Hällefors Elkhound
The Hällefors Elkhound (Hälleforshund) is a large hunting spitz with strong hunting instinct, expecially for big game. It is known for its high energy levels and bravery. It is a strong and sturdy breed, capable of handling challenging environments.
About the breed
The breed is originally bred for hunting large game like elk, wild boar, and bear, the Hälleforshund excels in various hunting roles. It is also known for its tracking abilities.
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The body of Hällefors Elkhound should be rectangular and strong, with the head carriage rather proud. The tail is high set and carried loosely over the back. The breed's appearance should be one of energy, courage and strength.
The coat is coarse and dense. On the neck and shoulders, it is longer and frames the head with a mane. The coat colour is darker and lighter nuances of yellow red. The muzzle should be dark. Very light shades on the body's lower part and legs are typical.
The height at withers for males is 55–63 cm, for females 52–60 cm.
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The Hällefors Elkhound is known as a phenomenal hunter for elk. It is physically and mentally very strong and hardy. The breed is also known to be courageous and sharp towards bear and lynx. It is a versatile hunting dog and very much a "one man's dog".
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NKU Group : n°5 - Spitz and primitive types
The breed is recognized by the Nordic Kennel Union, NKU, but not by the international kennel organization, FCI.
The breed standard has not yet been translated into English.
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The Hällefors Elkhound originates from a litter of elkhounds born in the late 1930s at the ironworks in Hällefors, Sweden.
The puppies' mother was a greyish-beige coloured ostjak spitz and the father a well renowned elk-hunting dog of mixed breeding. The mother was bought from a traveller who had brought home sledge dogs from Siberia. The ostjak spitz was from a known line of hunting spitzes living with the Ostjak nomads.
One of the Hällefors-puppies was served by a yellow dog from Sundsvall known for his working ability, it was said that 156 elks were shot under him. There is also an infusion of Finnish spitz in the dogs that made the foundation for the Hälleforshund.
The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2000 and the standard and rules for trials were decided on.
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- Hälleforshund
- Hälleforsspitz
- Hälleforsinkoira
