Swedish White Elkhound

The Swedish White Elkhound (Svensk vit älghund) is a hardy hunting dog that can thrive in various environments, including cold climates. The breed is enduring, strong, sturdy build and hunts big games.

About the breed

The history of the Swedish white elkhound is said to have begun in 1942 in the County of Jämtland. That year a very light-coloured puppy was born in a litter of Jämthund. 

The breed derives from the Swedish Elkhound and the Norwegian Elkhound but is more similar to the Swedish Elkhound in both size and proportions. The body is rectangular and harmonious, lithe and with good reach of the neck. The head is strong, and wedge shaped. The tail should be high set and carried in a loose curve well over the back.

The double coat is dense, standing off and pure white in colour. Slight lemon nuances are permissible. Ideal height at the withers for males is 56 cm, and for females 53 cm.

Swedish White Elkhound is originally bred for hunting large game like elk and bear and is incredibly versatile. Despite its hunting background, the breed is gentle and affectionate with their families, and are known to be good with children and other pets when properly socialized. The breed has high energy level and needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

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.

SKK breed standard (sv)

The breed standard has not yet been translated into English.

Occasionally a very pale puppy is born in purebred Swedish Elkhund or Norwegian Elkhound litters. This puppy came from very well renowned stock. White dogs were not unusual in the Southern parts of North Bothnia in the area around Piteå and Roknäs during the 1960s. It was said about them that they had a special ability to make the elk stand steady, as if struck by lightning. The colour in itself could be the reason as it might startle the elk.

In 1987 work began to investigate how many whites there actually were and what their capacity as hunting dogs was. They were mainly represented in the counties of Jämtland, Dalarna and Värmland but also up in the West Bothnia region.

At an evaluation in the early 1990s it was found that well over 300 specimens were homogenous in type and proved to be suitable for hunting elk, therefore the breed was considered to have a good foundation. The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1993.

  • Svensk vit älghund
  • Swedish White Elkhound
  • Svensk Hvit Elghund
  • Valkoinen ruotsinhirvikoira