10 Scandinavian Dog Breeds (with Pictures)

Scandinavian Dog Breeds: Tough, Loyal Companions from the Land of the Vikings

The rugged, majestic landscapes of Scandinavia have produced some truly remarkable dog breeds. Whether herding reindeer in the freezing tundra, hunting big game in dense forests, or guarding Viking longships, Scandinavian dogs were bred to be tough, resilient, and fearless.

While the exact definition of "Scandinavia" is sometimes debated, it typically includes the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, Finland and Iceland are often considered part of the broader Scandinavian region as well. All of these northern lands have gifted us with unique, hardy dog breeds superbly adapted to cold climates and challenging terrain.

If you‘re looking for an intelligent, active, and intensely loyal canine companion, a Scandinavian breed may be your perfect match. However, these are not low-maintenance lap dogs. Breeds like the Norwegian Elkhound, Swedish Vallhund and Finnish Lapphund were developed to work tirelessly alongside their human partners, and they still need plenty of exercise, stimulation and interaction.

With proper training and an outlet for their energy, though, Scandinavian dogs can make wonderful additions to the right homes. Let‘s meet some of the most iconic breeds hailing from the land of the Vikings.

Norwegian Breeds: Courageous and Cooperative

Norway‘s mountainous landscape and long history of hunting, herding, and polar exploration have shaped several renowned dog breeds:

The Norwegian Elkhound is the national dog of Norway. Fearless and hardy, Elkhounds were used to hunt large game like moose and bear. They are also skilled guard dogs and loyal family companions. Elkhounds have thick, gray double coats and a characteristic tightly curled tail.
The uniquely adorable Norwegian Lundehund has several extraordinary physical features, including six toes on each foot and the ability to tip its head backward to touch its spine! These traits helped Lundehunds excel at hunting puffin birds in rocky coastal cliffs. Today, they are attentive watchdogs and spunky, active companions.
An ideal all-purpose farm dog, the cheerful Norwegian Buhund herded livestock, guarded property and kept vermin under control in rural Norway. This medium-sized, agile spitz breed comes in wheaten or black coats and makes a clever, affectionate family pet.

Spirited Swedish Herders and Hunters

Sweden also claims several distinctive breeds shaped by the need for hardworking herding, hunting and farmyard dogs:

The lively Hamilton Hound, also called the Hamiltonstövare, is Sweden‘s most popular hunting hound. Count Adolf Hamilton, founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, created this tireless tracker in the late 1800s to hunt hare and fox. Hamiltons have an elegant tricolor coat, long floppy ears and a gentle, friendly personality.
Known as the "Viking Dog," the Swedish Vallhund originated over 1,000 years ago as a tough cattle herder and farmyard ratter. This alert, muscular little spitz has a thick sable coat, upright ears and a boldly marked "harness" across the shoulders. Vallhunds are affectionate and trainable but need a job to do.
The Drever, also called the Swedish Dachsbracke, is Sweden‘s smallest scenthound. Short-legged but powerfully built, the Drever was developed in the early 1900s to hunt deer, hare and fox on rough terrain. This tenacious, even-tempered breed makes a calm, adaptable companion.

Devoted Danish Dogs

Denmark‘s Broholmer and Danish-Swedish Farmdog both have long histories as dependable working partners:

Majestic and massive, the Broholmer is an ancient Danish breed from the mastiff family, known as an impressive guard dog for the wealthy and nobility. Standing up to 29 inches tall and weighing well over 100 pounds, Broholmers have a commanding presence but a kind, easygoing nature.
The happy, energetic Danish-Swedish Farmdog worked on small farms throughout Denmark and southern Sweden for centuries, herding livestock, hunting vermin and standing watch. Intelligent and eager to please, "DSFs" pick up training quickly but need plenty of exercise and activity.

Fantastic Finnish Breeds

Hailing from Finland‘s vast wilderness areas, several fascinating spitz-type breeds were integral to the traditional hunting and herding way of life:

With a lush coat and expressive face, the Finnish Lapphund is a beautiful and good-natured spitz breed developed by the Sami people to herd reindeer above the Arctic Circle. Lappies lived and worked in very close partnership with their handlers and still bond intensely with their families today.
The national dog of Finland, the Finnish Spitz has been used to hunt small game and birds in Finland‘s forests since ancient times. This foxy-faced breed has a vibrant red-gold coat, prick ears and a curled tail. "Finnies" are independent thinkers but responsive to positive training.
A powerful, athletic bear hunting specialist, the Karelian Bear Dog originated with the Komi people in the region of Karelia between Finland and Russia. KBDs track big game over punishing terrain, cornering and holding prey until the hunter arrives. They need expert handling and rigorous training.

Icelandic Sheepdogs: Living Legends

As Iceland‘s only native dog breed, the Icelandic Sheepdog holds a special place in the island nation‘s cultural history and rural economy:

Also known as the "dog of the Vikings," the Icelandic Sheepdog arrived with Norse settlers well over 1,000 years ago. Tough, agile and unafraid of Iceland‘s harsh conditions, Icelandic Sheepdogs served as all-purpose herding and guard dogs for centuries.
Although they nearly went extinct in the late 1800s, Icelandic Sheepdogs have made a comeback and still work as farm dogs and compete in herding trials today. They have a thick, weatherproof coat, pointy ears and an enthusiastic, people-loving personality.

Is a Scandinavian Dog Right for You?

If you‘re interested in bringing a Scandinavian breed into your life, research the characteristics, history and care needs of your chosen breed carefully. Most of these dogs are high-energy, independent-minded working partners that require committed training, socialization and daily mental and physical exercise.

Scandinavian breeds typically have thick double coats adapted to cold climates, so regular brushing is a must to keep shedding under control. Health concerns vary by breed but may include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders and thyroid issues. Choose a reputable breeder who tests for inheritable health conditions.

While they can adapt to family life with proper care and training, Scandinavian breeds are usually not suited for small spaces, very warm climates or life as couch potatoes! Herding and hunting instincts are deeply ingrained, so a securely fenced yard is a must, and smaller pets may be viewed as prey. Novice owners should work with an experienced trainer familiar with these strong-willed northern breeds.

If you can meet their needs, though, a Scandinavian dog will be your stalwart companion for life, ready to take on any adventure by your side. Behind the ice-blue gaze of a Norwegian Elkhound or the always-smiling face of a Swedish Vallhund, you just might glimpse the courageous spirit of the Vikings and the indomitable grit of the frozen North.