Swedish Lapphund

 

 

 

 

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Maintained by Theldaroy Kennels
Copyright © 2004-2008

History

 

The Swedish Lapphund was originally used for herding reindeer; today they are used mainly as companions or for herding in their native country, as well as being seen in the show ring.
Swedish Lapphunds are a very old breed. In fact a 7,000 year old skeleton found in Norway closely resemble today's Lapphunds. Originally bred to guard and herd the Sami people's reindeer herds, they are mostly used today as a companion dog although in some, the herding instinct is very strong. The breed is not common outside its home country of Sweden. However if you do get a Lapp, they can be a very independent but loyal companion and lover of the family.
 

The Swedish Lapphund has made its debute on the Australian show scene on the 1st Jan 2005. The first Swedish Lapphund has been imported by Sue and Wayne Sharp of  Janoby Kennels  in Victoria.

© Janoby Kennels

The Swedish Lapphund is a very close cousin to the Finnish Lapphund, coming in either black or bear brown, or a combination of the two. White markings on the chest, feet and tip of tail is acceptable in the show ring but more than this is unacceptable.

General Character And Temperament

In general the Lapphund is a friendly, outgoing and devoted dog. They are protective of their homes; no intruder will ever go unheard. Lapphunds get on extremely well with children, make good family pets and like to be included in all family activities. However if they are left to there own devices they can be very vocal, and if their minds are not exercised (similar to border collie) then they can be destructive and are known to enjoy digging. Sympathetic training is a must. They are very tolerant of children, but as with all pets, children should NEVER be left alone, however trustworthy your friend may be. Please note that you should not intend to get one of these delightful dogs if there is not someone or another to be a constant companion. THESE DOGS DO NOT LIKE BEING KEPT AWAY FROM THE FAMILY and doing so risks the dog getting so desperate to be with you that it may get destructive. They are full of energy and do require stimulation and / or exercise to curb this effervescence.

The Lapphund likes a reasonable amount of exercise, but not necessarily through hours of walking. They enjoy mind games and will have just as much fun hunting for a favourite toy. This is not a dog recommended to be let off the lead unless you have trained your dog well and have total control. Their natural herding instinct is likely to leave your Lappie chasing after a rabbit, or worse still a car, and at this point they go totally deaf!

 
Intelligence

As all spitz type dogs, Lapphunds like to please but also like to do things their own way! Gentle training is needed and once the penny has dropped training is easy. As with all puppies it is important to socialise at the right point in their lives to have a well balanced and loving friend. This breed can be very noisy, as when originally trained as reindeer herders they were taught to bark all the time whilst working. This way the reindeer knew that a silent dog like creature was an enemy. Not much fun around town though so this needs to be curtailed through gentle training.

General Description / Appearance

Swedish Lapphunds are a medium coated dog with a double coat double coat and the undercoat is shed twice a year.so some moulting will take place. this means that some grooming is required for you Swedie to look good all the time. This is not onorous taking about half an hour per week to brush. Washing and drying is less regular as their coat does stay relatively clean. The coat appears semi waterproof and as such dirt will brush off when the coat is dry. The Lapphund has a lovely shiny coat and when groomed regularly is something to be proud of.

 

A typical spitz in stature, the Lapphund is rectangular in shape and has a substantial and weatherproof coat. The top coat is thick and wooly, the hairs of which should be erect and the undercoat dense and curly and made up of finer hairs.
 

Bitches  measure between 40-46 cms (16-18 ins) at the withers and dogs 45-51 cms (18-20 ins), both weighing around 19 - 21kgs. On average the Lapphund lives for around 12-13 years.

These dogs are not big eaters, but the quantity of food will depend on whether you are working the dog on a herding basis or being used as a companion dog.

There are so few of these dogs in the country that there are not many documented problems. PRA has surfaced in their native Sweden but is tested for to eradicate and further prevent this eye disease. There are veryfew cases of hip dysplasia thereby making this test almost unnecessary.  They are a general alround healthy dog with very little Susceptibility To Illness

The Swedish Lapphund like his cousin, is not a guard dog but will alert owners that something is different by barking.  They are energetic and good with children but do need to be supervised due to their high energy levels.