Page 247 - Showsight April 2013

The Look
Finnish Lapphunds are a northern breed,
classified as working/herding Spitz. Their
looks are characteristic of most northern
breeds from ears to tail, with that distinctive
silhouette including the tail over the back,
etc. Similar to the Samoyed, but shorter in
stature and with a slightly longer back, the
Lappy comes in a rainbow of colors includ-
ing black, brown, shades of cream from
off-white to golden, as well as wolfsable and
domino. Tan points may be present on face
and legs or only on the legs. Many dogs
have spectacles either with or without the
tan pattern markings. Solid colors are also
allowed. The only ‘frowned upon’ colors are
brindle, piebald and saddle.
Lappies are longhaired and double coat-
ed, and typically shed twice a year. They
should have a stocky, sturdy appearance,
looking heavier than they actually are. Their
profuse standoff coat and comparatively
heavy bone give them this look. Physically
though, the Lappy should be quick and
mobile, able to turn on a dime and change
speed or direction in an instant.
Finnish Lapphunds succeeded as rein-
deer herders by dropping quickly to the
ground in a reflexive response to a reindeer’s
kick or turn and scoop. Consequently, the
height of a Finnish Lapphund, as stipulated
in the breed standard, is a ‘working height’
that would allow the dog to drop beneath
the hooves or antlers of a reindeer. A taller
dog would not be as quick and would not
be able to drop as low in an emergency.
Natural selection would favor dogs that fit
within the height range for this breed of
16"-19" for females and 18"-21" for males
with the ideal height of a male at 19½" and
a female at 17½". Typical weight ranges are
approximately 30-38 pounds for a female,
and 37-45 pounds for a male, give or take a
few pounds on either side.
Health/Lifespan
The health of the Finnish Lapphund is
generally good with few issues. The inci-
dence of problems is low; however, dogs
used for breeding or companion/perfor-
mance events should have OFA certification
of Hips, Knees and Elbows. A responsible
breeder should also have prospective breed-
ing dogs examined by a canine ophthalmolo-
gist for cataracts or other anomalies and also
confirm the PRA gene status of prospective
parents via the gene test available. With the
PRA gene test, there is no excuse for produc-
ing an affected puppy. Finnish Lapphunds
should easily live 12-15 years or a bit more.
Personality/Temperament
This breed is gentle, affectionate, non-
aggressive and very accepting of human
domination. They are described as sub-
missive, which means that they are not
inclined to challenge humans—it does not
mean timid. They are more into pleasing
their owners than challenging them. They
do not have the same stubbornness asso-
ciated with many Spitz breeds. The breed
also is not inclined to dog aggression. In
fact they seek out and enjoy the compan-
ionship of other dogs, especially their own
breed. The temperament of this breed is
beyond reproach. Two males might clash
briefly over a female in season but that is
not common and the breed simply does
not have a propensity for serious quarrels.
Lappies are very interactive in their
play. They love to share toys, whether it
is a stuffed toy or a stick in the backyard.
We frequently see two, three, four or more
Lappies all carrying the same large stick,
trotting along in unison as they carry it.
They will actually stop, turn and offer the
stick to another dog and slow so that it can
catch up with them.
“Dancer”—a 7-year-old wolfsable male imported from Finland.
Left to right: Black & tan female “Quinn”, cream male “Lumi”, brown female “Suffeli” and black &
tan female “Liika”—all are AKC Champions and “Liika” is an AKC Grand Champion.
ShowSight Magazine, April 2013 • 247