Finnish Lapponian Dog

The Samis traditionally use dogs of the same type as the Finnish Laponian Herder to herd reindeer. The breed adapted to the rigorous climate of Lapland. A first standard was established by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1945 under the name 'Finnish Laponian Dog'. In 1967, the breed name was changed to 'Laponian Dog'. During the 1970s, the type and aspect of the breed became definitively fixed and the standard was refined several times. In 1993, the breed name became 'Finnish Laponian Dog' again. In 1996, the Finnish Laponian Herder, until now considered a Finnish Laponian Dog, obtained its own standard. The breed is today very widespread throughout Finland as a companion dog. It is represented in most European countries, Canada, the United States and Australia.

The Finnish Laponian Dog is described as alert, courageous and calm in the FCI standard. It is of a peaceful nature.

The Finnish Laponian Dog is a spitz-type dog, slightly below average in size and of robust build. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. Attached rather high, the tail is of medium length, covered with long and abundant hair; it is carried curved over the back or side in action and can hang at rest. The tip of the tail may have a J-shaped hook. Oval in shape, the eyes are dark brown while remaining in harmony with the coat color. The ears are triangular in shape, carried erect or semi-erect. The coat is abundant. The topcoat is long, straight and rough with a fine and dense undercoat. On the head and front faces of the limbs, the hair is shorter. Males have an opulent mane. All colors are admitted. Different shades of the base color may appear on the head, neck, chest, underside of the body, limbs and tail, but the base color must remain dominant.