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Swedish Lapphund Breeders

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The Full Swedish Lapphund Description

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Typical Spitz dog. Of medium size and rectangular shape.

Characteristics

Intelligent, quick to learn and patient.

Temperament

Kind, friendly, devoted, lively and alert.

Head and Skull

Wedge shaped, slightly longer than broad, fairly prominent occiput. Stop well defined, muzzle a little more than one third length of head. Foreface strong with no suggestion of snipiness. Nose dark, preferably black, bridge straight.

Eyes

Set well apart, round, dark brown and full of expression. Rims well pigmented.

Ears

Set well apart, short, erect, pointed and very mobile. Broad and slightly rounded at base. Tipped or dropped ears highly undesirable.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Close fitting lips. Lips and palate strongly pigmented.

Neck

Powerful, medium length without dewlap.

Forequarters

Forelegs straight, elbows fitting close to chest, shoulders sloping and well laid back.

Body

Slightly longer than height at withers. Chest rather deep reaching to elbow, forechest well developed. Back straight and muscular. Loins short and broad. Croup long and broad, well muscled and slightly sloping. Ribcage long and oval.

Hindquarters

Strong, good width, moderate turn of stifle and hocks which are low set. Dewclaws highly undesirable.

Feet

Strong, oval and compact with firm pads. Nails and pads black.

Tail

High set, reaching to hock when extended. Bushy, long, dense hair. Carried curled over back when moving, may drop when at rest.

Gait/Movement

Light and springy covering ground with drive.

Coat

Weather resistant. Hair standing straight out from body. Short on head and front of legs. Longer on brisket, thighs and tail. Forming a ruff round neck. Undercoat dense and finely curled.

Colour

Bear-brown, black, brown, a combination of black and brown, solid colours preferred. White mark on chest, white feet and white tip of tail acceptable. More white markings objectionable.

Size

Height: dogs: 45-51 cms (18-20 ins), ideal height 48 cms (19 ins); bitches: 40-46 cms (16-18 ins), ideal 43 cms (17 ins).