About the breed

The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient breed. Its spitz type forbearers were used by the semi-nomadic people known as the Sami as ‘helper’ dogs. Over hundreds of years, the Sami people adopted a more sedentary culture, which revolved around the keeping of reindeer herds. During this time, the role of their dogs evolved from hunting and protection to herding reindeer and watching over stock; they were known as ‘helper’ dogs.

The first standard of the breed was established by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1945 and was known as the Lapponian Shepherd Dog. This standard included both longer and shorter haired dogs.

In 1967 these two types of Lapponian Shepherd dogs were separated; the longer haired dogs were given a separate standard and were called Lapinkoira (Lapphund); the shorter coated dogs became known as Lappinporokoira (Lapponian Herder). In the 1970s the type and overall appearance of the breed became fixed and the standard was revised to reflect these changes. The breed name was then again changed to Finnish Lapphund in 1993. The standard was revised in Finland in 1996 and an English translation was accepted by the Federation Cynologique Intemationale in 1999.

Over time, as their traditional work as reindeer herders has diminished, Finnish Lapphunds have adopted into a new role as family pet and companion. They are today one of the more popular family dogs in Finland, as their easy nature and friendly temperament suits many modern lifestyles.  

Highly intelligent, Lappies do well with training and mental stimulation. They are curious, alert and watchful, but are not guarding animals and any kind of aggression is discouraged in the breed.  While they may appear submissive to people, they should never be fearful or timid.  Lappies are known for being vocal - which includes barking - so anyone interested in the breed should be aware of this trait.  As a primitive spitz, they retain many instincts and it is best to train their recall from an early age.  Fortunately most Lappies are reward focused, which is most helpful in training  (although they are prone to over-eating if allowed).

Lappies in Australia
The first Finnish Lapphund was imported by Mrs Kylikki Eronen (ACT) in 1996, but it took a few more years before a breeding pair, Ch. Staalon Kolumbus (imp Fnl) and Ch. Lecibsin Heissulivei (imp Fnl) arrived in Australia (1999). These two dogs produced the first Australian bred litter in April 2001, consisting of three pups which were registered under the Brambleway prefix.

Since this time there have been numerous males and females imported into Australia from Finland,Sweden, Denmark, Norway, France and elsewhere, and a healthy number of Australian bred Lappies have been produced through careful and dedicated breeding, bringing our breed numbers to over 500. 

As the breed has increased in numbers so has its popularity. There are now many Finnish Lapphunds (or Lappies) gracing their family homes across most States and Territories of Australia. A number are participating in a range of dog sports, and as well as conformation showing, we have Lappies titled in obedience, agility, herding, tracking, dancing with dogs, endurance, flyball, and rally-o.

Taigakoira Kennels
Taigakoira kennels are Terri MacDonald and Steve Horton.  We feel in love with the breed in 2008, when we acquired our first two Lapphunds, Tasha (Janoby Clear Future) and Bear (Ch. Janoby Clear the Way).  Shortly after, we were joined by Sohvi (Ch. Watersedge Little Black Dress) and with our first litter arriving in 2010, we kept the pick girl and named her Ruby (Ch. Taigakoira Aamuntahti).  Since then our Lappie family has grown, with several imports (Ukko - Ch A Is For Awesome (imp Nor) and Osku - Ch Herding Instinct's Nakke Nakuttaja (imp Swd)) joining us in recent years, and two more imports (Tahti and Miia) to arrive soon.  

​Having travelled and met with breeders and their Lappies in Finland, Sweden and Norway, we have a strong vision of where we want to head with our breeding program here.  We aim to produce Lappies that are healthy and true to both type and temperament. We work productively with a number of breeders, both here and overseas, in achieving these aims.

We have been involved with the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria since its inception, and during this time have held various committee positions (including Secretary and Vice President).  We continue to be involved in the Lappie community both in Australia and internationally, and work to promote the breed in both the pedigree dog community and the public more broadly.

We moved to our new kennel in 2015 in order to have more room for both us and our Lappies, and while we have plans to add a few more to the Lappie family, we will always be a small kennel, dedicated to ensuring the future of this lovely breed both there and overseas.