The mission of Forest Trail Kennel is to breed, import, and sell only those Finnish Lapphunds worthy of the breed and its specific standard… Finnish Lapphunds that are well rounded, emotionally sound family members, capable of competing in all levels of conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking exhibitions.

All of Forest Trail’s Finnish Lapphunds are registered with the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service. And some are registerd with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and/or the International All Breed Canine Association of America (IABCA) for competition purposes. IABCA is associated with the Union Cynologie International (UCI) the international association of dog clubs, headquartered in Germany. All of our dogs are evaluated in the conformation ring being compared against the specific standard established for this breed by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale). The Fédération Cynologique Internationale is the World Canine Organization, comprised of 80 member countries. This evaluation is a criterion we demand of both our males and females prior to breeding.

Forest Trail Finnish Lapphunds compete in UKC (United Kennel Club), ARBA (American Rare Breed Association), and IABCA (International All Breed Club of America) events and competitions. Some of our dogs are in the process of completing their championship title; most have already attained that goal. A few have surpassed that and gone on to achieve multi-championship titles. It is our desire to contribute to the forward momentum of the Finnish Lapphund as a whole. As well as, to help establish a strong, healthy, genetic foundation for the population in the United States to build on. It is for this reason we go to great lengths to ensure Forest Trail Finnish Lapphunds are not only physically beautiful, but as genetically sound as possible. Our Lapphunds have their hips’ x-rayed and evaluated to be clear of Hip Dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). In addition to their hips, we require our breeding stock’s eyes be examined to be clear of disease and disorders by a qualified Canine Ophthalmologist every two to three years. And now that a test is available, all our stock is sampled for their PRA-prcd status.

Through intensive pedigree analysis, genetic history, and medical review we make every effort to ensure that our contribution to the Finnish Lapphund is keeping with the time and tradition that went into establishing this amazing breed. We pride ourselves on maintaining the temperament and structural integrity of the breed, including its broad color spectrum. It is this coat color variety that sets it apart from its Swedish and Laponian cousins. This diversity is what Forest Trail Kennel hopes to infuse into the American population. It is our intention to be a significant part of Finnish Lapphund development, in the United States, for many years to come.

European Partners
Forest Trail’s partners in Europe keep us abreast of trends and developments in Europe. They also scout the best foundation stock Dogs and Bitches for import through Forest Trail’s Kennel. They share our commitment to providing the finest Finnish Lapphunds to those who feel they would make a welcome addition to their family.

We invite you to visit our website... Get to know us and our Lappies. We will be pleased to discuss any questions you may have that are unable to be answered by our site and tell you more about our breeding, import, and training programs.