Reindeer Dogs

Lapponian herders, affectionately known as reindeer dogs by devotees, are a rare breed of dogs that first appeared in northern Finland.

How Reindeer Dogs Originated

According to legend, the reindeer-hunting Laplanders of Finland used pure northern spitz dogs in their life's work. Later on, as the wild herds of reindeers disappeared, the hunters were forced to domesticate reindeers and herd them. For that, they need a different kind of dog.

They needed the enduring strength of their native dogs and the herding intelligence of breeds from Europe. Crossing the two breeds together, they came up with reindeer dogs, a strong, instinctive herding breed with a friendly nature.

Reindeer dogs are considered as a true intermediate of the Nordic and the herding breeds. Because of their endurance, they were originally dogs that worked outside.

At home with the elements, reindeer dogs worked no matter what time of year, keeping the herds together and bringing back any strays. According to many accounts, reindeer dogs would run over 60 miles in any given day and usually through deep snow.

Later, in the 1960s, the snow mobile came into being and for a while the reindeer dogs stood a good chance of disappearing. However, the cost of the machine soon became apparent and Laplanders began to look at the Lapponian breed again. Their low "fuel" bills and their energetic nature gave them greater appeal.

Appearance

Reindeer dogs are closer in appearance to their Nordic ancestors than their European herding relatives. Their colors are varied, with the most common being black and tan. To date, there is no known reindeer dog that is dominantly white.

Reindeer dogs typically have brown or grey markings in the chest, feet, and cheeks. Sometimes, they may have the same marking, just above their eyes, leading to the term "double eyes."

Lapponian herders are sturdy-looking dogs, with curved tails and slightly arching necks. They are a friendly, obedient breed with boundless energy, always eager to serve. When working, reindeer dogs have the tendency to bark, using this as a tool much in the same way as the Border Collie would use its eyes.

Training this breed is both a challenge and a reward. Lasse Tuominen, a Finnish Reindeer dog trainer, once said in the journal Poromies, "Remember that your dog does anything to please you. If he does something wrong, you have made a mistake."

Differences Between Sexes

Both female and male members of the breed have very little to distinguish from each other. However, it is typically noted that Lapponian bitches are more submissive, a characteristic that is present in most other breeds of dogs. Reindeer dogs are more aggressive, harsher and harder, but they are never aggressive to people.