The value of the working dog is well documented by these Nordic cultures. Although most breeds were used as working dogs on Viking farms, many were recognized as loyal companions. Dogs were often buried alongside their Viking masters. In Scandinavian belief, the dog is the guardian of the underworld, and it is speculated that one reason for including dogs in Viking Age burials was to provide a guide for the deceased to lead them to the underworld.
Often, Vikings kept dogs for hunting purposes and several of those breeds remain today. One of the best-known Norse hunting dogs is the Norsk Elghund, bred by the ancient Danes to hunt moose and bear. The Norwegian Lundehund or Puffin-Hound is the most ancient of Nordic breeds and was often used to hunt the Viking delicacy, Puffin. In addition to hunting, the Vikings also used dogs to herd cattle. One of these breeds is the Swedish Vallhund, which looks like its close relative, the Welsh Corgi.
Often, Vikings kept dogs for hunting purposes and several of those breeds remain today. One of the best-known Norse hunting dogs is the Norsk Elghund, bred by the ancient Danes to hunt moose and bear. The Norwegian Lundehund or Puffin-Hound is the most ancient of Nordic breeds and was often used to hunt the Viking delicacy, Puffin. In addition to hunting, the Vikings also used dogs to herd cattle. One of these breeds is the Swedish Vallhund, which looks like its close relative, the Welsh Corgi.
