Bred originally to hunt and herd reindeer in countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland. The people of these harsh areas where dependent on deer for food and eventually evolved this Spitz-type dog into three separate breeds known as the Swedish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder and the Finnish Lapphund. The Finnish Lapphun is the original breed and still used for herding today. These dogs are brave, calm and faithful to their owners.
It was not recognised by the UK Kennel Club until 1994.