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Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, easy going, medium-size breed of Spitz type. Traditionally it has been used for herding reindeer.
Fun Fact
Often Finnish Lapphunds have interesting facial markings known as spectacles; lighter colored hair surrounds the dog’s eyes. Although this is seen in a few other breeds, it is more pronounced in Finnish Lapphunds.
Height
Male: 18-20in
Female: 16-19in
Weight
Male: 33-53lb
Female: 33-53lb
Finnish Lapphunds were the original reindeer herders of the Sami people, the indigenous population of the area between Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia. Despite their historic origins, they weren’t officially recognized by kennel clubs until the late 1940s, right after the Second World War. Their breed standard was redefined in the 1960s, but they weren’t brought into the United States until the 1980s—the first litter of Finnish Lapphunds born in the States made their debut in 1988.
As far as family living, Finnish Lapphunds do extremely well with children and other dogs. They are well known for their curiosity, so owners will have to keep an eye on them if they let them off leash. Despite their origins as working dogs, Finnish Lapphunds have adapted remarkably well to family life and make excellent pets. They will thrive in nearly any type of home, given they receive enough exercise. Also they don’t shed nearly as much as their long coats might lead people to believe. Because they are so friendly, they might quickly become a neighborhood favorite.
Finding a Finnish Lapphund in the United States might prove a little tricky—despite their sweet disposition and attractive look, they are still a relatively rare breed. If prospective owners are lucky enough to find a breeder with available pups, they certainly won’t be sorry. Finnish Lapphunds get along well with other pets, and they are gentle and sweet dogs who will make a loving addition to any family.
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Hyperuricosuria and Hyperuricemia or Urolithiasis, HUU SLC2A9Kidney and Bladder
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd PRCD Exon 1Eyes
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Glycogen Storage Disease Type II, Pompe's Disease, GSD II GAA, Finnish and Swedish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder VariantMultisystem
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Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, cmr3 BEST1 Exon 10 Deletion, Finnish and Swedish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder VariantEyes
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