Nuortariikas Lapinporokoira

The answers to these questions come mostly from my own experience, or the experience of other Laponporokoira owners; one reason being that as of now there is still not a lot of literature on this breed of dogs.
 
Is it a Minihusky?
No! The only thing a Husky and a Lapinporokoira have in common is their classification in group 5 of the FCI-Standard. The Lapinporokoira is not a sleigh, but a herding dog. Apart from that it is also a lot smaller in size.
Lapinporokoira: 45-54 (males) and 43-49 (females)
Siberian Husky: 53.5-60 (males) and 50.5-56 (females)
 
What are the differences between the three Lapponian breeds?

To make the differences a little bit clearer, I have compiled this table:
 
Lapinporokoira
Coat
Medium length or long, straight hair, black, brown and grey with or without markings
Size
48 - 54 cm (male) 43 - 49 cm (female)

Lapinkoira
Coat
Very thick, with a lot of hair, all colours are allowed
Size
46 – 52 cm (male) 41 – 47 cm (female)

Svensk Lapphund
Coat
Thick, double coat of hair, black (small white markings are allowed)
Size
45 - 51 cm (male) 40 - 46 cm (female)

 
Does this breed of dog feel comfortable in our climate?
Absolutely! The Lapinporokoira is a very easily adaptable dog. Even though their hair (especially their undercoat) is very thick, they shed enough hair in the springtime, so they will not have to suffer in the summer. Apart from that every dogs knows its limits and will go find a shadier spot, if he start’s feeling to warm. Fjord for example just loves sunbathing in the blazing sun.
What were Lapinporokoiras originally bred for?
They were originally used to herd reindeers. In addition to that they were also used as hounds and watch dogs. They probably evolved out of the cross-breeding of Nordic hounds and Scottish sheepdogs.
 
Do their bark a lot?
When considering this breed of dog, you should keep in mind that barking is their way of communicating. When herding reindeers, it is their way of getting the animals to do what they want. So it is obvious that the barking will always be a part of their character and you will never be able to stop them completely. But of course it is possible to train them and in this way, solve this problem.

How can I fully challenge my dog and keep him busy?
Basically this is very easy, by pretty much doing any kind of traditional dog sport. Obedience, agility or dog- dancing are great ways to keep your dog busy. Some dogs might also be suitable for Schutzhund and of course their original use: herding!
It is also possible to do something “useful” with your dog, such as working as a search or rescue dog, or training him to become a therapy dog.   

Does the dog necessarily need to be kept busy?
Yes, absolutely! Without ifs or buts! Every sheepdog, no matter what breed, needs to be challenged physically as well as mentally. Otherwise he might just go and look for “work” himself, which might not always be to the liking of the owner. I only sell my dogs to people, that are willing to work with the dog and keep them busy!
  
Aren’t they said to be very stubborn?
That’s exactly what makes this breed a little difficult to handle and why they are not as suited for first-time dog owners. The Lapinporokoira is a dog that wants to work, but still keeps his own mind when doing so. He will never lose his independence and will. And he will certainly not learn through violence or force. I can recommend the clicker training. In my opinion it is the best way to teach the dog something in adherence to his wits.
  
Can I bait the dog with treats or toys?
Yes and no. If during your work with the dog, you have completely reached a dead end, it probably is best to simply end the training with an easy exercise, making it a positive experience for the dog.
Of course, you will probably always find something that will make your dog do what you want, the question just becomes, if this is the best way for a dog to learn.
 
Is this breed suitable for first-time dog owners?
Again my answer has to be yes and no. Of course there will be the occasional first-time dog owner that will be able to handle this dog and experience no great difficulties. But this is not the way it usually works. I would probably not recommend this dog to you, if you have had no experience so far. Considering his strong will to work, his urge to be active and his independence, I would probably say that the Lapinporokoira is a rather difficult dog to handle (at least in the beginning).
 
Does this breed require a special diet?
No, I recommend BARF (bone and raw food).
 
Does the coat require a lot of care?
No, the coat is dirt and water repellent; simply clean the dog with a towel after your walk. 
Generally it is not even necessary to brush the dogs, except for the time during the shedding of the coat.
 
How much does a Lapinporokoira cost?
Prices in Europe vary largely, but you have to expect to pay anywhere from €850 to €1200.  
How much exercise does a Lapinporokoira need?
As much as possible! These dogs are not satisfied with a short walk around the block. When herding reindeers, this breed of dog is able to travel 100km in just one day. Of course I know that isn’t possible, I just wanted to make you aware, of what these dogs are capable of doing. It is very important for these dogs to get out on long walks every day.
  
Does this breed have any health related problems?
No, overall these dogs are a healthy breed. HD is very rare. In some cases PRA does occur, but it is tried to minimize this risk by testing the dogs before breeding.
My advice is to only buy dogs from trustworthy breeders, for they have their dogs checked for both diseases.
Other than that, no other health problems related typically to this breed are known.
 
Does the Lapinporokoira have a hunting instinct?
Yes he does, since in the past there has been some cross-breeding with Nordic hounds. But it is possible to work against this instinct with consequent training, starting at a young age.
 
Is a Lapinporokoira a good watch-dog?
Yes, the Lapinporokoira wants to, and will, protect his territory (by barking). He is suspicious of strangers, but never aggressive.
 
Can a Lapinporokoira be kept in an apartment?
Of course! But one has to take into account that it is, in this case even more so, necessary to take the dog on long walks and keep him busy.
 
Is the Lapinporokoira good with children?
No breed of dogs is in principle good with children. It all has to do with socialization and getting the puppy used to children at an early age. If a dog never experienced the contact with children at a young age, he will always keep his distance. Bringing the puppy into contact with children on the other hand, will positively influence its reaction towards them.
 
How do Lapinporokoiras interact with other breeds of dogs?
Generally there are no problems, when it comes to other dogs. But of course this again is connected to the socialization of the puppy and getting it used to other dogs.
But it is important to mention that there always is the chance of two male or two female (not sterilized) dogs not getting along.
 
What colour can Lapinporokoiras have?
Most common are black dogs with or without light coloured markings. But there are also brown and (especially in Finland) grey ones.
 
Should the tail not be raised above the back?
NO! That is a mistake in FCI-Standard. The tail should be hanging and in movement it is held in a loose curve. The tail is set low and should be very hairy.