The origin of the breed and its purpose, the exterior of the Lappish reindeer herding dog, character and health, maintenance and care, interesting facts. Purchase price. Not every modern dog is able to compete in the speed and duration of the run with a real reindeer that lives in the snowy expanses of Scandinavia. Yes, even in deep snow or rough forest terrain. Yes, and not with one, but with a whole herd. Only a very hardy and strong dog, courageous and conscientious in work, can do this. It is such an indispensable assistant for the northern peoples of the Scandinavian countries from time immemorial is the wonderful Lapland (Lapp) reindeer herding dog, unusually energetic, fearless, intelligent and beautiful.
The history of the origin of the Lappish Reindeer Dog breed
The Lopar Reindeer Dog is an ancient northern breed of shepherd dogs, which became known to a wide circle of animal lovers only recently, although the first mentions of it were back in the 16th century in the famous book “History of the Northern Peoples” (“Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus”) by the archbishop, writer and cartographer Olaus Magnus.
However, the pedigree history of the Lappish dog is actually not limited to the beginning of the 16th century, but goes far back into the depths of centuries and the dense forests of Scandinavia. According to the most conservative estimates of the researchers involved in the topic, the age of these northern shepherds and guards in dog form is no less than two thousand years old and takes its count directly from the ancient northern wolf. Of course, now it is already difficult, reliably to establish how the bloodthirsty predator turned into a wonderful human helper, but the fact remains that the reindeer herding dog, which still retains the features of its wild ancestor, has been the permanent assistant of the people of Northern Scandinavia - the Lapps for hundreds of years (Sami) in their difficult nomadic life.
As usual, over hundreds of years of existence, the Lappish dog has formed a considerable number of species and breed names, some of which it has already received today. So, these amazing animals are now known under the following names: "Lapland Walhund", "Lapland Hurder", "Sami herd dog," shepherd dog”, although these dogs not only never grazed sheep, but did not even come close to seeing them in their native circumpolar expanses. In the local dialect, the name of the breed sounds rather unusual, but poetic - "Lapinporokoira".
The next author (after the missionary traveler Olaf Magnus), who thoroughly described the life, culture and life of the inhabitants of Lapland, was the Swedish professor of rhetoric and politics, John Scheffer. It was in his book-treatise "Lapponia", which became one of the first printed books of the 17th century (published in Latin in 1673), among other things, that the Lapps (Laplanders) grazing domestic reindeer is described in surprising detail, where the work of a shepherd's dog is also mentioned. vice.
For centuries, the breeding of reindeer racing dogs took place without a system, on the inspiration of reindeer herders. True, already in those days, the preferences of the northern peoples in relation to the required exterior were formed. Preference was given to males of black color, not too large. "A wolf-sized wolf is a bad dog," the Lapps believed (the dog had to differ significantly from the wolf, both in size and color - for better recognition).
Yes, and these animals themselves have been quite versatile for a long time. They not only helped with grazing and protected the reindeer from wolves, but participated in tracking down various northern game and protected dwellings. That is, they were engaged in the most ordinary dog work. And only by the beginning of the 18th century, when the herds of deer became too numerous, the Lapps began to increase their population.
The first timid attempts of the planned breeding of "reindeer race" date back to the 30s of the XX century. But the real scientific selection of the breed originates only in the middle of the 20th century, when the species itself came close to complete extinction. At some point, with the advent of motonart and snowmobiles, reindeer breeders felt that they were able to cope with the herding of reindeer themselves without the help of trained dogs. But, as time has shown, everything turned out to be not so simple and too expensive. And soon the smart Lapland dogs were needed again. Finnish and Swedish dog handlers had to work hard to revive the almost lost breed. Moreover, in those years, literally bit by bit, several remnants of aboriginal and once numerous dog species had to be revived at once.
Note that until 1966, the Lappish Reindeer Dog breed, as such, did not yet exist, but was combined into one species with the Finnish Lapphund (Finnish Lappa Laika). And only as a result of the efforts of many specialists: cynologists, zoologists, reindeer herders and hunters, who managed to prove to the cynological community the fundamental difference that exists between these animals, the lapinporokyra dog was separated into a separate species, with the development of its own breeding standard.
In 1970, the Lapponian Reindeer Dog was registered in the Fédération Cynological Federation Studbook under the name Lapponian Reindeer Dog, becoming one of the first Nordic breeds to be recognized at such a high level.
According to the estimates of dog handlers, in 2014 there were about 150 working specimens of the breed in reindeer farms in Lapland itself (however, it was not possible to establish the exact number of animals). While there are over 700 dogs in Sweden and about 200 in Finland.
Purpose and use of the Lappish reindeer herding dog
Being a rather rare breed for the rest of the world, and the wickedness is widespread mainly in the Scandinavian countries, in the Murmansk region of Russia, in northern Germany, and quite a bit in the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium, this dog is still engaged in by his direct business - he helps the reindeer breeder with herding reindeer.
On the territory of other countries, where it exists in almost single quantities, it is more often given birth as a companion dog or an ordinary pet, entrusting only the most common security functions for any dog.
To see the lapinporokoira dog as a participant in the exhibition championship is possible so far only in Finland and Sweden.
Description of the standard for the exterior of the Lappish Reindeer Dog
Outwardly, the Lappish "reindeer race" combines the beauty of the statues of the northern wolf with the smartness of a working German shepherd. And what is more in it, a wolf or a shepherd dog (which has never seen a sheep), even experts are not able to say. However, the animal's cute exterior matches the best specimens of herding dogs from the middle and southern latitudes.
The maximum dimensions of lapinporokoir are as follows: the height at the withers reaches 54 centimeters, and the body weight of the animal reaches 30 kg (rarely more).
- Head reindeer herding dog is not too large and is quite proportional to the rest of the body. The skull is wide enough. The muzzle is elongated, with a distinct stop, tapering towards the nose. The nasal bridge is medium in width, flat. The nose is black or brown, harmoniously combined in color with the color of the fur. The lips are close to the jaws, without sagging wings, black or blackish brown in color. The jaws are strong, with strong large teeth and an excellent grip. The jaw bite resembles a scissor grip.
- Eyes oval, medium and narrow set. The color of the eyes according to the standard is allowed to be dark or different, in harmony with the color of the coat (although too light color of the eyes is considered a disadvantage). The look is smart, insightful and responsible.
- Ears triangular in shape, set high and wide, rather large, erect.
- Neck strong, medium length, firm and dry (no sagging skin).
- Torso strong, rectangular-stretched format. The article is very reminiscent of a German shepherd. The chest is pronounced, wide and deep. The back is straight, strong, of medium width. The topline is straight or slightly raised towards the croup. The croup is muscular, lean, sloping. The underline (belly) is quite tucked up.
- Tail medium-sized, thick at the base and gradually tapering towards the tip, set high, richly pubescent with wool. In a calm state, it is lowered down with a slight bend up, in an excited state, it never rises above the level of the back.
- Limbs in the "deer race" they are even, straight, of medium length, muscular, but dry. Feet are oval, close-knit, well padded and strong black nails. Dewclaws should be removed.
- Wool dense, of medium length, straight and raised. The poultry is quite tough in structure and retains its shape well. There is an undercoat. The undercoat is dense and dense, warm and soft.
The coat color of the Lappish dog is somewhat varied. The most common colors are:
- black, with variations in shades (from coal black to grayish black) and a lighter tan (gray, beige and bluish gray);
- dark brown in combination with a lighter tan (tan is usually light brown or gray).
Almost always on the muzzle, front of the neck, chest, limbs and abdomen of the animal there are rather large characteristic white spots (areas of wool), which make it possible to identify the breed.
The nature of lapinporokoir
The Lopar dog is distinguished by great energy and incredible endurance. At the same time, despite her mobile temperament, she is perfectly mentally balanced and easily controlled, as she is attentive to the commands of the owner and the environment.
"Olenegonka" is innately intelligent, independent and has an excellent reaction that allows you to quickly switch from one activity to another. She is attentive and alert, but not aggressive and generally indifferent to strangers. These qualities allow her to be an excellent shepherd dog, but her watchman is not very good. She will definitely inform by barking about the presence of an “alien”, but she will never rush to attack him.
Being a versatile dog in the past, often used to track an animal, the Loparka has retained quite good hunter skills, which, with targeted training, can be quickly and easily restored and developed.
Calm and peaceful disposition, as well as the special dedication and loyalty of this animal in relation to the owner and his family members, make the reindeer racing dog a reliable and hardy companion and companion of a person leading an active lifestyle. Moreover, the attachment of these dogs to people who raised them from puppyhood is so great that a long separation turns into a real "Shakespearean" tragedy.
The breed is not very suitable for owners who are too busy at work, leading a "couch" lifestyle or living in a metropolis. "Olenegonka" loves space, forest and snow-covered fields and does not tolerate urban existence, devoid of the usual reindeer runs and communication with nature.
Lapp Reindeer Dog Health
The aboriginal Lapland reindeer dogs are distinguished by good health, excellent immunity and good adaptation to low temperatures, cold winds and other vicissitudes of the northern regions.
At the same time, they also have some predispositions to a health disorder that can cause some problems to the owner. The most common diseases of these wonderful dogs are:
- dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints;
- arthritis;
- various pathologies of the bladder;
- epilepsy;
- eye diseases.
At the moment, all breed diseases have not yet been identified, but research is being actively carried out.
The life expectancy of magnificent "reindeer race" reaches an average of 15-17 years, which is quite a lot for an animal of this size, and even performing a lot of duties with great physical exertion.
Tips for keeping and caring for a reindeer race
Lapland "reindeer horses" are very mobile animals, accustomed to being free (without any leashes, chains or other restraints) in a harsh climate. Therefore, keeping these animals in an urban environment, and especially in an apartment, is fraught with a number of difficulties. And it is better to keep these dogs, after all, in the countryside or outside the city (in a spacious open-air cage with a warm equipped place protected from precipitation), where there is a good opportunity for vigorous dog walking.
In terms of care and nutrition, these dogs are absolutely unpretentious. Their thick and coarse coat should be brushed once or twice a week with a stiff brush, and bathed as needed. During the molting period, you have to do this more often. It is also recommended to regularly clean your pet's ears, trim its nails, and examine the mouth and teeth (brushing as needed).
The diet is quite standard, almost the same as for a German or Swiss shepherd. Unless the energy component should be slightly higher (usually 1, 5–1, 75 from the diet of a shepherd dog), a reindeer herding dog is much more energetic than any of these shepherd dogs (if, of course, it has the ability to run fully).
Interesting facts about the Lappish Reindeer Dog
The main requirement for any potential reindeer herding dog is the ability to work at a speed significantly higher than the working speed of ordinary herding dogs, grazing cows or sheep. Not every breed is able to cope with such extraordinary loads, moving in winter through loose deep snow or, injuring paws, hard crust, and at other times of the year - along hummocky tundra or forest thickets and rubble.
And such a dog has a lot of work. It is necessary to constantly and in time to crowd the herd, turn it in the right direction, drive it into fenced areas, drive the reindeer that have strayed from it, and prevent the reindeer from breaking up into small groups or scattering through the forest. At the same time, the dog should never penetrate into the center of the herd, but only works along its edge, not forgetting about the protection of deer, and especially young animals, from predators, especially wolves. All these tasks become many times more complicated during the rut (the mating season for deer), with the appearance of deer, and also with the beginning of the autumn mushroom season (deer love mushrooms and, having discovered a mushroom place, are extremely reluctant to leave it).
Performing her job, a properly trained "reindeer race" never loses sight of her master, follows his gestures and commands. When the herd moves, she is always close to the reindeer herder, ready to carry out his every command (albeit quietly). Also stops working immediately after a recall command. It seems that now it is clear why such intelligent and disciplined dogs are so appreciated by the reindeer breeders of Scandinavia. After all, even one Lappish dog can replace two or even three shepherds.
Lopar Reindeer Dog puppy cost
Lapland reindeer dogs are still little known in Russia. Basically, only hunters of the Leningrad and Murmansk regions, bordering Finland, know about them firsthand. Therefore, there are no “reindeer race” kennels in Russia yet, and all puppies are imported directly from Finland. The average cost of imported puppies, due to their rarity, is quite high and reaches 1000 US dollars.
More about the features of the Lappish Reindeer Dog in this video:
