The Finnish Lapphund belongs to the Spitz group of dogs which are believed to have been found in the north of Europe since around 7,000 BC. Historically the Finnish Lapphund would have been used for guarding and hunting though more recently he earned his keep as a herding dog for the Sumi reindeer herds and is still used to work cattle and sheep.
The first Breed Standard was drawn up in Finland in 1945, the dog being known as the Lapponian Shepherd Dog; this led to the most recent Standard drawn up in 1996 and he has been known as the Finnish Lapphund since 1993. The register still permits unregistered dogs to be admitted to the breed if they conform to the Standard.
The first Finnish Lapphund was imported to the UK in 1989 and the Breed Club was formed in 1995. He is an intelligent, loyal dog who loves to please his owners and has the advantage of being less vocal than some members of the Spitz group. His dense coat is allowed in any colour provided the main colour dominates.
Click here to read the Finnish Lapphund Breed Standard.
Finnish Lapphund Breed Clubs
FINNISH LAPPHUND CLUB OF GB Sec Mrs Irene Green 01290.700317 Email
Finnish Lapphund Rescue and Rehoming
If your dog's breeder cannot help you, contact the Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Lapphund, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.