Menu
The Finnish laphunds, with their luscious coats, sweet Spitz-like faces, and deeply coated tails that recede at the back, are immediately recognizable as Nordic dogs. Lappies stand about 20 at the shoulder and are surprisingly muscular and sufficient for their . Quick and agile, they move effortlessly and can go from a trot to a full gallop in another flat.
Lappies are friendly and polite companions, though a little wary of strangers. They crave companionship and will be sad if neglected. A distinctive breed trait is a strong “”shocking reflex””, the result of centuries dodging the remains of a decking reindeer. Despite their penchant for shedding and barking, lappies are popular pets in their homeland.
Lapland is a region north of the Arctic Circle that takes in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of northwestern Russia. It is named for the Sami or Lap, people who have lived in the area for several thousand years. In ancient times, the Sami developed a merrily wrapped Spitz-type dog (“”dog of the laps,”” or laffand), which was used to hunt deer on an extension of the barren tundra. Semitic history is often unclear, but a few centuries ago they shifted from hunter-gatherers to full-scale nomads. Sami reindeer become shepherds, migrating large herds in search of pasture land.
One authority tells us, “”Sami lived in tents or turf huts and migrated with their flocks in units of five or six families, supplementing their diets in the way of hunting and fishing.”” As the Sami society developed, Lappund developed along with it. Like their masters, they went from Hunting Dogs to grazing them, maintaining their duties as caretakers, as protectors, and as close companions to their humans. (Laphunds are among the Arctic breeds that spent thousands of years together with their humans and other dogs for warmth in brutally cold nights.
Unlike the adorable cartoon characters who pull Santa’s sleigh every December, real deer are stubborn, canteen animals whose antlers can do serious damage. To control the reindeer requires a lot of courage, agility and intelligence dogs, which still define the laphand.
Until recently, Handy Herring was the basis of Sami society. Lapland is still home to several hundred thousand reindeer, and although modernity has encroached upon the traditional reindeer region, it is still possible to see the Finnish laphand and its sister breed, the Swedish laphand wandering the vast frozen north.
The Finnish laffand is a medium-sized breed that combines the form of a northern type of dog with the nature of a herring dog. They are intelligent, alert, agile, sociable and eager to learn. Developed to live and work north of the Arctic Circle, the breed is strongly built and thickly coated. These dogs were never touted as protectors, and are particularly polite towards people. Despite its strength, the Finnish loft offers a certain softness, especially in expression. Males are masculine to identify and females are feminine.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time
A lot of work is needed to keep this breed in good condition. The Finnish Lapphund requires grooming on a daily basis. It is essential to have a dog’s hair cut by a professional groomer. Daily brushing of a dog’s coat is essential to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infection. Don’t skip seasonal flea treatments either. Dog nail trimming and dog baths should be on a weekly schedule. Taking good care of your Finnish Lapphund takes time and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don’t have the time and skills search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment. You might be lucky enough to have a dog boarding service, which includes grooming or walks in nearby dog bathing locations.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and conditions between the ages of about 7 weeks and 4 months of age helps ensure that the lapi grows into a well-adjusted, well-operated companion. Like other breeding breeds, the Finnish laffand is intelligent and quick to learn, but they also tend to be independent or strong-willed. As a pack dog, Lapi wants to be with his family, and undesirable behavior can result if he is left alone for a long period of time on a regular basis.
Finnish Lepphunds are quiet dogs with moderate exercise requirements. A long, fast move is usually enough to keep the breed healthy and happy every day. Lappies do not exercise themselves, but a half-hour play session with their owner and a ball or with another dog can also meet their exercise needs. It is a herring breed, so many lapis participate in herring trials. Other canine sports in which they can excel include agility, obedience, rally and tracking.
High quality dog food suitable for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior) will have all the nutrients a Finnish lapdund needs. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Give table scarps sparingly, if at all, especially avoid baked bones. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet.
Finnish laphunds are generally healthy dogs, but there are some conditions that are at risk of the breed. Two of these are elbow and hip dysplasia, both of which can be detected with X-rays. Also present in some Lappies is progressive retinal atrophy, which causes vision loss. Responsible breeders check for the status of their breeding stock which may affect the breed. As with all breeds, a lapper’s ear should be examined regularly for signs of infection, and teeth should be brushed frequently.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club:
Download our app and get 1000 loyalty point.
Use them to get discounts on your first
purchase.
*Only for Delhi Ncr users