Imagine stepping into the frosty wonderland of the Finnish Lapland – a place where the northern lights dance across the sky, and loyal, fluffy companions are indispensable parts of life. Among the spruces and the silent snow-covered expanses, the Finnish Lapphund, with its twinkling eyes and friendly wag, embodies the very spirit of this Nordic paradise. But beyond their charming demeanor, lies the question: could this Arctic breed double as your personal guard dog?
Let’s dig into the roots of this four-legged snow angel. The Finnish Lapphund, known in its homeland as the ‘Suomenlapinkoira,’ has been herding reindeer for the nomadic Sámi people for centuries. These original herders were rugged, resourceful, and alert; they had to be to survive the relentless artic climate and fulfill their duties amongst their reindeer charges.
Fast forward to modern living rooms and doggy daycares, the Finnish Lapphund has a coat that seems to double as a luxurious fur rug, with eyes that radiate intelligence and warmth. Given its herding past, you would think this pooch has potential as a guard dog, right? Well, let’s unravel the yarn.
A guard dog is typically characterized by several attributes: protectiveness, alertness, strength, fearlessness, and a certain amount of suspicion towards strangers. When it comes to protectiveness, the Finnish Lapphund has an innate desire to watch over its ‘herd,’ whether that be reindeer, children, or your prized petunias. Alertness? Check – their heritage made it imperative to be aware of their surroundings to keep the herd safe.
Here’s where the waters get a tad murky. While the Finnish Lapphund does have a bark that would make someone think twice before sneaking into your yard, they’re not what you would call intimidating. Weighing between 33 to 53 pounds depending on gender, they’re more akin to a medium-sized welcoming committee than a burly bouncer. Is suspicion towards strangers in their repertoire? Hardly. Finnish Lapphunds are notorious for their loveable and friendly nature. The word ‘stranger’ isn’t even in their vocabulary – they’re the type that would more likely aid a burglar than chase them away.
So how does this translate into real-world watch dog capability? Well, they’ll raise the alarm with their barking if they notice something amiss, making them decent watchdogs. There’s a distinction here that’s important: watchdogs alert their owners to trouble; guard dogs get in between their owners and said trouble. Finnish Lapphunds are the former – phenomenal at sounding the alarm but not built for the latter.
With their keen senses, they’ll hear the delivery person approaching from a mile away and will ensure you’re the first to know. However, once they’ve alerted you to the presence of an outsider, don’t expect them to go all ‘beast mode.’ They’re more likely to engage in a friendly game of tag than to guard your fortress.
Now, don’t get it twisted – Finnish Lapphunds are not devoid of courage or the will to protect their family. If pushed to extremes or if they sense real danger, they can surprise you with a show of bravery. But it’s safe to say their default setting is ‘friend,’ not ‘foe.’
If you’re considering a trusted companion who’ll also watch over your children as diligently as a seasoned nanny and alarm you with barking at the hint of something unusual, the Finnish Lapphund could be the endearing sentinel you’re looking for. But if you’re seeking a fierce guardian to patrol the perimeters, you may want to look towards more traditional guard breeds.
However, don’t discount the value in a dog that creates a less threatening environment. In homes where heavy-handed protection isn’t a priority, these affectionate pooches can provide a sense of security without the liability that a more aggressive dog might bring. Plus, with their sociable nature, they excel in therapy and service roles, often ‘guarding’ the emotional well-being of their owners rather than the physical premises.
Their trainability is also a high point. With a smart and eager-to-please temperament, Lapphunds can master a variety of commands and skills. By integrating ‘alert barking’ into their training early on, they can become effective as an early warning system, while their natural amiability keeps them from acting in unnecessary aggression.
Finnish Lapphunds may not strike an imposing figure or strike fear into the hearts of intruders, but their beauty, intelligence, and willingness to alert their human companions to odd occurrences can provide a different kind of home security. Through consistency and positive reinforcement, they can become well-mannered home custodians who exude joy rather than dread.
In looking out for a reliable companion, the Finnish Lapphund stands as a testament that the mightiest guardians don’t always come with fierce growls and towering presence. Instead, they often trot into our lives with a gentle bark, devoted eyes, and a heart that’s eager to protect its family in its own endearing way. With proper training and understanding of their strengths, a Finnish Lapphund can be exactly the sort of guard your heart, if not entirely your home, needs.
