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LAPPONIAN HERDER (Lapinporokoira)
The Lapponian Herder is a rarity, a precious pearl full of
Finnish cultural history. The Reindeer Dog, as it is called by devotees, is like
a breath from the past. A dog
that reflects Lappish mythology, shamanism and troll-drums, exotic herbs and smoky light flickering through the branches of
the mountain birches. This is what the
Lapponian Herder is about. He also
embodies hard work and severe conditions, unselfishness and devotion to his work and trusted ones.
History
The Lapponian Herder is an ancient breed, forced to struggle for existence throughout its history. The first notations on the breed can be found in a 1674 book "Lapponia".
The war of Lapland, at the end of the World War II when the
Germans were driven out of Finland, burning down Lapland on their way, was
disastrous for the
Lapponian Herder. Reconstruction of the reindeer herding dog began in 1959, the result being the Lapponian Herder whose standard
was accepted by the Finnish Kennel
Club in 1966.
Preservation of the breed has been tried on specific reindeer dog "farms" in Lapland, but the recovery depends mostly on the dogs in Southern Finland.
The registration numbers of the Lapponian Herder still remain low, but the breed is constantly struggling for existence.
Character
The Lapponian Herder is a working dog by nature; he needs a
lot of exercise and action. He is obedient, calm, friendly, energetic and eager
to serve. In his work, the
Lapponian Herder has a tendency to bark, but barking is never an end in itself. The Herder is a most suitable companion
for almost any dog sport. He has to be trained with
fairness. The breed is
friendly towards children, and its character makes the Lapponian Herder a good companion dog. A dog is harsher than a bitch.
Appearance
The Lapponian Herder is longer than high in body and well
angulated. He appears indefatigable in his trot. The most common colour is black
and tan, but bark brown dogs exist.
All colours excluding dominant white are allowed.
Health
Belonging to PEVISA (the program against inheritable
diseases) which requires examination of the eyes of breeding stock, the
Lapponian Herder is a healthy breed.
The hip dysplasia examinations have also given good results.
Information supplied by the Lapphund Club Of Finland.
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