COUNTRY: Finland
WEIGHT: 66 pounds or less
HEIGHT: 19-22 inches
COAT: Medium short, stiff and coarse, dense undercoat
COLOR: Black, black/tan
OTHER NAMES: Lapland Reindeer Dog, Lapponian Herder, Lapponian Vallhund
GROUP: Herding
For centuries the Laplanders of northern Finland hunted reindeer, using pure northern spitz dogs to assist them. As the wild herds disappeared, the Lapps changed to herding domesticated reindeer. With this modification of lifestyle, they needed a different kind of dog to assist them and crossed their native dogs with herding breeds brought in from Europe. The result was a strong, natural herding dog with a good nature.
The Lapinporokoira is a true intermediate between the Nordic and herding breeds—closer to the Nordic type—but with a bit more leg, less curl to the tail and a longer, less tapering head.
Originally the dogs worked outside in the elements throughout the year, keeping the herds together and bringing back strays. The Poro-koira sometimes ran over 60 miles a day, usually through deep snow. Years later, in the 1960s, the snowmobile became very popular with the herdsmen, and nearly spelled the doom of the Lapponian Herder. It wasn't long before the high cost of the machine and its fuel made the Lapps take a second look at the old herding breed. The natural energy of the Lapp dog and its accompanying lower "fuel" bills acquired a greater appeal.
Olli Korhonen, chair of the Finnish KC in the 60s, spearheaded the creation of a standard (1966) and the organization of breeding the Lapponian Herder. Through these efforts, an efficient system has evolved. The Lapps want good working dogs, mostly males, and have little interest in raising litters. Many Porokoira fanciers in the south of Finland are attracted to the breed by its good nature, easy care and obedience. They cooperate with the herdsmen in the north, bringing the best working males south to breed with their females and sending the male pups north to work. This system also insures the retention of natural working qualities in the breed.