About us
Learn more about Lapinruska and my life with Finnish Lapphunds.
My Journey
Based on the border of Surrey and Hampshire, I’ve shared my life with Finnish Lapphunds since 2013, starting with Ruska, and now with her great-granddaughter and great-great granddaughter. This versatile breed has shaped my life to date, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My first Lapphund, Ruska, set the bar high. She arrived on a plane from Norway after Liz asked me if I’d be interested in an adult bitch. Ruska had the sort of movement that takes your breath away; such an effortless trot, regardless of whether she was moving around the ring, through the woods, or across the heath.
Once Ruska arrived in my life, that was it. I was a goner. My life is lapphunds and lapphunds are life!
Living with the Breed
Since Ruska’s arrival I have been able to get involved with so many aspects of dog ownership.
Liz took us to our first ringcraft, and our first show, and we were hooked. I’ve now shown every single one of my girls. Each has qualified for Crufts multiple times over, and Lehvi, my youngest, has achieved her Junior Warrant.
Going to a dog show isn’t just about my own dogs (although Kinta treats it as one giant meet-and-greet, she just loves the social side). I enjoy seeing other dogs in the ring, meeting friends, and continuing to learn.
Alongside showing, I’ve always dabbled in all sorts of dog-related hobbies. These have included hoopers, scentwork, parkour, trick training and more, just to name a few over the years! I have a particular fondness for Rally, and I do hope to go back to competing in it one day. I also have lovely memories of working towards the various parkour titles, including filming some of our submissions in the construction site of Liz’s new house!!
In scentwork, Lehvi has achieved her Gold level with UK Sniffer Dogs, and in Rally (Kennel Club), Ruska gained her RL2ex title, something I’m extremely proud of to this day. We’ve also competed in canicross, as well as enjoying it as simply a hobby.
One of my favourite things is getting to know a dog and discovering what type of activity they prefer.
Training and Understanding Dogs
My dogs also sparked a deeper interest in training. In 2022 I completed the Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer course. Although life events have meant I’ve not formally pursued training as a profession since then, despite my desires, these principles of concept-based training inform everything I do with my own dogs.
I am a huge advocate of this style of training that builds confidence, strengthens the relationship between dog and owner, and helps these intelligent dogs thrive.
I continue to learn and build my knowledge across different elements of dog behaviour and training.
Breeding
Much of what I know about breeding and raising puppies has come from hands-on experience over the years. From 2013 through to 2023 I was fortunate to regularly work alongside Liz of Tabanyaruu with many of her litters. I became the unofficial “puppy wrangler” for photos, nail clipper extraordinaire, and oh the hours we’d spend by the whelping box assessing the puppies’ temperaments and conformation.
Being involved from pregnancy through to puppies leaving for their new homes has been an invaluable journey for me. Not just to learn about the practical side of raising puppies, but also about the thought that goes into the breeding combination and choosing the right homes.
Over time, our conversations shifted from “if” I had a litter, to “when”. Although I had hoped to have my first litter in 2023 and it didn’t work out, the planning behind it goes back far longer than that. I am extremely grateful and honoured that owners of Tabanyaruu lapphunds have become my first partnership homes for Nuoska and Ailo.
For more than eight years I’ve been researching pedigrees and health, and discussing Lapphunds with people whose knowledge I respect.
These days I freely admit that I live and breathe pedigrees, and apply those learnings to my future plans.
Genetic Diversity and Responsible Breeding
Something I am particularly passionate about is genetic diversity within the breed.
Finnish Lapphunds have a wonderful temperament and character, but maintaining a healthy, sustainable gene pool is something I believe we all have a responsibility to consider carefully.
Yes, we should breed lapphunds who align with the breed standard, although we should not be favouring the extremes. But ultimately, for the future of the breed, we must create a resilient gene pool. This is the main ethos behind my own future breeding plans, and much of the drive between bringing in Nuoska and Ailo.
My aim is always to balance type, temperament and health, but I cannot ignore the widespread narrowing of the gene pool I am seeing.
I love showing my dogs, and of course it would be lovely to breed top-winning dogs. But I will always prioritise genetic diversity and long-term health over conforming to the current trends in the ring.
Your Pet:
The Finnish Lapphund
More than anything, I want to help people understand what Finnish Lapphunds truly are. They are a primitive breed with a strong sense of independence, yet the potential for strong partnerships with their people.
They aren’t the right dog for everyone, but for those willing to put the work in, the relationship you build with a Lapphund is something incredibly special. No matter what you choose to do with your dog, they are first and foremost your pet and partner.
This relationship is what this breed has given me, and it’s what I hope to support and preserve for others in the years to come.
