Dog Breeds - Swedish Lapphund

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed shows towards family members and familiar individuals varies. Certain breeds may display aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It's important to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. Although it is essential to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to each other, some breeds naturally have a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs both in domestic surroundings and public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can differ. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to cause allergies in some individuals and may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and using lint rollers.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
40% The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance can vary among different breeds. It's important to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for this type of care when evaluating grooming requirements. Additionally, keep in mind that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you prefer a clean and tidy environment, breeds that produce excessive drool leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating large wet spots on your clothes, may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The extent to which a breed is welcoming towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit reserve or caution around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the location, while other breeds tend to be enthusiastic about meeting new humans whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary. While some breeds maintain their desire to engage in interactive play, such as tug-of-war or fetch even into their adult years others may prefer a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. It's important to consider the energy levels and play preferences of a breed when selecting a companion that aligns with your own activity level and lifestyle.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds have a higher tendency to alert you when strangers are nearby. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they are also likely to become more welcoming towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and capable of handling changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life with relative ease. These breeds tend to adjust well to new situations and environments. However, other breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and support to adapt to new circumstances. When considering a breed, it can be helpful to assess their general temperament and adaptability to determine if they would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the potential changes you may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Certain breeds are eager to please their owners and are enthusiastic about learning, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do what they want, when they want and wherever they want.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The required amount of exercise and mental stimulation for a breed can differ. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure, eagerly engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more akin to couch potatoes content with lounging around and enjoying peaceful snoozes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Understanding the frequency of vocalization in a specific breed, encompassing barks and howls is essential. While certain breeds tend to bark or howl at every passer-by or even a bird at the window others reserve their barking for specific circumstances. Additionally, some breeds that may not bark still find alternative methods to vocalize and communicate their emotions through various sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation necessary for a breed to maintain happiness and overall well-being is significant. Purpose-bred dogs in particular often have specific responsibilities that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. When deprived of adequate mental exercises, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to occupy their minds. However, these self-created projects may not align with the activities that you would prefer them to engage in.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed shows towards family members and familiar individuals varies. Certain breeds may display aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It's important to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. Although it is essential to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to each other, some breeds naturally have a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs both in domestic surroundings and public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can differ. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to cause allergies in some individuals and may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and using lint rollers.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

40% The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance can vary among different breeds. It's important to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for this type of care when evaluating grooming requirements. Additionally, keep in mind that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you prefer a clean and tidy environment, breeds that produce excessive drool leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating large wet spots on your clothes, may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The extent to which a breed is welcoming towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit reserve or caution around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the location, while other breeds tend to be enthusiastic about meeting new humans whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary. While some breeds maintain their desire to engage in interactive play, such as tug-of-war or fetch even into their adult years others may prefer a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. It's important to consider the energy levels and play preferences of a breed when selecting a companion that aligns with your own activity level and lifestyle.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds have a higher tendency to alert you when strangers are nearby. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they are also likely to become more welcoming towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and capable of handling changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life with relative ease. These breeds tend to adjust well to new situations and environments. However, other breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and support to adapt to new circumstances. When considering a breed, it can be helpful to assess their general temperament and adaptability to determine if they would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the potential changes you may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Certain breeds are eager to please their owners and are enthusiastic about learning, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do what they want, when they want and wherever they want.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The required amount of exercise and mental stimulation for a breed can differ. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure, eagerly engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more akin to couch potatoes content with lounging around and enjoying peaceful snoozes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental stimulation necessary for a breed to maintain happiness and overall well-being is significant. Purpose-bred dogs in particular often have specific responsibilities that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. When deprived of adequate mental exercises, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to occupy their minds. However, these self-created projects may not align with the activities that you would prefer them to engage in.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Liver	123

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Swedish Lapphund is described as lively, alert, kind, and affectionate, demonstrating a receptive and attentive nature. As a herding dog, it has been historically valuable in the reindeer trade due to its abilities. This breed is versatile and suitable for various activities such as obedience training, agility, herding and tracking. Swedish Lapphunds are easy to train possess endurance and toughness making them highly adaptable. They make excellent family companions and thrive when involved in all the activities of their human pack. While typically regarded as medium to high energy, they are capable of relaxing and have an "on/off" switch for energy levels. Alert, friendly, and independent-minded, they can display some stubbornness. The breed retains its guarding and herding traits including alertness and attention-getting barking. Swedish Lapphunds are eager to please, willing to work with their owners and excel in various companion events like rally, agility, herding and scent work.

What to Expect When Caring for A SWEDISH LAPPHUND

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Swedish Lapphund: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Swedish Lapphunds are considered to be a generally healthy breed. Responsible breeders prioritize the health of the dogs and conduct tests for conditions like hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). They also provide readily available health information on their dogs. Working with a responsible breeder ensures that prospective owners receive the necessary education about specific health concerns within the breed. It is always recommended to inquire about health clearances and ask for information on the health history of the puppy's parents before making a decision. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

Grooming

	The Swedish Lapphund has a medium-length double coat that requires regular maintenance. Weekly brushing is recommended to keep the coat in good condition and occasional baths can help keep it clean. Swedish Lapphunds undergo a heavy shedding process of their undercoat known as "blowing coat," which typically occurs once or twice a year. During this time, a professional groomer can assist with managing the substantial amount of fur shed. It's important to note that the Swedish Lapphund should never be shaved. The coat should always be maintained at its natural length throughout the year.

Exercise

	Swedish Lapphunds are indeed considered a medium to high-energy breed and thrive with daily exercise. They possess an "on/off" switch, meaning they are highly energetic, alert and active but they can also settle down and relax when appropriate. This intelligent and active breed requires regular mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom. It is not recommended to leave a Swedish Lapphund alone for long periods, as they require social interaction and mental stimulation. When outdoors, a securely fenced yard is a necessity to ensure their safety. Like many breeds, a bored Swedish Lapphund may engage in mischievous behavior, so it's important to provide them with sufficient outlets for their energy and mental needs. Regular exercise and stimulating activities will help keep them content and well-behaved.

Training

	The Swedish Lapphunds possess a curious and eager temperament which contributes to their exceptional trainability. Despite their independent thinking and occasional stubborn streak effectively training a Lappie calls for a gentle approach, patience and a sense of humor. This breed is particularly well-suited for herding, agility, obedience and other canine sports.

Nutrition

	The Swedish Lapphund thrives when nourished with high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially produced or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is essential to ensure that the diet is suitable for your dog's specific life stage, be it a puppy, adult or senior. It's worth noting that some Lapphunds have a tendency to gain excess weight, so it's crucial to monitor their calorie intake and keep an eye on their weight. While treats can be beneficial during training, it is important not to go overboard as excessive consumption might lead to obesity. It is advisable to educate yourself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. Lastly, remember to provide your furry companion with clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

The Swedish Lapphund holds the distinguished title of being the oldest native Swedish breed and is considered one of the oldest breeds in existence to this day. Originally, it played a crucial role alongside the Sami people who inhabited the Lappland region encompassing parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and northwest Russia. Initially, its primary functions were hunting and guarding but as the Sami people domesticated reindeer, the Lapphund became an invaluable herding companion as well. One notable trait of the Lapphund employed during herding is its exceptional vocal abilities. The Sami people preferred Lappies that barked, as it served two purposes: warding off potential predators and allowing the reindeer to recognize the barking four-legged creature as a friend, not a foe. Even in the present day, the Lapphund continues to exhibit a strong herding instinct. Sadly, the breed faced the threat of extinction during the mid-20th century. However, through the relentless efforts of dedicated breeders, it was successfully revived. Despite its revival, the Swedish Lapphund remains an exceedingly rare breed with an estimated global population of approximately 1000-1200 individuals, the majority of which can be found in Sweden.