Reindeer Herding Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

Reindeer herding dogs are an essential part of Sami culture, originating from the indigenous people of Lapland.

These dogs have been bred for centuries to help manage reindeer herds, with some breeds developed specifically for this task.

Their keen sense of smell and hearing allows them to detect even the slightest changes in the herd's movement, making them invaluable for herding.

In fact, some reindeer herding dogs can run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour to keep up with the reindeer.

The Finnish reindeer herding dog is a long, sturdy breed that stands between 49-53 cm tall at the withers. They are mostly black or dark brown, but can have lightly coloured spots on their chest, head, and feet.

These dogs are bred to herd reindeer, and their tail moves broadly like a herder dog's tail. They are fast and agile, making them well-suited for their job.

The use of dogs in reindeer herding has a long history, but has been made less popular by the introduction of snowmobiles and other technical equipment. However, interest in using dogs has risen again since the 1990s.

The Finnish reindeer herding dog is a long, footy, and fast breed, typically standing between 49-53 cm tall at the withers.

Their coats are mostly black or dark brown, with lightly coloured spots on the chest, head, and feet. The tail is like a herder dog's tail and moves broadly.

The Lapponian Herder is a medium-sized spitz-type herding breed, well-muscled but not heavily boned. He is designed to withstand the harsh arctic climate.

Their coats must be dense enough to protect them from the elements, with a thick and fine undercoat and a medium-long, harsh topcoat. The undercoat is usually a lighter shade of the topcoat.

The males have an alert and lively expression, while the females have a more devoted expression. Their eyes are set apart and almond-shaped, with brown eye color being the standard, but it can correspond with their coat color.

Their nose, eye rims, and lips are usually black, but can reflect a lighter coat color. The topcoat comes in three acceptable colors: black, dark brown, or dark grey.

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The Lapponian Herder is a relatively low maintenance breed, requiring only a weekly brushing session to keep its coat in check.

However, during shedding season, daily grooming is necessary to pull out loose undercoat and prevent excessive hair from gathering around the home.

A slicker brush, deshedder, and metal comb are essential tools for grooming this breed, helping to strip away loose undercoat and promote healthy new growth.

The Lapponian Herder is not a hypoallergenic breed, so if you have allergies, this might not be the best choice for you.

He doesn't need many baths, except during heavy shedding or if he gets into something smelly.

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As an owner of a Reindeer Herding Dog, you'll quickly learn that these dogs are natural-born herders with a strong prey drive. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Reindeer Herding Dogs are bred to work with reindeer in harsh Arctic environments, so they're built for endurance and can thrive in cold temperatures. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily in the spring.

Their independent nature can make training challenging, but consistency and positive reinforcement can help. They're highly intelligent and respond well to clear commands and rewards.

Reindeer Herding Dogs are generally quiet, but they will bark to alert you to potential threats or excitement. They're naturally wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people.

Their strong herding instinct can sometimes manifest as nipping or chasing, especially if they're not provided with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Early training and socialization can help mitigate this behavior.

Overall, Reindeer Herding Dogs make loyal and loving companions for active families or experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary exercise and attention.

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The Lapponian Herder is a relatively low-maintenance breed, but he does require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

He needs to be brushed once a week or so to keep his coat in good condition. Daily grooming is necessary during shedding season to pull out loose undercoat and prevent excessive hair from gathering around the home.

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Warm baths during shedding will help hasten the process and keep the dog clean. A slicker brush, deshedder, and metal comb are essential tools for grooming a Lapponian Herder.

He doesn't require many baths, except when he's shedding heavily or gets into something smelly. Cut his nails every two to three weeks or as needed to prevent overgrowth.

Trim the hair between his footpads to keep him from tracking in dirt and debris. This simple grooming task can make a big difference in keeping your home clean.

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