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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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Q:
Are Finnish Lapphunds’ good with kids?
A: Click here
Q: Can you let them off the lead?
A: Click here
Q: Do they need a lot of grooming?
A: Not at all. The coat doesn’t matt or tangle, so requires nothing
more than a brush once or twice a week (obviously more during a
moult). Talking of moulting, I find that the hair comes out in clumps
and the good thing about this is that when you pick up one end of
the clump, the whole clump comes with it (unlike shorter haired
breeds whose fine hairs end up all over the place as the dog moves).
They require no special presentation for the show ring. Bitches
tend to moult twice a year and the males, once.
Q: Are they easily trained?
A: Click here.
Q: Do they suffer from any health problems?
A: Sadly there is P.R.A (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) within
the breed, with two confirmed cases in the UK. DNA trials are being
undertaken to try to identify the gene/s responsible, so those carriers
may be identified. Unfortunately, the DNA test is still some way
off and in the meantime breeders are studying pedigrees very carefully
before undertaking matings. There have been cases of hereditary
cataracts in the breed. Breeders and pet owners alike are urged
to have their Lapphund’s eyes tested annually and dogs for breeding
are always hip scored (breed average 14).
Q: Do they bark a lot?
A: Hmmmm. Some are more vocal than others. Smuu for example will
yap with excitement for a few minutes at the prospect of a walk/food/visitors.
Tuukka is far too laid back to waste his energy on making noise!
Both dogs however bark when they hear people approaching our property
and therefore make excellent watchdogs.
Q: What classes do they enter at conformation shows?
A: Our application to join the Rare Breeds Register is still pending
with the Kennel Club; until it is approved, Finnish Lapphunds have
to compete in the Import Register classes.
Q: Do they like cats?
A: Roasted or as they come? My two think that cats are just very
fat squirrels and no doubt dream of catching one. However, I understand
that Lappies can live very happily with cats when introduced from
a young age.
Q: Do they dig?
A: Click here |
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