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Laplandse Herdershond

LAPINPOROKOIRA

History

For hundreds of years the Lapps have used dogs of the same type as Lapponian Herder as reindeer herders. Acceptance to the breed register was started in the 1950’s. At that time the modern Finnish Lapphund and the Lapponian Herder were still recognised as the same breed. The Lapponian Herder was separated into its own breed 10.12.1966, as it had been noted that two different reindeer herding breeds existed.The Lapponian Herder is a rarity, a precious pearl full of Finnish cultural history. The Reindeer Dog, as it is called by devotees, is like a breath from the past. A dog that reflects Lappish mythology: shamanism and troll-drums, exotic herbs and smoky light flickering through the branches of the mountain birches. This is what the Lapponian Herder is about. He also embodies hard work and severe conditions, unselfishness and devotion to his work and trusted ones.

General appearanceA herding spitz, medium sized; clearly longer than the height at the withers. The bone and muscles are strong. The dog is muscular, however must not give the impression of being heavy. The sex should be clearly stamped. The coat is suitably adapted for arctic climate.

Important proportions The length of the body is about 10% longer than the height at the withers. The depth of the body is about half of the height at the withers.

Behaviour / temperament
Docile, calm, friendly, energetic and willing to serve. Barks readily when working..

Head
Elongated, the muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull.

Cranial region Skull Only slightly convex. The frontal furrow is marked and the superciliary ridges are clearly defined. Stop Gently sloping.
Neck
Strong and medium in length, set smoothly into the shoulders. Without dewlap.

Facial region Nose * Preferably black, yet harmonizing with the coat colour.
Muzzle The nasal bridge is straight. viewed from above and in profile evenly, but only slightly tapering.
Lips: Tight.
Jaws / Teeth: The jaws are strong. Scissor bite. Normal dentition.
Cheeks The zygomatic arches are clearly marked.
Eyes: Preferably dark in colour, yet harmonizing with the coat colour. Lively and set rather apart. Oval shaped. The expression is keen, in bitches also devoted.
Ears: Pricked, medium in length, set rather apart, rather broad at set-on. The inside of the ear is covered with profuse hair, particularly at the base.

Body Withers * Marked.
Back Strong and muscular.
Loin Short and muscular.
Croup Rather long and slightly oblique.
Chest Deep, long and spacious, not very broad. The ribs are clearly arched.
Underline Gently tucked up. Tail Medium in length, low set and covered with profuse hair. In repose the tail is hanging; in movement it is held in a loose curve, but may not raise over the back. The tail action may also be circular.

Forequarters General appearance * Powerful, attached to the body with strong muscles, yet free in movement. Muscular and well angulated. Viewed from the front straight and parallel.
Shoulders Oblique and muscular.
Elbows Turning neither inwards nor outwards, close to the body, pointing straight backwards.
Forearm Vertical.
Carpus Sinewy and flexible.
Pastern Seen in profile slightly oblique, enabling the flexible movement.
Fore feet Rather oval with all sides, also underneath, covered with dense hair. The toes are well arched, the pads are elastic and thick.

Hindquarters General appearance * Well angulated. Viewed from behind straight and parallel.
Upper thigh Rather long and broad with well developed muscles.
Stifle Pointed forward, the angulation is clearly marked.
Second thigh * Relatively long and sinewy.
Hock joint: Set rather low; the angulation is clearly marked.
Metatarsus Rather short, vertical and parallel.
Hindfeet As front feet. Preferably without dewclaws.

Gait / movement Free, flexible, effortless and sound. The trot is tireless. At a fast trot tends to single-track.

Skin Tight overall without wrinkles.

Coat Hair * The outer coat is medium length or long, straight, rather erect and harsh. The undercoat is fine and dense. The hair is often more profuse and longer on the neck, chest and on the backside of the thighs.

Colour Black in different shades, even greyish or dark brown with a lighter shade than the basic colour, greyish or brownish colour marking often on head, the lower parts of the body and legs. White markings on neck, chest and legs are permitted. The undercoat is black, greyish or brownish.

Size Height at withers: Ideal height for males 51 cm, Ideal height for females 46 cm. With a tolerance of +- 3 cm.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Males not masculine and females not feminine.
Very light eyes in black dogs.
Ears with slack tips (tipped ears).
Tail curled or curved over the back.
Soft, wavy or flat coat.
Without undercoat.

Eliminating faults Overshot or undershot mouth. -Drop ears.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.