15 Top Dog Breeds with Viking Heritage

Vikings weren’t just fierce warriors; they also had a soft spot for dogs. Many beloved breeds we know today trace their roots back to these adventurous seafarers. In this article, we’ll explore 15 dog breeds with rich Viking heritage, highlighting their unique traits and fascinating histories. You might just find your next loyal companion among these remarkable breeds!

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound stands out with its wolf-like appearance and friendly demeanor. Bred for hunting elk, this breed showcases strength and agility. Their thick coat keeps them warm in harsh climates, and not only that, it makes them perfect companions for outdoor enthusiasts. With a loyal nature, they bond closely with families and make excellent watchdogs.

Swedish Vallhund

This spunky little dog has a history as a herding breed in Sweden. The Swedish Vallhund looks much like the Corgi, but it’s much older and was famous in the Viking Age. This dog breed has a playful personality; it thrives on activity and loves engaging with its humans. Its intelligence makes training a breeze!

Icelandic Sheepdog

With its charming smile and fluffy coat, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a true treasure from the North. This breed was a herding dog for centuries and helped farmers manage livestock in Iceland’s rugged terrain. The Icelandic Sheepdog has a cheerful disposition, which makes it a fantastic family pet. They’re always eager to please, and they love to bark—especially when they’re excited!

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy and easygoing dog that is known for its beautiful fur and friendly temperament. Originally bred by the Sámi people to herd reindeer, this breed thrives in cold climates. Finnish Lapphund are incredibly social and enjoy being part of family activities. Their intelligence shines through in training sessions as they quickly learn new commands.

Greenland Dog

These tough sled dogs descended from dogs brought by Viking settlers. Their roots can be traced to the Thule people, who brought them from Siberia over a thousand years ago. Greenland dogs excelled in hunting and sledding and proved invaluable in Arctic conditions. Their thick double coat and muscular build make them well-equipped to handle extreme cold.

Norwegian Buhund

With its striking golden coat and lively personality, the Norwegian Buhund easily captures hearts. This dog breed is a spirited herding dog that loves to be active. As a result, they are great partners for outdoor adventures, as they thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Their loyalty shines through in their protective instincts towards family members.

Karelian Bear Dog

Originating from Finland, this breed was used to hunt down large game, such as bears and moose. The Karelian Bear Dog is recognized for its bravery and strong hunting instincts. However, its bold nature requires an experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization. This dog loves to form deep bonds with its family while maintaining an independent spirit.

Lapponian Herder

A few hundred years ago, this breed was used as a herding dog in Lapland. Lapponian herders are agile and intelligent, and they make excellent workers in various environments. They quickly adapt well to family life while retaining their strong herding instincts. Due to their friendly nature, they are great with children.

Alaskan Malamute

While not directly from Scandinavia, the Alaskan Malamute shares ancestry with Viking breeds through Arctic connections. Bred for heavy hauling in harsh conditions, these dogs are known for their strength and endurance. Their playful nature makes them excellent family pets, but you need to always keep them exercised so they can stay healthy.

Siberian Husky

Similar to the Malamute, the Siberian Husky has ties to ancient Nordic dogs through trade routes across the Arctic Circle. Huskies are social creatures with blue eyes and an outgoing personality, which makes them perfect for households with active lifestyles. When properly trained, they are loyal companions known for their mischievous antics.

Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund is a rare breed famous for its puffin-hunting skills, originating from Norway’s remote islands. With six toes on each paw, these agile dogs excel at navigating rocky cliffs. Their playful nature shines through in their love for digging and games like fetch, so if you adopt one, be prepared for an energetic, active companion who thrives on adventure.

Jämthund

The Jämthund, or Swedish Elkhound, was used by the Vikings for hunting elk, bear, and moose. Bred to track large game like elk and moose, this breed thrives on outdoor adventures. These dogs are still revered for their hunting abilities and have become a national symbol in Sweden. With proper training, they become devoted family members.

Samoyed

On the surface, the Samoyed seems nothing like a typical Viking dog breed with its thick white coat and friendly nature. However, these dogs were helpful in cold climates, especially during Viking expeditions to Siberia. They herded reindeer and offered warmth on freezing nights. Even now, their social and gentle temperament makes them beloved companions.

Akita

While the Akita is mainly regarded as a Japanese breed, it has some surprising connections to ancient Nordic travelers. It’s believed that Vikings encountered early Akita ancestors during their expeditions to Asia, appreciating the breed’s strength and loyalty. In modern times, Akitas are loved for their protective natures and calm dispositions.

Russian-European Laika

As an ancient breed with close ties to northern Europe, the Russian-European Laika was prized for its hunting skills. People think that Vikings likely encountered these dogs during their raids and trades with Slavic territories. Consequently, this dog breed remains a reliable companion because of its resilience, and it is still popular among hunters in cold climates.