|
|
| FINNISH LAPPHUND |
|
The region extending across northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland is sometimes called Lapland, and it is home of the Sami people.
For hundreds of years the Sami depended on the reindeer for food and without dogs which helped the Sami herd, the reindeer, life in this harsh environment would not have been possible . These herding dogs eventually developed into 'three breeds, the Swedish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder, and the Finnish Lapphund.
The Finnish Lapphund works in Lapland to this day as a herder of reindeer. It is described by the Lapps as a galloping dog and works alongside the Lapponian Herder, a trotting dog. Between them the two breeds are said to work the herds ideally, their styles perfectly complementing each other.
A large part of Lapland was destroyed during the World War 11 and many of the dogs perished. The Finnish breeders continue to strive to maintain the type depicted in old pictures and stories of reindeer herding. When they wish to introduce new blood, they travel north to select new stock from among the working dogs.
The Finnish Lapphund is one of the National Dogs of Finland and according to the registrations of the Finnish Kennel Club, the breed is amongst the fifteen most favoured breeds in Finland. The popularity of the Lapphund is due its good looks and superb temperament and its variety and combination of colours. |
|
The Finnish Lapphund is a happy and lively dog, and although it makes an excellent companion it is a true working breed with energy levels which allow it to work all day in a cold and harsh environment and it is too intelligent and active to lead a sedentary life. Exercise and company is a must for a Lapphund.
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized (ideal height for males - 49 cm) sturdily-built, erect eared dog with a nearly square body. The tail is set high and of medium length, covered with long hair, and carried in a curl over the back when the dog is moving. The Finnish Lapphund comes in all colours, but a single colour must predominate.
The profuse, dense, double coat of the Finnish Lapphund is essential to the breed's ability to five and work in the harshest arctic environment. The outer coat is long and coarse while the undercoat is short, dense, and soft. Hair on the skull and the front parts of the legs is shorter than the body coat. Hair on the brisket, backs of thighs, and tail is longer. The hair on the cheeks, neck, and throat forms a protective ruff which is more profuse on the male. |
|
|
|
|
| Petcare Information and Advisory Service Australia |
|
|
|
| Last Update: 27/03/07 16:23 |
Views: 4304 |
|
|
