Finnish Lapponian Dog

Lapinkoira

Finnish Lapponian Dog – head — Photo: Apdevries, CC BY-SA 2.5, source

Finnish Lapponian Dog – puppy — Photo: Christoffer Hjeltnes Støle, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of origin	Finland
Category	Medium

Recognition features

Smaller than medium-sized, strongly built with a long dense coat
Profuse coat, males with abundant mane; all colours permitted
Well-coated tail, the tip sometimes with a J-shaped hook

Purpose

Reindeer herder and watchdog of the Sami; now popular as a companion and utility dog.

History

Dogs of this type have helped the Sami herd reindeer in northern Fennoscandia and Russia for hundreds of years. The first standard was set by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1945 and the name changed several times (Lapinporokoira, Lapponian Dog 1967, Finnish Lapponian Dog 1993). The type stabilised in the 1970s.

Coat

Profuse double coat: long, harsh outer coat and soft dense undercoat; all colours permitted, basic colour must predominate.

Similar breeds

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.