Swedish Lapphund

The Swedish Lapphund is one of Sweden's oldest breeds — a black spitz herding dog that worked reindeer with the Sámi people.

History

It has been with the Sámi for centuries, herding and guarding semi-domesticated reindeer across northern Scandinavia, and archaeological finds suggest spitz dogs of this type in the region far earlier. It is considered one of the oldest native Swedish breeds.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, affectionate and vocal — barking was part of how it moved reindeer and remains part of how it communicates. It is attentive to its people and lively well into old age.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and mental work, and takes readily to herding, obedience and agility. The dense double coat sheds heavily twice a year. The barking is worth training around early rather than late.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia and an inherited retinal condition that breeders test for. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.