Lapponian Herder vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Jonangi, known also as the Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam is an Indian breed of dog which has always been used for hunting and herding.

The dog isn’t seen abundantly in India and it isn’t recognized by any major kennel clubs in India. It isn’t recognized as a pure” breed and there is also concern that the dog is reaching extinction.

Because of interbreeding with other dogs, there is quite a bit of variation in the Jonangi breed.

The Lapponian Herder hails from Finland. He is a dog which was developed for the Sami people who needed a strong dog to herd and guard their reindeer. The Sami people knew that they could reply on these Spitz-type dogs to efficiently manage their reindeer herds.

As with many other dog breeds, their numbers dwindled during and after the Second World War, and breeders then stepped forward to restore the herding dog populations. The dog was developed from Spitz-type herding breeds which were crossed with black and white Karelian Bear Dogs as well as other dog varieties.

Both the Lapponian Herder and the Finnish Lapphund were recognized as the same breed, with the Lapponian being separated into its own breed in 1966.

The dog is one of Finland’s five national dog breeds and in 2017, the Lapponian Herder was accepted to the Foundation Stock Service program.

The Jonangi is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 – 53cm in height and weighs between 12 and 21kg. He is lean and muscular. Because of interbreeding with the Jonangi dog, the colors of their coats can vary and be anything from fawn, white, tan, black, bi-colored or even brindle. The coat is very short and fine which helps it cope with the extreme heat of the environment.

The ears are erect, the forehead is often wrinkled and the long tail is held out straight or it hangs down low. The ears are fairly short and are somewhat floppy.

Temperament:

The Jonangi is capable of being a true family pet, becoming loyal and devoted to his human family. This isn't a particularly intelligent dog but they're even tempered, fun loving, social and easy to please.

You'll find them getting on well with other pets in the home and children too. An interesting aspect with this dog is that he seems to like digging a hole and lying in it, even preferring this to the regular dog beds you get.

This is a medium sized dog and both male and female dogs stand between 43 and 51cm in height and weigh in the region of 30 to 35kg.

The average litter size for these dogs is 5 to 8 puppies.

They have a medium length double coat which is straight and fairly harsh to the touch. They are moderate shedders.

Looking much like a combination German Shepherd and Wolf, the Lapponian Herder’s coat can be dark grey, cream, dark brown and black. He has erect ears, brown eyes and a long bushy tail which can be held low but which he raises somewhat over the back when he is alert. The head is wedge-shaped with tapering muzzle and black nose.

Temperament:

Energetic and lively while also being calm, the Lapponian Herder makes an excellent family pet.

As a very active breed, he is going to need an active, outdoor-type of owner. He is an intelligent, independent dog who wants to be kept busy. Because of his smartness he is easy to train ad socialize, being a dog that wants to please.

Training and socialization will do wonders for him, particularly because he is a vocal dog, loving to bark and air his views. With the training you can call out to him ‘be quiet’ and he will, as he becomes an obedient dog who is a pleasure to have around in all kinds of situations.

Life with a Jonangi is easy going as these aren’t finicky dogs – they’re low maintenance, easy going, fairly healthy dogs that want to please you and just be your pet.

They make excellent companions, being loving and loyal to their human families and getting on well with other dogs and children in the home.

There are those who are trying to revive the breed, and that is a good thing as these are good natured family pets that will be a positive addition to any home.

The Lapponian Herder is a great family pet who is social and who loves being in the company of his human family, being able to get on well with children in the home too, as well as pets.

He plays a protective role too, not being quiet when it comes to barking and warning his family of intruders.

They’re very energetic dogs but can be docile indoors. He is smart too, being able to learn quickly. Bring one of these Lapponian Herders into your home, and you’re guaranteed a splendid family pet.

This dog is a robust breed, used to living under difficult circumstances. You won't find many inherited diseases with him, but still it pays to know about some of the more common dog illnesses that he might face.

Arthritis:

With any dog, the joints can take quite a pounding which can lead to injuries. You may notice your dog doing less and having difficulty with common activities. Your dog may even have lameness. Your vet will try to avoid surgery and look at things such as diet and weight management. There are also medications, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are common with dogs and can be caused by allergies, ear mites and bacteria in the ear canal. Your Jonangi may be tilting his head or shaking it, he may be constantly scratching his ear, he may even have lack of balance and an unpleasant odor coming from his ear because of a discharge. Take him to the vet as soon as you think he has an ear infection.

Lower Urinary Tract Problems and Infections:

This problem which affects a dog’s lower urinary system can be totally debilitating for your dog. There are many problems which can cause this problem in your pet and which can lead to health conditions such as incontinence.

Older dogs and those with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract problems. Your dog will strain or yelp with discomfort when trying to pass urine. The urine may be very cloudy or even have blood in it and there may be dribbling of urine too. Other signs can be vomiting, lethargy, back pain, weight loss and change in appetite. See your veterinarian for immediate medical attention. It is considered a medical emergency.

The Lapponian Herder, with good care, should be able to live for 10 to 14 years.

He is generally believed to be a healthy dog breed, but as with most other dogs, there are a few health issues which can crop up. These can be eye- and infections as well as skin allergies. These can be highly irritating for your dog and painful too, and veterinary intervention may be required.

Other serious dog problems can be bloat and joint dysplasia.

Diet:

With commercially manufactured dog food, there are companies that make quality foods that are formulated for certain conditions such as joint health. They have additives in them such as fish oils which decrease inflammation. Always look for a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age and energy levels.

Add in your own home-made food to his dry kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as vegetables and also try to include some raw meat into his kibble from time to time. Fresh, cool water should be available to him night and day.

Grooming:

With his short coat, the dog is looked upon as low maintenance. Brush him a couple of times a week to make sure the coat remains shiny. Check his eyes, ears and teeth for infections.

Exercise:

This dog is lean, energetic and agile. With his long strides, he likes to run over terrain sniffing and following scents. He is more suited to life in the countryside than to the city. Make sure you have a reasonable sized garden for him and meet his exercise needs by taking him on walks and playing ball and fetch games with him.

Grooming:

The Lapponian Herder has a dense coat and he is considered to be an average shedder with some seasonal shedding.

To keep the coat sleek and shiny, get into the habit of brushing him twice a week. With the assistance of the right grooming tools you will be able to clip his nails if he doesn’t wear them down naturally. Just be careful though, because cutting to far down can mean cutting him where the nerves are and this can cause your pet great pain.

When you brush him, check his ears at the same time and use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess wax and dirt.

His teeth should also be cleaned with canine toothpaste and toothbrush. If you are apprehensive about keeping up with these grooming procedures, there are professional dog grooming experts who will attend to your dog’s grooming needs.

Diet:

The Lapponian Herder is a medium sized dog full of energy.

If you feed him commercially manufactured kibble, you’ll read on the packaging about the type of food it is and what portion sizes to give him. Always go for the top quality brands that are made with good meaty ingredients and not filled with the likes of colorants and preservatives.

It is healthier to give him 2 smaller meals a day as opposed to one large meal. Try and give him some home-cooked food to bring in some variety. Excellent food for him would be some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and some cooked or raw vegetables added into his kibble. Every now and then it can be good for him to have a bit of raw meat added into his food.

Your Lapponian Herder must have constant access to cool, fresh water. Remember to wash the bowl out regularly, as the dog’s saliva enters the water when drinking.