The Swedish White Elkhound all started from a very pale puppy born into a litter of Swedish Elkhounds in 1942. Light colored puppies are rare now, although occasionally showed up in litters of the various elkhound breeds and is speculated to have come from an early cross with a Samoyed. It was said that these white puppies possessed special “powers” that would cause moose to stand stock still while this breed was nearby. Interested by this phenomenon, fanciers began to investigate whether the white dogs (from both Swedish and Norwegian Elkhound litters) were also skilled hunters in addition to having this moose-hypnotizing skill set. As luck would have it many of them were, which led to the continued breeding and eventual recognition of the breed by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1993. Despite the word ‘elk’ in the name, this breed primarily hunted moose and also occasionally lynx, bear and badger.
The double coat of the Swedish White is easy to care for although does shed regularly. The coat is dense, straight and coarse to protect the dog from the elements. As might be guessed from the name, the breed is always solid white but can sometimes have a faint yellow tinge to the coat. This is a rectangular, medium-sized spitz with characteristic prick ears and curled tail. Breeding for the proper conformation is important – so much so that the parent club insists that every dog bred must have at least a rating of “sufficient” at a dog show in order to even be considered as a breeding prospect. In addition, each dog must also pass a hunting test as well as several health tests. This is to ensure the breed stays healthy, retains its hunting instincts, and doesn’t deviate physically from the standard.
White Elkhounds are always alert to the goings-on of their surroundings but are fairly calm in demeanor. They can make wonderful companions in the right home although it is important to understand that they are hunting dogs that will not be happy without a job. This is not a breed for someone looking for a dog to lounge around the house all day! When matched with a knowledgeable active owner and given training and engaging tasks to do, this spitz will thrive. Despite being fairly young as a breed, the future is bright for this hardworking and adept hunting dog!
