Lapponian Herder

Grooming Tips

The Lapponian Herder has a thick double coat. He sheds his undercoat once or twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. Although his coat is smooth and does not tangle, occasional brushing and baths can help it stay healthy, shiny, and free of parasites.The nails should be trimmed when needed with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

Exercise Tips

Because the Lapponian Herder was developed as a herding breed it has high energy levels and high needs for exercise. This breed requires at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on a daily basis and it will enjoy having time to run in a fenced yard.The Lapponian Herder does best when he has a job to do, whether that be herding (his inbred trait) or another kind of exercise, enrichment, or training. He excels in many sports such as obedience, agility, rally, dock diving, nose work, barn hunt, search and rescue, and conformation.Like many other breeds, Lapponian Herders can become destructive if they do not get enough physical and mental stimulation. When he has regular enrichment, he is a calm and wonderful companion dog.

Feeding Tips

As a medium-sized dog breed, the Lapponian Herder should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food diet formulated for dogs of its size. Because this breed is a high-energy hunting breed, however, an active or working breed formula may be more appropriate to meet his needs.Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to gettingoverweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.Treatscan be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Health Tips

Unlike many other breeds, theLapponian Herder is still considered primitive. As such, this breed hasfew to no consistent or prominent health complications. It has been kept healthy and cared for properly through the ages.Working with aresponsible breeder, prospective owners can gain the education they need to learn about specific health concerns within the breed.

Trainability

The Lapponian Herder is a talented herder and generally a smart dog that responds well to training with proper authority and consistency.This breed excels in various dog sports including herding trials, agility, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. The Lapponian Herder is not dog-aggressive but it can be dominant around other dogs so early training and socialization is required. This breed may not be the best choice for inexperienced dog owners.

The Lapinporokoira is recognized under Finnish sponsorship as Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed number 284, in Group 5 Spitz and primitive types Section 3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders.The studbook for the breed remains open. Exported to North America, it is recognized there by the United Kennel Club in the Herding Group (the United Kennel Club places the Finnish Lapphund in the Northern Breed Group.)It is also recognized by various minor kennel clubs and internet-based dog registry businesses, and promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet.