AKC Gazette – December 2022
Read the December 2022 AKC Gazette Finnish Lapphund column about what Activities Lappies like to do here…
Finnish Lapphunds – Activities Through Time
(originally published in the AKC Gazette – Dec 2022 issue)
While the dog fancy is now seeing more Finnish Lapphunds in the show ring here in the US, people unfamiliar with the breed might not know what they are like outside of the show ring. Along with their wonderful diversity of coat colors and markings, Finnish Lapphunds participate in a diverse range of activities with their devoted owners. Versatility in this breed came along down a slightly different path, so let’s take a look.
Many modern breeds were developed to help humans with specific tasks such as hunting, herding, guarding, or simply being a companion - breeding for these jobs fine-tuned many breeds’ abilities in scenting, agility, alertness, or friendliness. The Finnish Lapphunds’ ancestors were originally an Arctic landrace dog that assisted the Sami people on their reindeer herding journeys (for a more in depth anthropological read, click here).
Those ancestor dogs changed through time from primitive nomadic hunters to semi-domesticated reindeer herders to alert friendly camp dogs. Because the dogs were historically needed to fill a few different jobs, a litter that resulted in puppies that could become hunters, herders, or camp dogs would have been valued. Puppies were not selected for a particular job, but instead were allowed to naturally grow into the job that fit them best. In the harsh Arctic environment with limited resources, this versatility within a litter made sense and resulted in several traits being baked into the breed.
If a new owner hasn’t done their research, they might be surprised if they get a puppy with prey drive for small critters or a desire to play games with the household cat. Some people don’t understand why their Lappy wants to run in one direction all day and finds competition heeling excruciatingly boring. And many people may not appreciate that their Lappy tells them loudly every time a package has arrived at the front door. But all are pleased when they find themselves with a friendly companion that is happy to move around the house or yard with them as they do daily chores.
Depending on which traits shine through, Finnish Lapphunds and their owners enjoy activities such as agility, barn hunt, coursing, scent work, tricks, and therapy dog work. In agility, they might not be the fastest dog, but they learn quickly, working consistently and efficiently. In barn hunt, they either love it enthusiastically or can’t be bothered with that smelly chore. In coursing, some clearly love the game while others will say they don’t get it. Many Lappies love scent work and all owners should be encouraged to try sniffing activities. Many Lappies also excel in trick training, as they thrive on constantly learning new things and getting lots of treats makes tricks even more fun. Lappies are very in tune with people and some make good therapy dogs, but care needs to be taken to protect their emotional needs while doing this important work. And lastly, a few Lappies have done exceptionally well in obedience and rally (right dog with the right trainer), but most will turn their nose up and walk away from the formal repetitive training these sports require.
Finnish Lapphunds are in the Herding Group and this author was surprised to learn that only a few Finnish Lapphunds have trained for herding trials in the US. It helps to know that reindeer are large-footed dangerous semi-domesticated animals and very different from the domesticated farm animals used in herding tests. The Lappy herding style is to emit a persistent piercing bark while jumping and bouncing to annoy a stray reindeer to move back into the herd. Moving behind a herd of hundreds of reindeer, day after day over long distances in the snow and ice, requires a different type of stamina and independence than taking human direction to move sheep or ducks from pen to pen. As this herding style does not always translate well to trials in the US, perhaps some effort should be taken to find a way to adapt this activity to better fit this breed.
Even though Finnish Lapphunds were not historically bred for one specific job, they do love to work. They have some limits on what they can be trained to do, but they can be good at several sports if given the opportunity to try new activities and given leeway to go with what clicks. New Lappy owners should understand that as their adorable fluffy puppy grows up, their Lappy might enjoy doing activities they hadn’t planned on. Owners often find that these dogs don’t train quite the same as other breeds they have had - Lappies are smart, creative, and resourceful, and so their owners must be as well. Finnish Lapphunds are an absolute joy to live with and to train if you treat them well, respect their limits, explore their potential, and listen to what they have to say.
anthropological reference: https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1525/cia.1986.6.2.3
moving a herd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpbkto6Q2m4
snow and ice: https://www.facebook.com/sofiajannok/videos/193951731652129
hundreds of reindeer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxGJuQveQYs
