Page 238 - Showsight April 2013

Judging the
Finnish Lapphund
By Toni Jackson
T he Finnish Lapphund
is both and old and
new breed—old in
that examples of rough
coated Spitz dogs herd-
ing livestock can be
found on early cave paintings of the Saame
people and new in that the Finnish Lap-
phund (Suomenlapinkoira) only became
recognised by the Finnish Club fully in the
1950s and then from 1967 the breed was
separated from the smooth-coated variety,
the Lapinporokoira.
When judging the breed, one should
really look at the overall impression—this
is a natural breed that exhibits charac-
teristics of both Scandinavian Spitz and
herding breeds. It is a somewhat primitive
breed that should be admired in a natu-
ral and unpolished state. Whilst accepting
that we are judging at a beauty show we
should not expect a highly coiffured, neat
dog, heavily shaped or trimmed. A natural
look is to be sought after, as a rough coat
is essential for the breed to cope with the
Lapland climate. It should demonstrate
strength for its size but should never be
coarse or heavy, just sufficient substance to
deal with the large elk and reindeer that it
herds in native Lapland.
Given its heavy coat, judges must get
up close to the breed and use their hands
to examine the structure of the dog under
the thick double-layered coat, as clev-
erly groomed dogs can fool a judge who
admires from afar. Another important fea-
ture of the breed is the temperament—as
one suited to working and living with the
Saame people, it is a friendly breed and
poor temperament towards people, either
as aggression or nervousness is alien and
should be penalized in the ring.
When judging the breed, start at the
head: this should be strong and well-bal-
anced to the body size. What is key is a soft
expression, created from a broad, slightly
rounded skull, defined cheek bones and
defined stop. The muzzle length should
be slightly less than that of the skull and
whilst it tapers slightly, it should never
be sharp and pointed; a weak underjaw
is undesirable. Good strength to muzzle,
tight lips and dark pigment (harmonising
with coat colour) create a smiley face.
238 • ShowSight Magazine, April 2013