Lapponian Herder

Perfectly adapted for the frigid environment of northern Scandinavia, the Lapponian Herder is an important working breed developed by the Lapps (also known as the Sami), whose ancient customs date back many centuries. The dog’s original purpose was to guard and herd the semi-domesticated reindeer, which provided an important source of meat, skin, and even mobility for the Sami people. Since 2017, the breed has been a member of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, which nurtures and provides support for up-and-coming breeds.

As a working breed, the Lapponian Herder’s appearance was much less important than its temperament. It did not have a fixed appearance until standards were finally established by modern breeders in the 20th century. Today, this breed is characterized by an athletic body, a long and feathered tail, and erect ears. Its dense double coat of fur is usually black, gray, or dark brown with white or gray on the head, chest, and stomach.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Lapponian Herder

Size and Weight

The Lapponian Herder is a fairly large dog with an athletic frame and decent height. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.

Common Health Issues

The Lapponian Herder is a remarkable picture of good health. As a “primitive” breed, it suffers from few of the inheritable conditions that can plague dogs with lots of “artificial” development. However, they do tend to suffer from ear infections, skin allergies, bloating, and hip problems. Cancer and heart disease are leading causes of death in just about any dog breed. With a bit of luck, however, it can have a good lifespan of 10 to 14 years. The dog’s health prospects can be improved by working with a trustworthy breeder who regularly tests their stock for known issues. Regular appointments at the vet should be maintained to catch health problems early.

Temperament

The Lapponian Herder should prove to be a great companion and close member of the family. While a little reserved around strangers, this dog is very affectionate and friendly once it has gotten to know you. Owners should also keep in mind that it has an exceptionally energetic and driven personality. If it’s left alone for too many hours without anything to do, it might try to entertain itself with annoying and destructive behavior. As long as it receives enough exercise and activity, it should adapt well to different living arrangements, including apartments.

How to Take Care of the Lapponian Herder

Because the Lapponian Herder is a high-maintenance dog, it’s probably not a great choice for inexperienced owners unless you are certain to devote the necessary time and effort to this breed’s care. It will need plenty of exercise, training, and a good amount of grooming.

The Best Dog Food for Lapponian Herders

The Lapponian Herder will probably need around three cups of high-quality dog food per day. The exact amount will depend on the dog’s size and activity level. If your dog suffers from bloating, then you should divide the meals into at least two meals per day.

Maintenance and Grooming

The Lapponian Herder has a thick double coat that sheds excessively twice a year in the spring and fall. It may require daily brushing in the shedding season, and perhaps weekly brushing throughout the rest of the year, to remove loose hair and debris. Fortunately, the coat is good at remaining free of tangles on its own. You will also need to trim the nails regularly to prevent them from cracking and splitting. Check the ears for signs of infection or debris and then clean them appropriately. Finally, you should brush the teeth with an oral plan approved by your vet.

Training

The Lapponian Herder is a very compliant and calm breed. With its great intelligence, it should be a pleasant companion throughout the entire training process. Positive reinforcement methods work best to motivate your dog. There should be no need to raise your voice or treat it in a disciplinary fashion.

Exercise

The Lapponian Herder will need around an hour or more of exercise every day. Long walks will not be enough. It will also need more vigorous exercise, such as running and hiking. It might be a good idea to take advantage of the breed’s great agility and speed as well.

Rally, nose work, barn hunts, dock diving, obedience, and search and rescue are all suitable activities. Because of its herding instincts, it’s a good idea to have a fenced yard to let it run around in.

Puppies

Owners will need to set aside plenty of time early on, especially within the first six to seven months of the dog’s life, for training and socialization. While this breed is naturally friendly and sociable, it should still be introduced to as many different people and situations as possible. Training should also focus somewhat on dissuading it from the instinct of herding people and other pets. Crate training can help with housebreaking and anxiety issues, not just as a puppy, but throughout the dog’s entire life.

If you need to get your dog vaccinated, spayed or neutered, or microchipped, then you should talk with your vet.

The Lapponian Herder and Children

The Lapponian Herder is fairly good with children of all ages. It’s highly social, playful, loyal, and protective. However, this breed does tend to herd small children and nip at their heels. While the child is in no actual danger, some kids may not like it. Fortunately, this behavior can be dissuaded with proper training.

Dogs Similar to the Lapponian Herder

• Finnish Lapphund: Intelligent, active, and curious, the Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized breed with a muscular body and relatively short legs, and like all Spitz dogs, it has a very dense double coat of fur. Black, cream, white, brown, and gray colors predominate. This breed has traditionally been used to herd reindeer in northern Scandinavia.
• Swedish Vallhund: This short-legged herding dog looks a bit like a Corgi (with whom it actually shares some ancestry). It has short legs and a dense coat of fur. With its great intelligence and energy, the Swedish Vallhund was originally bred to be a herding dog.
• Norwegian Buhund: This all-purpose farm dog, bred as a herder, watchdog, and companion, is highly spirited and active. The dense coat of fur primarily comes in wheaten and black.