Three recognized breeds have been developed from the herding dogs of Lappland: the Swedish Lapphund, the Lapponian Herder, and the Finnish Lapphund. Their homeland is the region extending across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Similar dogs occur in adjoining regions of Russia. Most of Lapland is north of the Arctic Circle, and for centuries the Sami people who live there have relied on the reindeer for food and clothing, first hunting and then herding them. Their dogs likewise helped first in hunting, then in herding. The Lapland breeds are typical Northern "spitzes," with dense double coats, ears pointed and erect, tails curled over the back. (Drop ears and natural bobtails may also appear.)

The Norwegians and the Swedes were the first to look at the possibilities of standardizing the Lapland herding dogs, with more interest developing in Sweden. Some efforts were made in Finland in the 1930's and 1940's to collect the native dogs, but many were lost as a result of World War II. After the war, representatives of the kennel clubs of both Finland and Sweden sent representatives to the Lapp region to select foundation stock, but differences of opinion soon arose, breeders in the two countries desiring slightly different types. The standard for the Swedish Lapphund was approved by the FCI in 1944, and eventually the Finnish Lapphund was recognized as a separate breed.

Many Lapphunds in Sweden were taken south as pets and the breed eventually became concentrated in the hands of people in the southern part of the country, who focused on conformation qualities. The dogs in the north became mixed with other breeds. Practices of reindeer husbandry began to change and become more organized. Border Collies and Border Collie mixes have come to be widely used for herding reindeer in Sweden.

The Swedish Lapphund is a strong, square dog with a thick coat, its size ranging from 15-1/2 to 17-1/2 inches at the shoulder for females, 17-1/2 to 19-1/2 inches for males. It is primarily black or dark brown in color, sometimes with white markings. The Swedish Lapphund is a show dog, companion and guardian, and is useful in herding, search and rescue, agility, obedience competition and hunting. It is described as being affectionate, well disciplined and faithful, but suspicious and watchful with strangers.

In Finland the Lapphund remained for the most part a herding dog, with two breeds eventually developing from the original stock. The Lapponian Herder or Lapinporokoira is somewhat larger in size and longer in back compared to the other Lapphund breeds. Its coat, while thick, is shorter, and the tail is carried in a loose curve. The typical color is black and tan. The Finnish Lapphund or Lapinkoira is a medium-sized dog, heavily coated and very sturdily built. It is slightly larger than its cousin the Swedish Lapphund, with a specified size of 16 to 18 inches for females, 18 to 20 inches for males. All colors are allowed, although the principal color is to predominate. Typical colors include black, black and tan, sable, brown, and grey in various shades. White markings may occur on the neck, chest, legs and tail-tip, and predominantly white or yellowish-white dogs also are accepted. All colors are allowed, although the principle color is to predominate. Typical colors include black, black and tan, sable, brown, and grey in various shades. White markings may occur on the neck, chest, legs and tail-tip, and predominantly white or yellowish-white dogs also are accepted.

Finnish breeders remain concerned with temperament and working ability as well as appearance. The Finnish Lapphund is stable, intelligent, willing and affectionate. It is an adaptable dog, but energetic; it loves to run and does best in a home with a yard. When young, some Lapphunds have a tendency to nip at the heels or hands of their owners, but this can easily be corrected. As is often the case with the spitz breeds, they may enjoy using their voices. They will notify their owners of visitors, but do not tend to show aggression. In Finland the Lapphund is still used for herding reindeer and as a farm dog, and is bred in the Lapp region as well as in the south. Natural herding tendencies remain apparent in the Finnish Lapphund, and they will try to herd their owners, other dogs and other animals. The few in the U.S. that have had the opportunity to be introduced to sheep immediately began to group and gather them. No doubt their general herding tendencies are similar to those of other loose-eyed, free-moving dogs. In their native land they herded large numbers of reindeer, helping to keep the animals grouped, rather than performing precise, controlled maneuvers of the kind required of the Border Collie.