Picture this: a fluffy, smiling creature, with eyes sparkling with intelligence – a dog that’s often mistaken for a teddy bear who comes to life. This isn’t some fairy tale – we’re talking about the Finnish Lapphund, a breed bursting with charm and cleverness. Originally a herding dog for the indigenous Sámi people in Finland, this breed commands attention and respect both for its intelligence and its captivating looks.
Often, when we think of smart dogs, the Border Collie or the Poodle come to mind. However, the Finnish Lapphund gives these breeds a run for their money. For starters, they can understand new commands in less than five repetitions and obey first commands about 95% of the time or better. Curious about this uncommon breed? Let’s dig deeper into what makes the Finnish Lapphund such a smart cookie!
Understanding Canine Intelligence
To determine how smart a dog is, experts typically look at two types of intelligence: working (or learning) intelligence and instinctive intelligence. Working intelligence speaks to a dog’s ability to learn from humans, while instinctive intelligence measures what a dog is bred to do. A retriever that fetches naturally displays high instinctive intelligence, for instance.
Interestingly, the Finnish Lapphund excels in both types of intelligence. Native to the arctic circle, they were originally bred to herd reindeer – a tough job that requires a lot of quick thinking and agility. In addition, their eagerness to please makes them easy to train and their sharp memory ensures they pick up commands swiftly.
Why Finnish Lapphunds are Smart
A Finnish Lapphund’s job as a herding dog is a testament to its intelligence. Herding requires a certain level of independent working and decision-making skills, traits you wouldn’t necessarily find in all dog breeds. Lapphunds can assess and react quickly to the changing behaviors of a herd.
But there are other proofs of their smarty-paws status. For one, they are excellent problem solvers. Owners often report that their Lapphunds can figure out puzzles meant for dogs much quicker than expected. Throw a food puzzle toy their way, and they’ll have it cracked in no time!
Moreover, they are highly perceptive. They pick up on humans’ mood and emotions effectively. Many Finnish Lapphund owners share stories where their pet has comforted them through tough times just by being sensitive to their emotional cues.
Training Your Finnish Lapphund
If you’re lucky enough to have a Finnish Lapphund, you’re privy to one fact: training them is a pleasure! They are very adaptable, trainable, and are known for their ability to pick up and follow commands easily. Here are a few tips to help guide you:
Use Positive Reinforcement: Otherwise known as reward-based training, this technique is particularly effective with Finnish Lapphunds. Whether it’s food rewards, praise, or playtime, find what your pup loves and use it to encourage their good behavior.
Start at Puppy Stage: Finnish Lapphund puppies are like sponges – they soak up everything they are taught. Begin training when they’re young for the best results.
Make it a ‘Game’: This breed loves to play! Making training feel like a game can motivate your dog to learn more quickly.
Include Plenty of Mental Stimulation: Yes, they are energetic and need physical exercise but don’t forget about mental workouts. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and complex games will keep this smart breed engaged and satisfied.
Avoid Repetitive Training: Finnish Lapphunds can get bored quickly with repetition. Make training sessions varied and interesting to hold their attention.
The Smart and Lovely Finnish Lapphund
Indeed, the Finnish Lapphund is not just beautiful on the outside with its luxurious coat and amiable smile, but it’s also incredibly smart. Their intelligence combined with their adaptability and love for humans make them the perfect family dog. They are a joy to train and will even take on the role of comforter or companion when you’re feeling low.
So, is the Finnish Lapphund the smartest dog? Perhaps they are, perhaps they aren’t – “smartest” can be quite subjective when it comes to dogs. Nonetheless, they’re undoubtedly intelligent, lively, and overflowing with charm, a combination that makes them absolutely irresistible! Regardless, one thing is clear: These are dynamic dogs, both beautiful and intelligent, that any pet owner would be lucky to call their own.
