It may be the only AKC breed in which one of its allowed colors is “blonde.” Would you have guessed that it’s the Finnish Lapphund?  The breed’s AKC acceptable colors are: Black, blonde, brown, cream, tan, wolf sable, blue, brindle and saddle. The teddy bear adorability of this breed belies its toughness. The thick double coat can withstand harsh temperatures needed in a dog that herded reindeer as a “profession.” The advent of snowmobiles diminished the need for these dogs to herd “Santa’s horses,” but the Lapphunds are still used to herd sheep today.

Thank you, Finland. In 1940, a movement began to preserve this fabulous breed. Several dogs were collected from the Sami tribe to start a breeding program, the Finnish Kennel Club recognized a breed standard in 1945, and the AKC recognized the breed in 2011. Boom.