How to Identify a Finnish Lapphund

Last Updated: April 5, 2021

Finnish Lapphunds are members of the herding group, and they were originally bred for hunting and herding reindeer. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Even though they share some characteristics with other dog breeds, they have several unique ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a Finnish Lapphund.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Noting the Body Structure

1
Check the dog's size. Male Finnish Lapphunds are typically somewhere between 18–21 inches (46–53 cm) tall, while females are anywhere from 16–19 inches (41–48 cm) tall. Both male and female Finnish Lapphunds usually weigh somewhere between 33–53 pounds (15–24 kg). ^{[2]
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2
Look at the dog's head overall. The head of a Finnish Lapphund should give off the impression of strength with a soft expression, and the dog should also have a skull that is the same amount in breadth and length, and the top should be a little domed, with a stop that is defined well and a very noticeable frontal furrow. ^{[3]
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3
See what the dog's ears look like. Finnish Lapphunds usually have ears that are small to medium in size and set quite far apart from each other, a little off the top of the dog's head. The ears are triangular-shaped with a broad base and rounded tips, along with a coat of hair that is heavy. The ears are either semi-erect or erect. ^{[4]
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4
Examine the dog's eyes. Finnish Lapphunds should have oval-shaped eyes that are as dark in color as they can be, possibly blending in with the coat color, though lighter-colored dogs usually have eyes that are lighter in color. ^{[5]
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5
Notice the dog's tail. Finnish Lapphunds should have a tail that is set quite high on the dog, with a coat that is profuse. The tail should either be carried over the side or back when the dog is in motion, and you may notice that it is dropped when the dog is at rest, especially if the dog is a female. ^{[6]
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6
Examine the dog's overall appearance. Overall, Finnish Lapphunds should have a strong build, with an effortless gait that can easily move from a trot to a gallop, which is the dog's most natural movement. ^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Checking the Coat

1
See what color the dog's coat is. Finnish Lapphunds may be any color, though whatever color covers the most area on the dog should cover the entire body. You may notice secondary colors on the dog's chest, neck, legs, head, tail, and the underside of their body. ^{[8]
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2
Feel the texture of the dog's coat. The outer coat of a Finnish Lapphund should feel quite harsh, while the undercoat has a soft feel. ^{[9]
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3
Examine the coat's overall appearance. Overall, the outer coat of a Finnish Lapphund should be profuse, thick, long. and straight, and it is shorter in length on the front of the dog's legs and their head. You should also notice a plentiful, quite dense undercoat that causes the outer coat to be erect. Especially on males, you should notice a mane that is profuse. You may also notice a little wave on the dog's outer coat, particularly if they are young. ^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Looking at Temperament

1
Find out if the dog is alert. Finnish Lapphunds are alert dogs with a good sense of hearing. ^{[11]
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2
Understand that this dog is friendly. Finnish Lapphunds are typically friendly dogs who usually get along well with children, other dogs, and other animals. Because of this, they are usually not good guard dogs. However, if they aren't socialized properly, Finnish Lapphunds may be aloof (yet not shy) around strangers. ^{[12]
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3
Take note of loyalty. Finnish Lapphunds are known to be faithful and loyal dogs overall. ^{[13]
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4
See if the dog is calm. Finnish Lapphunds are typically calm dogs who will only be vocal and/or energetic if they need to be. ^{[14]
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5
Look for curiosity. Finnish Lapphunds are curious dogs and will explore whenever they can, so they'll either need to be on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when they are outside. ^{[15]
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