LAPINPOROKOIRA (LAPPONIAN HERDER)
Herding Dog Group
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HISTORY

The Lapponian Herder originated in Finland, where for hundreds of years the Lapps have used dogs of this sort for herding reindeer. Once grouped together as a breed with the Finnish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder was separated into its own breed in 1966.

The Lapponian Herder was recognized by the United Kennel Club July 1, 2006.

A medium-sized, spitz-like breed, clearly longer than tall, with strong but not heavy bone and musculature, and a coat that withstands the arctic climate. The sex of the dog should be readily apparent by visual examination.

Docile, calm, friendly, energetic and willing to work, the Lapponian Herder barks freely when working.

Typical spitz type head, with the muzzle shorter than the skull and a sloping stop.

SKULL - Slightly convex, with a marked frontal furrow and the superciliary ridges clearly defined.

MUZZLE - Tapers evenly from the eyes to the nose. The nasal bridge is straight and the lips are tight.

TEETH - The Lapponian Herder has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Disqualification: Overshot or undershot bite.

NOSE - Preferably black but may harmonize with the color of the coat in dogs that are other than black.

EYES - Set rather well apart, oval in shape and dark in color, harmonizing with coat color. Expression is keen and lively, and in females, devoted.

EARS - Set well apart, broad at the base, tapering to the tips and carried erect. The inside of the ears is furnished with thick hair.

Disqualification: Dropped ears.

Strong, medium length, blending smoothly into the shoulders.

Muscular and well angulated.

FORELEGS - Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The elbows are close to the body, and the carpus is sinewy and flexible. The pasterns are slightly oblique, allowing for flexible movement. Leg length from elbow to ground is half the height at the withers.

Longer than tall by 10 percent. The withers are marked, and the chest is deep and spacious, but not broad. The ribs are well sprung. The back is strong and muscular, the loin short and strong, and the croup is rather long and slightly sloping. The underline is gently tucked up.

Well angulated, with rather long and broad thighs and strong muscles.

HIND LEGS - Straight and parallel when viewed from behind. Marked angulation at the stifle and the hock, which is well let down. Rear pasterns are short and vertical.

Oval, with well-arched toes and thick pads, and a heavy covering of hair, including on the bottom.

Medium in length, set low, and profusely coated. In repose, the tail hangs down. In movement, it is carried in a loose curl, but may not be raised over the back. The tail action may be circular.

Double, with the outer coat fairly long, straight, harsh and erect. The undercoat is fine and dense. The hair is often more profuse on the neck, chest and back of the thighs.

Black, gray or dark brown, with lighter shadings. White markings on the neck, chest and legs are permitted. The undercoat is black, grayish or brownish.

Ideal height for males is 20 inches, for females it is 18 inches. There is an allowable tolerance of 1 inch over or under the ideal.

Free, flexible and effortless, giving the appearance of being tireless. At faster speed there is a tendency to single track.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Overshot or undershot bite. Dropped ears.