Overview
The Hällefors Elkhound, or Hälleforshund, is one of Sweden's younger hunting spitz breeds, built from local moose-hunting dogs around the town of Hällefors. It is larger and leggier than the Norwegian Elkhound, with a dense yellow to reddish coat, a wedge-shaped head, pricked ears and a tail that may curl or hang loosely.
Its job is to find moose in deep forest, hold them at bay and bark until the hunter arrives, often working far from the handler. That produces a dog with stamina, nerve and a mind of its own. Numbers are tiny outside Sweden, and any example in Britain is likely to have an owner who hunts or has emigrated.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day of walking and trotting over varied ground. A moose dog is fit and used to covering serious distance through forest, and it will not be tired by a town park.
Cold weather is its element. In summer, exercise early and late and keep an eye on panting; a thick northern coat holds heat.
On the walk
- Recall: A dog bred to range for a mile and bark at a moose does not come when called out of habit. Keep it attached.
- Barking: Baying at bay is the whole job. Expect loud, sustained barking at deer, livestock and anything large.
- Other dogs: Spitz hunting dogs are often aloof and may be dominant with dogs of the same sex. Introduce with care.
- Pulling: Strong and forward-moving. A padded harness and a short lead on roads, a long line in the woods.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk in cool conditions wherever you can and shorten summer walks.
- Stay clear of deer parks and livestock; the hunting response is immediate.
- Give the dog hilly, wooded ground to use its stamina properly.
- Brush out the undercoat in spring and autumn when it sheds heavily.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog hunted moose or deer, and how does it react to them here?
- How does it get on with other dogs, especially of the same sex?
- What recall cues does it know, and has it ever gone missing on a walk?