Swedish Elkhound

Swedish Elkhound History

The Swedish Elkhound is a breed of working and sporting hounds from the Nordic countries. The Swedish Elkhound is a medium to large-sized canine, with males measuring 69–77 centimetres (27–30 in) at the withers and weighing 25–37 kilograms (55–82 lb), and females measuring 66–72 centimetres (26–28 in) at the withers and weighing 22–31 kilograms (49–68 lb). The coat is wiry and thick, with a coarse, bushy undercoat. Grooming is daily or weekly, and clipping is not required. The head is in proportion to the body, neither too broad nor too elongated. The muzzle is deep, wide and deep under the eyes. The nose is black. The ears are set high and are either pricked or semi-pricked. The eyes are round, and the hair is short and sleek. The tail is long and tapering. The legs are straight and muscular. The feet are round and compact, with well-arched toes and thick pads. The dewclaws are usually removed. The coat of the Swedish Elkhound is dense, short, and weatherproof, and comes in various colors. Coat colour is usually limited to shades of gray, red, brown, and brindle. The colours are solid, flecked, or pied.

Swedish Elkhound Physical Characteristics

The Swedish Elkhound is a very large, medium-to-large sized breed of hound that was developed in Sweden to hunt elk. They typically stand between 25 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 90 and 130 pounds. They have a long, lean body with a narrow chest and a thick, shaggy double coat that is usually gray, red, or blue-gray. They have a fox-like head, a slight stop, and a straight, white muzzle. The Swedish Elkhound’s ears are long, pendant, and droop down their backs. They have a double dewclaw on their feet. They are a graceful, very agile hunting dog that is energetic but calm indoors.

Swedish Elkhound Health

Description of breed health.

Swedish Elkhound Temperament and Behaviour

The Swedish Elkhound is a medium-sized, powerful, athletic, and graceful dog. They are independent by nature, but also very loyal to their families. They are energetic and fun-loving, but can sometimes be stubborn and headstrong. They enjoy being around people and prefer to be in the company of their human pack.

Swedish Elkhound Activity Requirements

If you are looking for a big, calm dog, the Swedish Elkhound might be right for you. The Swedish Elkhound is a sensitive and intelligent dog that makes a great companion. While they were once used for hunting, today they are primarily kept as pets. Swedish Elkhounds can be somewhat high-energy, but they do not require a great deal of physical exercise. They are happiest when given regular access to a large, fenced-in yard. A weekly hike or trip to the dog park can provide your Swedish Elkhound with the physical stimulation they need.

Kennel Club Recognition