Lapponian Herder: the Finns’ workaholic reindeer herding dog

This special breed of dog was so highly regarded in his home country that for a long time it was believed that these dogs could understand human speech, they were so clever.

The Lapponian Herder was bred in Finland to herd reindeer. And it takes more than just any dog to do that! This breed is a hardy, hard-working, workaholic dog, who is also a friendly and energetic companion.

History

The breed has an ancient history and is said to be the ancestor of all spitzes. However, this is probably not correct, as it is clearly different from the traditional spitz. Researchers have also investigated the origin of the breed and have concluded that it is possible that the Lapponian Herder as we know it today wolf-dog hybridisation. An ancient gene is found in this DNA of these dogs which is found in all the numerically related breeds: the Finnish Lapphund, the Swedish Lapphund, the Swedish Elkhound, the Norwegian Elkhound. and the Hällefors Elkhound. No such tail sequence has been found in other Eurasian dogs, their branch in the phylogenetic tree being rooted in the same sequence as the 33 000 year old Sub-Antarctic dog.

Records of dogs herding and guarding reindeer date back to the 17th century. The Numerians have always valued their dogs, as they have made their work much easier. They were convinced that these dogs could understand human speech. Legend has it that the dogs became reindeer herders when a pair of dogs sat on a hill in Lapland and watched the humans’ inability to round up the reindeer. So they got in the mood and showed how much better they could do it. So they volunteered to become reindeer herders and guardians.

More threats to the breed

The Lapinporokoira and the Lapinkoira (Finnish Lapphund) were considered the same breed for a long time, until 12 October 1966, when they were registered separately. Although an excellent breed, it is extremely rare. In Finland they are still used for reindeer husbandry, but their numbers have dwindled several times in history. On the one hand, the fighting in the Second World War destroyed local farms, and the number of the breed has declined accordingly.

Another reason why the breed has been endangered is the advent of snowmobiles. These tools eclipsed the centuries-old working dog, but over time reindeer herders combined the two. Their dogs only jump off the snowmobile to work when their master gives the command. However, these dogs can drive stray deer back to the herd from miles away, and can keep up to a thousand individuals in one place. That’s a huge achievement, not to mention the fact that the Lapland shepherd dog is also guarding the herd, not just herding it. And it’s a job that doesn’t need to be taught.

Breed standard

A Lapponian Herder (Lapinporokoira) is a medium-sized, spitz-like breed of dog. Longer than taller, strong-boned, muscular dogs. Its coat is adapted to the Arctic climate. The males are 49-54 cm tall at the withers, the females 43-49 cm. Skull is broad and the top of the skull is convex. The muzzle is well defined, the cheekbones are straight, slightly short and broad, but not chunky. Slightly tapering towards the tip of the nose. Nose black, lips firm. Eyes dark, eyes kindly. Ears rather pointed, pricked in front and apart, broad at the base. The inside is covered with hair. Neck strong, medium length, chest deep and broad, back strong and firm. Belly slightly tucked up, tail slightly sloping. Forelimbs strong and muscular. Hindquarters strongly angulated, well muscled feet. The paws are close, heavily furred. Tail thick, moderately long, not tapering but generally recurved. Movement is circular.

The coat is fine, with a thick undercoat, covered with a medium-length, smooth and slightly coarse topcoat. Thicker and longer on the shoulders, muzzle and inner side of the hind limbs. Colour may be various shades of black, either greyish or dark brown. Lighter shades than the ground colour, often with greyish or brownish markings on the head, lower body and legs. White markings are allowed on the neck, chest and legs.

Expected lifetime 10–14 years.

Character

A Lapponian Herder in reindeer herding, but also typically performs well in dog sports. Examples include flyball, agility or obedience. He responds well to training, is a very smart and intelligent dog who is almost a workaholic. He likes to be given a task and is happy to do it, but is also a friendly and loyal family dog. Reindeer herders appreciate the courage, commitment and loyalty of the breed. So much so, that in their circles they consider anyone without a dog of this type to be truly poor, as the last resort is to part with this precious dog.

The excellence of the breed was once highlighted in the Finnish Kennel Club’s magazine Koiramme by Aili Korhonen through a touching story. When most of the Lapps left their old homes during the Second World War, one family’s dog, Tommi, kept going back to his former home. His owners kept taking him back, but he kept running away to his old home. But this persistence was his undoing. On one occasion, enemy soldiers broke into the farm and set fire to the house, shooting Tommi. His owner found only his lifeless body. This story reflects the perseverance, loyalty and courage of the breed.

Ideal environment

The breed is best suited to its original working role, but is also ideal as a family dog if it is given plenty of attention to ensure that its needs are met, both physically and mentally. He is not aggressive, but can be dominant with other dogs of his breed, so early socialisation is important. It is recommended for an active family.

Care

The thick double coat is smooth and does not tangle, but it is worth combing it out once a week. The undercoat is shed twice a year, in spring and autumn. To keep his ears and eyes clean should be taken care of, and claws trimmed if they become too long.

Common health problems

Because the Lapponian Herder is considered a primitive breed, it is free from most of the diseases that affect modern dog breeds. They may occasionally sufferd from hip dysplasia, arthritis, allergies or ear infections, but is a very healthy breed.

Literature: János Szinák–István Veress: A világ kutyái II.; David Alderton: Kutyák; Dr. Pál Sárkány: International Dog Encyclopaedia; Dr. Klára Király: Poems, Legends and Wisdoms for Dog Lovers