AKA: Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira

Description: The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog that belongs to the Spitz family. It has a strong built, the body longer than its height, powerful and compact. The back is straight, the front legs are straight while the hind legs are bent, and the paws are catlike. Its coat is thick with hair, covering the neck and body, with feathery frills in the abdomen, and behind the legs. The tail is also covered with long hair, and is carried curved over the back.

The head is triangular, although its ruff of hair around the face and neck makes it seem as if the face is round. The nose is black and the eyes are huge and slightly almond-shaped. There is usually a light-colored ring of hair around the eyes. The ears are set high on the head and are triangular. Its teeth forms a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent breed, as can be detected from their observant gaze and serious expression. It is observant and alert, and makes a very good watchdog. It barks at things it thinks are suspicious. It has a friendly temperament, and is an active breed. It is a great companion, especially when outdoors. It get along well with children, gentle with them and with people they can see that needs tenderness like the disabled and the elderly.

Breed Group: Working, Pastoral, Northern

Weight: average weight is 17-19kg, but the breed has a weight range of 15-24kg

Height: males 46-52 cm, females 41-47 cm

Color: The coat of the Finnish Lapphund can come in any color, with a single color dominating. The most common colors for this breed are white, black, red, brown, sable, and wolf-sable. The combination of black and tan is very common.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Lapphund originated in Finland, where it was raised by the Sami people.

Activities: The Finnish Lapphund was traditionally used as a reindeer herder, but is now also used as a watch dog, in obedience competitions, agility, herding trials, pet therapy, and as a family companion.

Grooming: The coat of the Finnish Lapphund only requires a modest amount of maintenance. Combing and brushing at least once a week is needed to remove dead hairs.

Other Info: The Finnish Lapphund has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. There are those that can live up to 16-17 years. It is a naturally healthy breed. Hip dysplasia is not common for this breed. But it is prone to medical issues like GPRA (General Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and hereditary cataracts.

Photo: Apdevries

AKA: n/a
Description: Chinook breed are well known for pulling sleds type of breed. They have a very strong muscular body built. They have a brown,almond shaped eyes showing a smart expression. Ears are medium is size are set wide apart and erect especially when alert. Nose is black and large, and tail is below topline and curved. Lips are also dark. Teeth meet in scissors bite Muzzle is not pointed,strong and regularly deep. They are a double coat breed with medium length hair, that lies close to their body, thick, soft undercoat but outer is rough. Moreover, feet are dense, oval and strong.

Temperament: Chinook makes a good companion to their owner but when they are in a new environment, they tend to be aloof especially with strangers but not too aggressive. But they could be trained to be sociable with other dogs and children as well. They are smart,and serious towards their task. They are a very loyal,calm and friendly breed. Moreover, chinooks are responsible, alert, dedicated and a flexible kind of dog. But could be a good watchdog since they don’t usually bark. They too have the attitude to be easily annoyed or bored especially when left alone for long. Generally, chinooks are an excellent breed that could play with children and be playful too as long as they should be introduced well to their surroundings. They always love to be close with their family.

Activity: They need a moderate exercise daily and a daily walk to help them gain their energy.

Health: They may suffer from: Eye abnormalities, hip dysplasia, hormonal skin problems, mono/bilateral cryptorchidism, seizures and spondylosis. Life expectancy is about 10-15 years.

Grooming: They only require moderate grooming and this kind of breed only shed at least 2 times a year. A regular brushing is needed for their hair. And bath them only when necessary.

Breed Group: Northern
Color: Tawny to Reddish Gold
Height: Male: 23-27, Female: 21-25 inches
Weight: Male: 70; Female: 55 lbs
Country Of Origin: New Hampshire

Dynamics: Chinooks are a calm and dedicated breed. Very loyal to its owner. Needs thorough training to be able to adjust well to its environment.