Comparison: Finnish Lapponian Dog and Lapponian Herder

Finnish Lapponian Dog and Lapponian Herder are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Finnish Lapponian Dog
Photo: Svenska Mässan from Sweden, modification (background, cropping) Anka Friedrich, CC BY 2.0, source
Lapponian Herder
Photo: Patrik Fors, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Finnish Lapponian DogLapponian Herder
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFinlandFinland
CategoryMediumMedium
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
  • Medium-sized herding spitz about 10% longer than high
  • Medium to long, straight, harsh coat in black shades with markings
  • Low-set tail hanging in repose
CoatProfuse double coat: long, harsh outer coat and soft dense undercoat; all colours permitted, basic colour must predominate.Medium to long, straight, rather erect and harsh coat with fine dense undercoat; black in different shades, even greyish or dark brown, with lighter markings.
PurposeReindeer herder and watchdog of the Sami; now popular as a companion and utility dog.Sami reindeer herder; docile, energetic and willing to work, barking readily.

Breed page: Finnish Lapponian Dog · Breed page: Lapponian Herder

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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.