About Taigakoira Kennels

We are a small family run kennel in Melbourne, Australia, dedicated to promoting this wonderful breed. While we show and do obedience with our dogs, they are first and foremost an integral part of our family, raised within a loving home environment.

We are often asked what Taigakoira means, and why we have selected this for our kennel name.

The taiga is a broad geographic belt that stretches across northern hemisphere, covering northern Europe, Asia and North America; about two thirds of the regions is in Siberia, the rest incorporates Scandinavia, Alaska and Canada. Summers are short and mild, winters are long and bitterly cold, and any moisture is usually in the form of snow.

It is from the taiga region in northern Finland that the forebearers to what we now call Finnish Lapphunds were first bred by the Sami people to herd reindeer and help protect their families. They soon become completely integrated within Sami culture and society, helping the Sami people to not only survive in what was often harsh environmental conditions, but prosper as well. Therefore, we felt it was more than appropriate to acknowledge the heritage of this wonderful breed by referring to their regional origin.

Not surprisingly, it was in Finland that the modern breed was first recognised, and is now is one of the most popular breeds in Finland, where its laid back, friendly and amiable nature has allowed it to adapt well to modern life. We have acknowledged the Lapphund's modern history with a Finnish word, koira, which means dog.

Hence our kennel name is 'Taigakoira', which literally means "dog of the taiga". In this way, we believe our kennel name reflects the origin and role of the Finnish Lapphund, and we look forward to continuing to promote our wonderful breed.

Tasha and Bear with Terri Mac Donald of Taigakoira Kennels.