Swedish Lapphund

Swedish Lapphund, or Lapland Spitz – Charming smiling doggie resembling a soft toy. But in this case appearance is deceiving – in fact, the representative of the breed, despite on a very modest size and a nice face, is universal dog with excellent working qualities. Breed there are more than one hundred years, but received official recognition recently. And still outside of Sweden almost not common, although it is of interest to Spitz-like fans dogs. What is known about the Swedish Lapphounds?

Content

• 1. The origin of the breed
• 2. Description of the Swedish Lapphund breed
  • 2.1. Coat quality and acceptable colors
• 3. Character and disposition
• 4. Training and education
• 5. Dog care
• 6. Diseases of the breed
• 7. Feeding
• 8. Swedish Lapphund conditions
• 9. Photographic Swedish Lapphund
• 10. Video of the Swedish Lapphound
• 11. Puppy cost

Origin of breed

These small dogs lived in the northern territories in ancient times. Then their local tribes actively used for the distillation of deer, hunting, protection, as well as sledding dogs.

Experts consider the breed one of the oldest in Scandinavian countries. Once its representatives were pets Finno-Ugric people of the Sami. The Lapps with the Sami were valued short black hair. But at that time there was a long-haired breed type, according to dog handlers, it was these dogs purebred dogs.

Like most breeds, Lappland Spitz is on the verge of complete extinction, but in the 30s of the last century the breed was fully restored. In 1944, the first one appeared in Sweden. breed standard, and a decade later the Swedish Lapphounds were recognized by the International Cynological Federation.

Description of the Swedish Lapphund breed

Swedish Lapphund has a standard Spitz-like appearance dogs – a compact, harmoniously folded doggie, with a trunk square format, straight back and powerful sternum.

The average height of males varies from 47 to 49 cm, weight – 17-18 kg, females are even more miniature – at growth of 42-44 cm they weigh 16-17 kg. Maximum Representative Growth breed should not exceed 50 cm. According to the standard, Lapphund is as follows:

1. The head of the dogs is large, the skull is wide, round, muzzle neat, tapering from the base to the nose, short, but in moderation. There is a stop in the form of a smooth line, it is noticeable, but not sharp.
2. The jaws are strong, with white, healthy teeth forming correct scissor bite. Too short muzzle and malocclusion – serious malformations of the breed, as, lapphounds used as sled dogs and it is important that they have the ability to breathe freely, without difficulty.
3. The eyes are oval, with an iris painted in dark brown or brown shade, smart, a little funny look.
4. The nose is small, compact, the nostrils are well opened, pigmented in black. Other colors of the lobe or availability age spots are unacceptable.
5. Lapphund limbs straight, good muscular, stand parallel to each other. In the practice of reindeer herders dogs with dewclaws are not rejected, since similar it is much easier for individuals to move around the loose snow crust. These the fingers of the early representatives of the breed were very large and well developed.
6. The tail in dogs is shortened or has an average length, located above the line of the back, well pubescent. In the early representatives of the breed had a long tail, so the owners stopped him so that he does not freeze. Actually in the harsh northern lands it was difficult for the dogs – the tail, twisted in a ring, clogged snow and literally stuck to the back of the animal, which was not only uncomfortable, but very painful.

Coat quality and acceptable colors

Swedish Lapphund has a thick, plentiful double coat – with long, straight awn, creating a dense layer, and well developed, softer, shorter undercoat. Among purebred Lapphounds individuals with short hair are also found, but dominant is a long-haired gene, therefore dogs with a short coat are not admit to breeding. Usually they are assigned to the pet class and offer as pets, although they are in no way inferior to their long-haired brothers.

Plain colors are preferred – wool may be black or dark brown, the standard also allows white spots. In addition, there are individuals with a combined color, when brown and black wool and tricolor are combined Lapphund. At home, when choosing a pet for work, future the owners do not pay attention to the color, as it does not render impact on performance.

Character and temper

Lapphund from Sweden – strong, hardy, highly intelligent doggie. In a familiar home environment, with your family affectionate, complaisant, really looks like a nice toy. But if the situation changes and danger arises, he quickly gathers and actively acting.

Even while resting, the dog does not lose vigilance and carefully monitors everything that happens around. Instinct Dog ready to rush to protect the owner, household and territory, and he does not care about the size and number of intruders claiming to be its territory.

Spitz treats other pets very tolerantly, but only if we are talking about socialized, raised dog who had time to get used to “neighborhood.”

A healthy, physically developed lapphund needs long walks and regular intense loads. If a the owner will not satisfy such needs of his four-legged friend, then soon he will face destructive the consequences. The dog will surely find what to do with himself, and far from always it will benefit the property and personal belongings of the owner.

Swedish Lapphund is very agile and energetic, therefore not suitable for phlegmatic people who like to spend evenings sitting by TV. With such a pet you will often have to walk for a long time, play, engage on the court and just pay attention.

If you competently approach the upbringing of a pet, then it will become reliable, loyal and faithful friend. But it’s worth remembering that the representative of this breed has a shepherd disposition and is prone to dominate, so the owner should immediately show who is in the house leader. If you miss this moment, the dog will definitely take vacant place.

Lappland Spitz is ideal as a pet for family, he is patient with children, loves them and is ready for days have fun with them in various active games.

In addition, he turns out to be an excellent watchman – vigilant and attentive, it’s quite difficult to get into trust in lapphund. Of course, he will not be able to do much harm to unexpected visitors, but be sure to warn the entire district about their appearance.

Training and education

Mental and physical activity is necessary for these dogs, so that they are healthy and cheerful. Therefore, usually dogs are positive relate to the opportunity to work out on the site with the owner. However, there are a number of nuances that owners should be aware of.

For example, a Spitz will refuse to complete tasks if he feels that they force him. In this case, he can be stubborn and all his to show that he is proud and independent. With education and training a new pet should not be delayed, and it is advisable to start to do this from the first days of his appearance in the house. And in this The issue of constancy and methodology is important.

Inexperienced dog breeders may encounter a number of difficulties, but a professional trainer will help to avoid mistakes. He will help find the right approach to your pet, gain his trust and make the learning process is as comfortable as possible for both parties.

In some situations, the owner will have to trick, otherwise it quality with amazing ease will show your favorite pet. Important, so that the dog thinks that he performs commands exclusively on own will.

Classes are recommended to be arranged in such a way that they are diverse, interesting, always contained new elements and not could quickly get bored with so curious and fast learner the dog.

The Swedish Lapphounds make excellent athletes, they show high results in agility, freestyle and others sports disciplines.

Dog care

Dogs of this breed were characterized by unpretentiousness and ability live in the cold. But if a modern pet lives in a warmer climate, he will need care. First of all, wool should comb out regularly, especially often this must be done in periods of links. If this is not done, then the risk of development is high dermatological diseases – dermatitis and eczema.

Swedish lapphounds are rarely bathed – 2-3 procedures per year, and to clean the fur coat in the winter, the dog can just wallow in the snow and shake off what the pet loves to do. If a the dog lives in the city, it is not recommended to wash it before until the pet drops off the undercoat. Even special detergents funds should not be used unless special necessity.

The rest are standard care procedures, with faced by all dog owners:

1. Eyes. Representatives of this breed rarely develop eye diseases, but still dust or injury may cause inflammatory process. At the first sign of pathology is worth rinse your pet’s eyes with chamomile broth, weak tea leaves or boiled water and go to a veterinary clinic. If this do not, the infection will spread further, causing when This is a serious complication, up to blindness.
2. The ears. It is periodically recommended that preventive cleaning your ears, it will require a special solution that you can to get in a veterinary pharmacy. To remove dust and plaque from the inside the surface of the auricle is better to use a cotton swab, pre-soaked in baby oil. Ear examination and treatment help stop the occurrence of inflammation and infections, negatively affecting the pet’s hearing aid.
3. Teeth. Swedish Lapphounds have strong, healthy teeth, but it will be useful to carry out preventive cleanings – 1-2 times a a week that will prevent possible problems. Dog can resist such a procedure, so it is advisable to accustom her to brushing your teeth since puppyhood. In this case, similar the procedure will be less unpleasant and steadily perceived Lapphound.
4. Claws. They are regularly trimmed as they grow back. For those goals is better to get a claw cutter.
5. At least once a week, you should look around your pet, paying special attention to the pads, armpits, the area behind the ears – it is in these areas that ticks often hide. To warn “settlement” of parasites on the skin, it is worthwhile to periodically antiparasitic treatment.
6. Dogs often suffer from helminthic infestations, so give them anthelmintic drugs.

Another caveat – Lappland Spitz feels great in frost, but the humidity tolerates much worse, so in it is advisable to wear a raincoat on the dog in rainy weather.

Breed diseases

Historically, the Lapphounds lived in harsh territories, engaged in various work, and the owners are not particularly engaged in the health of their assistants. Dogs walked natural selection, tempered and gained strong immunity.

Modern representatives of the breed rarely get sick and practically don’t catch a cold. But there are still several weak points, for example, tendency to urolithiasis. This disease is hereditary, but to avoid its manifestations, it should provide the dog with plenty of clean drinking water. Also it is important that the dog spend a lot of time in the fresh air and receive good nutrition.

Feeding

The food of any Spitz, including Lappland, must be light, not very high-calorie, but always balanced. But when it comes to dogs bred in harsh climates, these requirements tighten up. Their metabolism is designed in a special way so that the dog survived even by receiving meager, monotonous food containing little fat.

It is recommended that you feed your pet so that everyone He consumed calories. It is important that the dog received food of various consistencies, both hard and soft, and regardless of the type of feeding. With a natural diet you should feed the spitz warm porridge with meat, as well as raw vegetables and large moslaks.

Swedish Lapphund is also suitable for industrial feed, but should alternate dry granules with canned goods. In addition, the product must be of high quality and suitable for small, active dogs rocks.

Swedish Lapphund conditions

Despite its small size, keeping a spitz in the apartment does not recommended. In this case, the owner will have to walk for a long time a four-legged friend, at least 2-2.5 hours a day. Besides of this, you will need to load him physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Lapphund is best suited for life in the country, in a private house with a spacious local area where the dog can freely walk. So he can spend energy on his own, and the owner it is enough to breed the dog twice a day for 30-40 minutes in the morning and in the evening, as well as a couple of times a week to engage with him on site.

Fotoswedish lapphund

Video of the lapphund of osweda

Puppy cost

Future owners will have to face difficulties – buy a puppy of this breed in Russia is quite difficult. Maybe, you will need to contact foreign nurseries, but in this If the chances of getting a quality baby are much higher than buying it from dubious persons via the Internet or from hands. Price Lappland Spitz is 40,000-50000 rubles.

Swedish Lapphund combines a lot of positive qualities. He is handsome in appearance, efficient, unpretentious and positive. But if the dog does not require complicated care, the owner will have to spend a lot of time for his education and training – this kid is pretty wayward.