Finnish Lapphund — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Finnish Lapphund — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* A medium Nordic herding dog that blends a northern-type look with a herding temperament; it was bred to work reindeer, which are not as wary of dogs and wolves as other livestock, so the breed both controls and dodges them and has a strong startle reflex.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* With people it is calm, friendly and very submissive, at times a little aloof; that reserve is not shyness. It is intelligent, alert and eager to learn.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Size: ideal height 19½ in for males and 17½ in for females; acceptable range 18–21 in males, 16–19 in females. The body is slightly longer than tall, about 11:10.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is dense and plentiful, though shorter on the head and down the front of the legs; the long harsh outer hair is water-repellent and lies over a soft, very dense undercoat, with males carrying a full mane. A slight wave is allowed.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Every colour is allowed provided one main colour covers most of the body; sable, wolfsable and domino count as single colours, while secondary shades may appear on the head, neck, chest, underside, legs and tail.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Faults include drop ears, yellow or blue eyes, an overshot or undershot bite, and a kinked tail.