Finnish Lapphund

GENERAL APPEARANCE The Finnish Lapphund is a Spitz of medium size, matronly built considering its size, slightly loner and its height; and its coat is long and thick. CHARACTERIZATION The breed is intelligent, brave calm, eager to learn and quite faithful. Tendency to shepherd is innate in the breed. It is suitable as a shepherd dog, county house dog and watch dog. HEAD Is strong featured head of a dog is comparatively broad; Bitch's is more noble; forehead is a little rounded; atop is clearly distinguishable. Muzzle is shorter than skull, straight, and it tapers slightly but evenly when viewed both from above and aide. Nose is preferably black. Lips are tight. EARS Are pointed medium sized, quite far apart, rather broad at their base and very mobile. For the present, ears with slack tops are also permitted. EYES Are dark NECK Is medium long, strong and covered with thick coat. FORELEGS Have strong bones; they are strong and straight when viewed from the front and behind. Elbows are on the arms level as the lowest edge of brisket. Paws are considerable high, rather oval than round, covered with a thick coat. BODY Body is firm. Back is strong, straight and considerably broad and strong at shoulders. Brisket is deep and longish, chest line rises slightly. HINDLEGS Have strong bones; they are strong and straight when viewed from the front and behind. Hock is of medium size. Hindquarters ­ dewclaws are permitted for the present. TAIL Is medium long or slightly shorter; it has long hair and carries tail high over the back when moving. COAT Is plentiful. Outer coat is long and coarse. Undercoat is soft and thick. On the head and on the front parts of legs, hair is shorter. COLOR All colors are allowed. But the main color must dominate. Marks differing from the main color are permitted on head, neck, chest, legs, and on the tip of the tail SIZE Height at withers is 18 ½-21 inches for dog, and 16 ­18 1/2 inches for bitches.