Swedish Lapphund / Svensk Lapphund

Breed history:

 It is considered to be the successor of the arctic wolf. It resembles the Varanger dog, whose skeleton was found in the North of Norway and is over 7000 years old. Some say that it is the ancestor of all Spitz type dogs, which came from the North Pole regions. Due to the harsh climate, a natural selection took place over time, so the breed was kept clean with vigorous specimens. It is less widespread in other countries.

Description:

 It is a medium-sized dog with a rectangular, brawny body. It has a small Spitz look. It has a round head with a small, conical muzzle (1/3 the length of the skull), pronounced stop and a black nose. The eyes are big, round and dark brown. The ears are small, pointed, erect. The tail is medium-sized, bushy and carried on the back. The fur is double-layered with a short, bushy, soft inner layer and an outer layer that has rich, bushy, thick, woolly, bristling and disheveled hair. The fur is longer around the neck, on the back of the legs and the tail. The colours of the fur are brown, black, fawn or a combination of black with brown. In some specimens white spots may appear on the paws, chest and the tip of the tail.

Personality:

 It is an intelligent, lively, very brave (it doesn't hesitate to risk its own life when the flock its guarding is attacked by wolves or bears), sociable, friendly, very devoted and obedient dog. It is very devoted and attached to its master and the flock it guards. It loves children and strangers will be announced with a bark, but that's it. It gets along well with other dogs and other household animals.

Grooming:

 A more frequent brushing during the shedding period should do the trick.

Living conditions:

 It is dog resistant to bad weather, which likes to live outdoors, in a colder climate with a loving and active family. It likes exercise, long walks and feels the need to burn its energy. It doesn't run away from its master. It needs socialization and training.

Training:

 It is an easy to train dog, because it is intelligent and eager to learn. With a consistent, gentle, varied training, good results can be achieved, even participating in agility, training and flyball competitions.

Usefulness:

 It is a cattle dog, but it can also be a devoted companion.