Lapponian Herder

The sturdy, medium-sized Lapponian Herder (Finnish: Lapinporokoira) is one of three ancient Scandinavian Lapphund breeds developed by the Sami people over the centuries for herding and guarding reindeer.

The Lapponian Herder falls under the mitochondrial DNA sub-clade d1 that is found exclusively in northern Scandinavia. It is the result of a female wolf-male dog hybridization that occurred post-domestication 480–3,000 years ago and includes all Sami-related breeds: Finnish Lapphund, Swedish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, Jamthund, Norwegian Elkhound and Hällefors Elkhound.

The maternal wolf sequence that originated these breeds is phylogenetically rooted in the same sequence as the 33,000 year-old Altai dog, although it is not a direct ancestor.

Weight: 55-70 lbs (24.9–31.7 kg)
Height: Female: 17–19 inches (43–49 cm) Male: 19–21 inches (48–54 cm)
Coat: Double coat of medium length, straight fur. Undercoat is fine and dense
Color: Black, dark grey or brown, with a lighter shade on the head and lower parts of the body, often with white markings.
Life span: 12-14 years

Temperament: Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Vocal, Calm.

Health: May be susceptible to hip dysplasia, arthritis, eye problems, ear infections, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and von Willebrand disease.

Special Interest:
• Also know as the Lapland Reindeer-Dog, Reindeer Herder and Lapsk Vallhund (Swedish).
• The Lapponian Herder and Finnish Lapphund were declared separate breeds in 1966.

Classifications:
AKC: FSS
UKC: Herding group
FCI: Group 5 Spitz and Primitive dogs, Section 3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders #284

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