FINNISH LAPPHUND

Official U.K.C. Breed Standard*

Northern Dogs Group
  © Copyright 1995, United Kennel Club, Inc.

HISTORY

The Finnish Lapphund is one of two Lapphund breeds, the other being the Swedish Lapphund. The Lapps, a nomadic people native to the area that now includes those countries near the Arctic Circle, originally used their dogs to herd reindeer. Those who settled in Finland called their dogs the Finnish Lapphund. Those who settled in Sweden called their dogs the Swedish Lapphund.

GENERAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

The Finnish Lapphund is a Spitz-type dog of medium size. It is strongly built considering its size. It is slightly longer than tall. Its coat is long and thick.

The breed is intelligent, brave, calm, eager to learn, and quite faithful. The tendency to shepherd is innate in the breed. It is suitable as a shepherd dog, country housedog, and watchdog.

HEAD AND SKULL

The head is strong-featured. The male's head is comparatively broad. The female's head is more refined. The straight muzzle tapers slightly, but evenly, when viewed from both above and the side. It is shorter than the skull. The lips are tight.

TEETH
A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a level bite.

EYES
The eyes are dark.

EARS
The medium-size ears are erect and pointed. They are set quite far apart, The ears are rather broad at the their base, and are very mobile. Relaxed ears are allowed, but not preferred.

NOSE
Black nose pigment is preferred.

NECK

The strong, medium-length neck is covered with thick hair, forming a mane.

FOREQUARTERS

The elbows are at the same level as the lowest edge of the brisket. They stand high on the foot.

FORELEGS
The forelegs have strong bones. They are straight when viewed from both the front and behind.

BODY

The body is firm. The strong, straight back is considerably broad and strong at the shoulders. The brisket is deep and long. The chestline rises to a slight tuckup.

HINDQUARTERS

The hind legs have strong bones.

HIND LEGS
They are strong and straight when viewed from both the rear and front. The hock is of medium size.

FEET

The feet are more oval than round, and are covered with thick hair.

TAIL

The tall is of medium length or slightly shorter. It has long hair and is carried high over the back when the dog is in motion.

COAT

The breed is double-coated. Coat is plentiful. The outer coat is long and coarse. The undercoat is soft and thick. The hair is shorter on the head and the front part of the legs.

COLOR

All colors are acceptable, but the main color must dominate. Markings different in color from the main color are permitted on the head, neck, chest, legs, and on the tip of the tail.

HEIGHT

The ideal height range, measured at the withers is: from 18 to 20-1/2 inches for males; and from 15-3/4 to 18 inches for bitches.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness.

* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The United Kennel Club, Inc. and is gratefully used here with permission.

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