Lapinporokoira

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Lapinporokoira is also known as Laponian Herder, Lapp Reindeer dog or Lapsk Vallhund. It is a medium size herding and guarding dog that has been in use since centuries in Finland by Sami people. During those times, no fixed standards were present for these dogs. Most of this type of dogs were lost during WW II. Efforts went underway to recreate this breed and Lapinporokoira was developed from crossing of Nordic Hounds and Scottish Sheepdogs. Initially this breed was grouped with Finnish Lapphund but was separated into its own breed in 1966.

It is a medium size Spitz-type dog that stands between 18-20 inches and weighs 60-70 lbs. This dog comes with a typical Spitz-type head, slightly convex forehead and a short muzzle that tapers from eyes to the nose with a straight nasal bridge. Nose is generally black but can be harmonious with coat colours in other than black colour dogs. Oval shaped eyes that are set well apart, hold keen and lively expression. Broad based, erect ears are set well apart. Strong and medium length neck blends smoothly into shoulders. The Lapinporokoira has clearly longer than tall body that comes with deep and spacious chest, well sprung ribs, marked withers, short but strong loin and muscular and strong back. Profusely coated, medium length tail is set low. It hangs down when the dog is at rest and carried in a loose curl when the dog is in motion. This breed has double coat that is specially profuse on neck, chest and back of thighs. Colour is generally black or dark grey or brown, with a lighter shade on the head and lower parts of the body, often with white markings.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and UKC.

Color

This dog comes in black, grey or dark brown colours with lighter shedding on different parts of the body. White markings on chest, neck and legs are acceptable. Undercoat is black, greyish or brown.

Coat

The dog has a double coat. Topcoat is long, straight, harsh and erect. The undercoat is fine and dense. This double coat protects the dog from harsh arctic temperatures.

Personality

The Lapinporokoira or Laponian Herder is an obedient, docile, intelligent and calm but very energetic dog. It is ready to do work when the owner is ready otherwise it will relax in the house. Not couch potatoes by any means, this dog is very energetic and will need to do work. As an excellent herding dog, it travels miles after miles to herd the reindeers without being hampered by snow. With a pleasing appearance, this tireless and devoted worker dog has been an excellent herding partner for its human masters. It is highly valued for its skills as a herding dog in Sami people or Lapps. This intelligent breed learns fast and is easy to train. As a family pet, the dog displays its calm, friendly and even temperament. It has a sweet nature which is more evident when this playful and lively dog is interacting with children. It is very tolerant of rough handling by children and does not react. Though it is a very friendly breed for its family, the dog is reserved around strangers. With its propensity to bark when playing or working and its alert and protective nature, the dog makes an excellent watch dog. It has a dominant nature around other dogs and pets and will need early age training and socialization. The Lapinporokoira or Laponian herder is an excellent working as well as companion dog for active families that can fulfill high exercise demands of this dog and provide it with a large yard to play and run.

Care

The fairly long coat is self-cleaning but brushing it once or twice a week will help distribute skin oils evenly to the body. Teeth and ears should be cleaned once per week.

Training

This intelligent dog shows its intelligence when it is subjected to positive training. It learns fast and importantly remembers what is taught to it. This dog, however due to its independent nature, will need a strong, firm yet gentle trainer who can win respect of this dog and achieve packleader status.

Activity

This is not a dog for lazy families or owners. Not a potato couch, the Lapinporokoira will need lots of physical and mental stimulation. For this reason, the dog is ideally suited to rural or suburban settin or in a house with a large yard where it can let off steam by playing as it likes. This dog is most happy when given some task to do. It is a versatile dog that can take part in different activities like Dog agility trials, carting, mushing, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking and herding.