Lapponian Herder

also known as Lapland Reindeer Dog, Lapinporokoira, Reindeer Herder

Pros History


The Lapponian Herder, also known as the Lapponian Shepherd or the Lapland Reindeer Herder, is a breed of dog that originated in the Lapland region of Finland. This breed has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, and it has played a crucial role in the lives of the indigenous Sami people of Lapland. Today, the Lapponian Herder is still a popular breed in Finland and elsewhere, and it is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and versatility.

The origins of the Lapponian Herder can be traced back to ancient times, when the Sami people of Lapland used a variety of dog breeds to help them with their nomadic way of life. These dogs were used for a variety of purposes, including herding, hunting, and guarding, and they were prized for their ability to withstand the harsh and unforgiving climate of Lapland.

As the Lapponian Herder breed developed over time, it became well-known throughout Finland and beyond for its intelligence, athleticism, and versatility. These dogs were used for a variety of tasks, including herding reindeer, guarding livestock, and hunting game, and they were valued for their ability to work in a variety of different environments.

In the modern era, the Lapponian Herder is still a popular breed in Finland and elsewhere, and it is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and versatility. These dogs are still used for a variety of tasks, including herding, hunting, and guarding, and they are valued for their ability to adapt to a variety of different environments. They are also popular as companion animals, and they are known for their loyal and affectionate nature.

Overall, the Lapponian Herder is a unique and fascinating breed that has a long and storied history in Finnish culture. Whether they are used as working dogs or simply as beloved companions, these dogs are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and versatility, and they will continue to be a valued part of Finnish society for years to come.

Breed Information


Type

Is Lapponian Herder a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Lapponian Herders originally used for?

Herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Lapponian Herders Live? What is average life expectancy for a Lapponian Herder? How long can Lapponian Herders live?

10-12 years

The average Lapponian Herder lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Lapponian Herder Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Lapponian Herder?

What is the average height of a Lapponian Herder? How big is a Purebred Lapponian Herder height? Lapponian Herder dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 19-21 inches (48.3 - 53.3 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm)
Female 17-19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Lapponian Herder? How much should Lapponian Herders weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-70 pounds (27 - 32 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg)
Female 55-65 pounds (25 - 29 kg) 23.0 pounds (10 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Lapponian Herders get fat easily?

The Lapponian Herder is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Lapponian Herders Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Lapponian Herder is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Lapponian Herder personality? What are Lapponian Herder dogs best known for?

Calm
Energetic
Vocal
Docile
Friendly

Shedding Level

Are Lapponian Herders heavy shedders? How Much Does a Lapponian Herder Shed?

Lapponian Herder dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Lapponian Herder. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Lapponian Herder dog?

Lapponian Herders are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Lapponian Herder is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Lapponian Herders come from?

Finland

Ancestry

What are Lapponian Herders descended from?

Spitz-type

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Lapponian Herder breed?

ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
AKC = American Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Lapponian Herders first bred? How old is the Lapponian Herder breed?

1950s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Lapponian Herder?

Herding

Lapponian Herder Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Lapponian Herder eyes?

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Lapponian Herder nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Lapponian Herder coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Gray

Coat Length

How long is a Lapponian Herders coat?

The coat of a Lapponian Herder falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Lapponian Herder Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Lapponian Herder?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Lapponian Herder have in a litter? How many puppies can a Lapponian Herder have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Lapponian Herder can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Lapponian Herders are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Lapponian Herder Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Lapponian Herders have a lot of health problems?

The Lapponian Herder is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Lapponian Herder?

Ear Infections
Skin Allergies

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Lapponian Herders?

Gastric Torsion
Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

Von Willebrand's Disease

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Lapponian Herder breed?

Blood Test
Hip X-Rays

Lapponian Herder Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Lapponian Herders have a lot of energy?

Lapponian Herders are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Lapponian Herders need socialization? How social are Lapponian Herders?

Lapponian Herder have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Lapponian Herders get?

The Lapponian Herder needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Lapponian Herder have? Do Lapponian Herders sleep a lot?

Lapponian Herders dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Lapponian Herder drool a lot?

The Lapponian Herder is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Lapponian Herder, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Lapponian Herder dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Lapponian Herders exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Lapponian Herders mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Lapponian Herder running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Lapponian Herder dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Lapponian Herders enjoy doing? How do I keep my Lapponian Herder busy?

Camping, Hike

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Lapponian Herder? How much energy does a Lapponian Herder have?

Medium

Lapponian Herders are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Lapponian Herder walk each week? How many miles should a Lapponian Herder walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Lapponian Herder, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Lapponian Herder should exercise a day? How much activity does a Lapponian Herder need?

60 minutes

In general most Lapponian Herders usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Lapponian Herder?

The Lapponian Herder is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Lapponian Herder?

Weekly

Lapponian Herder should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Lapponian Herders?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Lapponian Herder eat?

2.8 cups

For an average 60-70 pound (27 - 32 kg) Lapponian Herder feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Lapponian Herder Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Lapponian Herder is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Lapponian Herder Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Lapponian Herder is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Lapponian Herder Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Lapponian Herder?

The Lapponian Herder breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Lapponian Herder dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Lapponian Herder dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Lapponian Herder do well in apartments? Are Lapponian Herders good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Lapponian Herder in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Lapponian Herders living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Lapponian Herders good with kids? Are Lapponian Herders good around children?

A Lapponian Herders typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Lapponian Herders good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Lapponian Herders good with cats? How friendly Lapponian Herders are toward cats?

Lapponian Herders are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Lapponian Herder dogs get along with other dogs? Are Lapponian Herders OK with other dogs?

Lapponian Herders are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Lapponian Herder dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Lapponian Herders friendly with strangers?

Lapponian Herders are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Lapponian Herders like to play? Are Lapponian Herders playful?

Lapponian Herders are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Lapponian Herder for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Lapponian Herder easily trained?

Lapponian Herder dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
    Lapponian Herders are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new commands and tasks quickly.
  • Loyal and protective
    Lapponian Herders are known for their strong bond with their owners and their protective nature. They can make excellent guard dogs.
  • Active and athletic
    Lapponian Herders are energetic and love to play and exercise. They need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
  • Adaptable
    Lapponian Herders are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living environments, including urban, suburban, and rural settings.
  • Good with children
    Lapponian Herders are known to be good with children and can make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Lapponian Herder in an office may not be ideal
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Neglecting to keep an eye on a Lapponian Herder's weight can lead to weight gain.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Lapponian Herder breeds may not do well in a domestic setting.
  • Barking
    Lapponian Herders possess a loud bark, a defining characteristic of the breed.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Lapponian Herders, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.