Hau-Hau, Woof Woof – National Treasures of Finland

Finnish Lapphunds Sammy & Luna/Photo: Sian Monaghan

Finns have over 700,000 dogs as pets, with 80% choosing pedigree breeds this includes native dog breeds, our national dog the Finnish Spitz, the Karelian Bear Dog, the Finnish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder and the Finnish Hound. This year at the Finnish Crazy Games do not miss your chance to have an up-close encounter with these amazing animals.

Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz

The national dog of Finland, the Finnish Spitz, is a foxlike, red dog. French explorer, Pierre Martin de La Martinière, wrote of his encounters with dark red dogs in Northern Europe. The Finnish Spitz is known for the way it barks at birds nested in trees, considered a rarity. Originally it was bred to hunt all types of game from squirrels, elk, lynx and even bears. Finnish Spitz is a so-called “bark pointer”, a name given to dogs which alert the hunter with a distinctive ringing bark that points in the direction of the prey. For this reason, The Finnish Kennel Club is also working for including the hunting experience with the Finnish Spitz on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Karelian Bear Dog/ Photo: Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen

Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog is regarded as a national treasure. This fearless dog that is often used for hunting aggressive game like bear, wild boar and moose. The breed got its name for an ability to hunt and offer protection against bears. They are silent but tenacious hunters and alert only when they have their prey at bay. They keep the prey cornered by barking with a high and rapid bark before running around the animal until their handler comes. They are considered fearsome, instinctive, and loyal, making them an ideal companion. Their size might fool you, but be sure that this dog can and will confront a bear, hence the name!

Finnish Lapphund/ Photo: Emilia Laakkonen

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund (Finnish Lapponian Dog) is an ancient breed, raised and developed by the Sámi. Although a popular dog breed in Finland, few are found outside the Nordic countries. In ancient times, the semi-nomadic Sami people used this breed to guard and herd reindeer. Lapphunds were among other Arctic breeds used by humans as companions to huddle for warmth on those long cold nights. Reindeers can be stubborn with antlers which can cause serious damage. Controlling reindeer require courage, quickness and intelligence, qualities that still define the Lapphund.

 Finnish Hound/Photo: Ida Lehtonen

Finnish Hound

The Finnish Hound has been a popular breed throughout history for its exceptional hunting abilities, especially in hilly terrain and in deep snow. This rare breed originated during the 1800’s and was bred to hunt hare and fox. Used almost solely as a hunting dog for hare and fox following the scent, the Finnish hound works independently and a versatile tracker. They are energetic working dogs known for their great stamina and ability to withstand harsh weather.

Lapponian Herder/ Photo: Jonna Mäkinen

Lapponian Herder

The Lapponian Herder is a centuries-old breed. There is no exact evidence on how old exactly the breed may be, it is estimated that it evolved from the prehistoric dogs that have lived in parts of Northern Europe several thousand years ago. The breed is the true embodiment of a Nordic working dog with superb herding instincts and great resilience to harsh polar climates. Both agile and friendly with great working capacity, the Lapponian Herder boasts an intelligent and quick to learn traits!


Author Information: Tea Saarinen is a consular specialist at the Embassy of Finland in Canberra.