Zuleika Finnish Lapphunds is a boutique kennel situated in northern Tasmania, Australia, dedicated solely to Finnish Lapphunds.  

Our dogs live in our house, as an instrumental part of our family, and enjoy two acres of undulating hills to run on. 

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Zuleika will only ever be a small kennel.  Our dogs are first and foremost our family members.  As such, we do not breed regularly.  We are not commercial breeders. Nor do we breed for profit. When we do breed, hours of consideration and research have gone into the planning.  This commitment to remaining a boutique kennel also means we are proud of the relationships we develop with our puppies and their forever homes.  It also means we rely on families willing to allow their Zuleika puppy to be a part of our future breeding program. 

 

I am dedicated to breeding dogs that are 'fit for function'.  In other words, Finnish Lapphunds who capable of doing the job for which the breed was intended.  In August 2018 I visited Finnish Lapland to see firsthand the environment in which Lappies work.  It is vital to remember that as 'cute and cuddly' as Finnish Lapphunds are, they are working/herding dogs, physically and mentally built to herd reindeer.  They are not 'couch potato' Teddy Bears (though they do also enjoy a good cuddle on the couch!).  If you are interested in this breed, we encourage you to think about how you will provide mental and physical stimulation for your Lappie There are many great dog 'sports' to choose from: Tricks, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Herding, Scentwork, Flyball, and Backpacking.  These are all great for building a wonderful relationship with your Lappie and ensuring their mental and physical health and you do not necessarily need to 'trail', though that can be rewarding too.

 

The most important aspect of breeding is to breed healthy, well-adjusted puppies.  Any dogs we are considering breeding from are hip/elbow scored and eye tested.  All puppies are DNA tested for relevant hereditary diseases.  Our puppies are born and raised in the house (in our open-plan living area), where they are exposed to children, visitors, common household noises and of course receive lots of cuddles.  We also use Puppy Culture protocols to ensure our puppies get the best possible start to their lives.

 

Our dedication to the breed also means we are active in the Finnish Lapphund community around the world.  We are members of Lappalaiskoirat ry (Lapponian Breeds Club - Finland), Southern Finnish Lapphund Society (UK) and the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria (Australia).

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I am a second-generation dog breeder. My mother bred and showed Whippets and Pharaoh Hounds before she and I bred Whippets together under the Zuleika prefix.  I have also been involved with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Boston Terriers.  I am a former Tasmanian State Junior Handlers Representative (1996) and a Junior Handlers Judge.

 

I moved to London in early 2004, which marked the beginning of a 12-year hiatus from dogs.  Returning to Tasmania at the beginning of 2016, we immediately began our search for the perfect breed to join our family.  A chance sighting of a Lappie just before leaving Sydney set me on an unexpected course.  Fleur (Ch. Armahani Iolite Ilo (ai) HT) came to join us from Jacqualine Lincoln of Armahani kennels (Victoria, Australia) in May 2016. We were instantly in love with Fleur and the breed.  Then, in September 2016, Jacq began looking for a new home for Bennigan (Sup. Ch. Armahani Heliodorr Hulivili (ai) ET) after the passing of her good friend Vanessa Brotto (Articmal), to whom Benni had belonged.  The moment I saw his photo, I knew he had to come live with us. But Vanessa had strict instructions: Benni was to go to a show home.  And so I agreed. October 2016 saw me re-enter the ring. And the rest, as they say, is history.

 

I count my blessings every day that these two Lappies of such exceptional quality have formed the foundation of Zuleika Finnish Lapphunds.  I will be forever grateful to Jacqualine Lincoln for providing me with such an exceptional start in Lappies.  Not only for entrusting me with these two dogs but also for her unwavering support and guidance. Zuleika's colours of silver and gold and the theme of our first litter are both tributes to our two beautiful foundation dogs.  ​

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Rachael Holloway