Lapponian Herder

The Finnish Lapland Shepherd is a breed of working dog originating from northern Finland. Known for being excellent herding dogs and loyal companions, these dogs are a breed renowned for their strength and endurance in extreme conditions.

General details

The Finnish Lapland Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, with a weight of about 25 to 30 kilograms and a height at the withers of 40 to 55 centimeters. Its average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. It belongs to Group 5 (Spitz and primitive type dogs) according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The Finnish Lapland Shepherd is an ancient breed that originated in the Lapland region of northern Finland, where it was used for centuries as a working dog to herd and protect the reindeer herds of the indigenous Sami people. Its intelligence and ability to adapt to cold environments make it suitable for tasks such as herding, search and rescue, and therapy work. Throughout history, the breed has been known by many names, including "Lapinporokoira," meaning "Lapland reindeer dog," and "Suomenlapinkoira," meaning "Finnish Lapland dog."

Breed characteristics

The Finnish Lapland Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a strong and robust appearance. The head is broad and slightly wedge-shaped, with triangular and erect ears. Its coat is dense and rough, with a soft undercoat that allows it to adapt to the extreme climatic conditions of its place of origin. Its coat color is predominantly black with white markings on the chest and limbs. The Finnish Lapland Shepherd is a breed known for being friendly, docile and loyal. They are intelligent and obedient dogs, which makes them easy to train. They are very protective of their family and territory, showing a strong guarding instinct. They are energetic and active dogs, enjoying participating in outdoor activities.

Common health problems

The Finnish Lapland Shepherd dog breed may have some genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. They may also be prone to diseases such as gastric torsion and epilepsy.