapponian Herder‘s contented sigh as they melt into your lap for an evening of ear scratches and Netflix.
As you consider opening your heart and home to a Lapponian Herder, take a moment to envision your ideal canine companion. Is your dog up for anything, always ready to learn something new? Can they match you step for step on the steepest trail, but still cuddle sweetly on the couch? Will their antics never fail to coax a smile, even after the world‘s worst day? If you‘re nodding along, a lively, loyal, utterly lovable Lapinporokoira may be your dream dog come true.
