Swedish dog breeds love exploring and the outdoors, and are suited owners with active lifestyles, who live rurally (or have access to the countryside) so that they are able to explore wide open spaces. Since they often have thick coats, they aren’t suited to warmer climates.
Dog breeding standards are upheld in Sweden by the Svenska Kennelklubben, established in 1889.
Table of Contents
Drever
Size: Medium
Height: 30-38 cm (12-15 inches)
Weight: 14-16 kg (31-35 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in any colour with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Friendly, calm and even-tempered, the Drever (also sometimes known as a Swedish Dachsbracke) is a dedicated and hard-working dog but one that will quickly and happily adapt to life as an extremely affectionate family pet. They tend to be rather strong-willed dogs meaning that they can prove challenging to train, especially for inexperienced owners. Drevers tend to be naturally wary of strangers and other animals, although with good socialisation both of these can be overcome. They are also extremely energetic dogs, requiring plenty of daily exercise and play.
Hamiltonstövare
Size: Medium
Height: 49-61 cm (19-24 inches)
Weight: 23-27 kg (51-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and shiny; in black, tan and white tricolour
Life Expectancy: 14-17 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Originally bred to hunt fox or hare, the Hamiltonstovare is energetic, friendly and determined. This breed has a lot of personality and can prove a handful for inexperienced owners or inconsistent trainers. While they will prove tireless outdoors, once their energy stores are used up a Hamiltonstovare will prove to be extremely lazy and low-maintenance around the home. The Hamiltonstovare is noted for its stubborn and independent nature, although this can be easily overcome with the use of food bribes as a training tool. They are also a very alert breed who are naturally wary of strangers and ought to be supervised when in the company of children.
Jämthund
Size: Large
Height: 52-65 cm (20-26 inches)
Weight: 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick double coat; in agouti with white and black markings
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Group: Hunting dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Swedish Elkhound, the wolf-like Jämthund is an intelligent, brave and independent dog celebrated in its homeland for its ability to fend off wolves and bears. Well known for their strength and daring, Jämthunds are also noted for forming very strong bonds with families and becoming extremely loving, gentle and playful pets. The Jämthund is an independent-minded breed who is able to spend time alone and set its own agenda, which can make them a challenge for an inexperienced owner – particularly with regards to training. They also require a lot of daily exercise in open spaces.
Norrbottenspets
Size: Small
Height: 40-47 cm (16-19 inches)
Weight: 11-15 kg (24-33 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick double coat; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Hunting dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Nordic Spitz, Norrbottenspets are affectionate, keen and kindly dogs with a surprisingly muscular build and an agile, fearless approach to the world. While they are very friendly and loving with their owners, however, these dogs can be a little feisty with unfamiliar children and should be supervised carefully. They are friendly, smart and confident little dogs who are very adept at problem solving and are relatively easy to train. The key challenge to keeping a Norrbotten is its energy level: this breed requires plenty of regular play and exercise.
Schillerstövare
Size: Medium
Height: 53-61 cm (21-24 inches)
Weight: 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium and harsh; in black and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
A fast, lively and tireless hunting dog, the Schillerstövare was originally bred for fox hunting and while it remains a popular pet in its native Sweden, it is largely unknown elsewhere. The Schillerstövare is an especially energetic breed, keen to be continually on the go, and are recommended for very active families who live in rural locations where there is plenty of wide open space to explore. In the home, the Schillerstövare is friendly and dedicated to its family, although it will often prove wary of strangers. They are also notorious one-person dogs, usually choosing a favourite owner and wanting to spend as much time with them as possible.
Smaland Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 43-53 cm (17-21 inches)
Weight: 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length double coat; in black and tan, brown or amber
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Loyal, devoted and kindly, the Smaland Hound is a very affectionate family dog who loves to be at the centre of whatever is going on. In the home, they are markedly calm, gentle and loving dogs who make excellent companions, while outside they quickly give in to their hunting dog breeding to become brave, energetic and determined. The Smaland Hound is not a dog suited to apartment living or life in the city, nor does it do well if left alone for extended periods of time. This dog requires lots of exercise in wide open spaces and time with its owners.
Swedish Lapphund
Size: Medium
Height: 40-51 cm (16-20 inches)
Weight: 19-21 kg (41-46 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, thick and fluffy double coat; in black or liver, with or without white markings
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Lively, alert and playful, the Swedish Lapphund is a very sociable and affectionate dog who loves to be surrounded by their family. They are hard-working and versatile dogs, who are variously used for herding reindeer, dog agility, tracking and as therapy animals. While they may be aloof towards strangers initially, they quickly make friends and they are also excellent with children and other animals. Swedish Lapphunds require lots of exercise, play, mental stimulation and human company, but once these needs are met make excellent family pets.
Swedish Vallhund
Size: Small
Height: 29-35 cm (11½-14 inches)
Weight: 9-16 kg (20-35 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and harsh with a dense undercoat; in grey, grey-brown, yellow-grey or reddish-grey with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Also known as a Swedish Cattle Dog, these short-legged dogs are one of Sweden’s most ancient and beloved breeds. They are versatile, intelligent and sociable dogs who are adept at turning their mind to almost any activity they are tasked with, from herding to dog agility or even hunting. They are highly intelligent dogs who are very quick to learn new skills and similarly willing and able to make new friends. As with most herding dogs, Swedish Vallhunds thrive when surrounded by people and given plenty of things to do. They require plenty of play, exercise and mental stimulation. If these needs are met, they make excellent, loving, family pets.