Lapponian Herder – The Intelligent Reindeer Herder

A close relative of the Finnish Lapphund: the Lapponian Herder is a tough breed capable of living in harsh environments. Similar to the Finnish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder is known for its incredible expertise as a working dog; it is a breed that earned a reputation as a reindeer herder.

The Lapponian Herder pretty much showcases a robust appearance with its wolf-like looks. It is an interesting breed that proves to be suitable for various types of canine tasks. A real dog lovers’ delight, the Lapponian Herder outshines other breeds with its finesse and intelligence.

If you are looking for a sturdy breed that is versatile, intelligent, and powerful, the Lapponian Herder surely fits the job. In this article, we are going to look into the exciting characteristics of the Lapponian Herder, as well as its origins.

Origins of the Lapponian Herder

Similar to the Finnish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder also has its share in the great history of Finland dogs. We can trace back its origins to hundreds of years ago, wherein the Lapps, also known as the Sami people, used a breed that resembles the Lapponian Herder to herd reindeer. Because of this employment, the breed earned the nickname ‘reindeer herder.’

Interestingly, breeders registered the breed during the mid-20th century, wherein it was classified as the same breed as the Finnish Lapphund. This common identification was changed in 1966, wherein the Lapponian Herder was organized into its own breed; furthermore, both breeds were classified as reindeer herders.

The clear distinction of the Lapponian Herder gave it a boost in popularity; the breed was then known as the reindeer herder in different regions. Over the years, it remained to be an excellent working dog and maintained its reputation as a herder. The greatness of the breed was passed on to the next generation; that is why the Lapponian Herder that we know of today still resembles the exceptional breed that once dwelled in Finland many years ago.

Characteristics of the Lapponian Herder

Height: 18 – 20 inches

Weight: 70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10 – 14 years

Hypoallergenic: No

A medium-sized breed that is strong and intelligent; these are only some of the features that best describe the Lapponian Herder. This dog could stand up to roughly twenty inches tall and weighs up to seventy pounds. It is a mighty breed for its size, which is perfect for its tough job.

At first glance, the Lapponian Herder has its resemblance to wolves; however, it has great similarities with its close relative: the Finnish Lapphund. This breed has a beautiful coat that comes in various colors; its coat is relatively thick, which allows it to withstand the harsh elements outside. As mentioned earlier, it has a wolf-like appearance that adds up to its powerful physique; the Lapponian Herder has eyes that express its gentle and soft size, along with ears that convey ferociousness.

Besides its unique appearance, the Lapponian Herder is not complete without its exceptional skills in the field. From the name itself, this breed earned a reputation as a herding dog ever since its early existence. It is known to be substantial and intelligent when it comes to working; that is why many dog lovers, breeders, and farmers are a fan of this excellent breed. It helped breeders and herders during the early years with its mastery on the field. Furthermore, it is not just any ordinary working dog; its main job is herding reindeer, which earned it the nickname ‘the reindeer herder.’

Apart from its might and brilliance, the Lapponian Herder still has a lot of interesting features to show us. Its finesse is only a part of its greatness; another thing that makes dog lovers admire this breed is its positive nature. The Lapponian Herder is a truly lovable breed, mainly because of its strong personality; it is intelligent and loyal, especially towards its family. In addition to that, this dog is also friendly towards its family; at the same time, it is aloof with strangers, which also makes it suitable for guarding works. Unmatched energy is another feature of the Lapponian Herder; it can work in the field for hours without rest and still be able to produce excellent results. If you are looking for a breed that is sure to cope with various activities, the Lapponian Herder is a dog you should consider.