Hälleforshund

The puppies' mother was a greyish-beige coloured ostjak spitz and the father a well renowned elk-hunting dog of mixed breeding. The mother was bought from a traveller who had brought home sledge dogs from Siberia. The ostjak spitz was from a known line of hunting spitzes living with the Ostjak nomads.

One of the Hällefors-puppies was served by a yellow dog from Sundsvall known for his working ability, it was said that 156 elks where shot under him. There is also an infusion of Finnish spitz in the dogs that made the foundation for the Hälleforshund.

The Hälleforshund is known as a phenomenal hunter for elk, physically and mentally very strong and hardy. The breed is also known to be courageous and sharp towards bear and lynx. It is a versatile hunting dog and very much a "one man's dog".

The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the Hälleforshund in 2000 and the standard and rules for trials were decided on.

Appearance and size

The body should be rectangular and strong, with the head carriage rather proud. The tail is high set and carried loosely over the back. The breed's appearance should be one of energy, courage and strength.

The coat is coarse and dense. On the neck and shoulders it is longer and frames the head with a mane. The coat colour is darker and lighter nuances of yellow-red. The muzzle should be dark. Very light shades on the body's lower part and legs are typical. The height at withers for males is 55–63 cm, for females 52–60 cm.

Breed registration statistics

Below you can find the registration statistics for the Hälleforshund in the Nordic countries from 1990 onwards.