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Vikings were famed for their fearless journeys, brutal battles, and unwavering loyalty to their clans—and their dogs were no less impressive. These weren’t dainty lapdogs avoiding puddles; they were strong, brave, and ready to face the harshest conditions. An actual Viking dog needed the stamina of a longboat rower, the courage of a warrior, and the kind of loyalty that would follow its human into the unknown. Whether guarding homesteads, exploring new lands, or howling beneath the northern lights, these rugged pups were born for the Viking lifestyle—minus the horned helmets.
Norwegian Elkhound
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No list of Viking-compatible canines would be complete without the Norwegian Elkhound. As a breed native to Norway with a history of thousands of years, Elkhounds were believed to have accompanied the Vikings. These dogs are fearless hunters with thick coats built to survive icy fjords and blustery mountain winds. They were originally bred to track, corner elk, and even bears, barking to alert their humans of the prey’s location. With their loyalty, intelligence, and weather-proof design, Elkhounds would have been perfect for tracking through forests or standing guard on a snowy Viking homestead.
Icelandic Sheepdog
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is quite literally descended from the dogs brought to Iceland by Viking settlers over a thousand years ago. Hardy and cheerful, this breed was indispensable to Norse farmers trying to herd livestock in rugged, volcanic terrain. With their fluffy coats and boundless energy, they could easily keep up with their humans on long treks across the tundra. Despite their small-to-medium size, they are incredibly bold and alert, making them great watchdogs and loyal companions. They’d probably be the ones barking cheerfully at seagulls while your Viking ship approached an enemy shore.
Finnish Lapphund
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Though not Scandinavian royalty like some breeds on this list, the Finnish Lapphund is a northern gem bred by the Sámi people to herd reindeer in frigid climates. With their thick coats, calm temperament, and workaholic nature, they would have fit right in with a Viking crew. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which would have made them valuable assets during long voyages or in tight-knit village life. Plus, their expressive eyes and fluffy tails are charming enough to soften even the heart of a hardened berserker. If you need a loyal furball who could brave the elements and bring you your dropped battle axe, the Lapphund’s your guy.
Swedish Vallhund
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This short-legged Viking cutie might not look like a fearsome warrior, but don’t let their corgi-like stature fool you. The Swedish Vallhund is believed to have been bred during the Viking Age, serving as both herders and ratters on Norse farms and ships. Agile, clever, and incredibly loyal, they were ideal for life aboard longships or patrolling the village perimeter. Their alert bark and endless energy made them excellent watchdogs and companions. Plus, their expressive faces and stubby tails would’ve definitely made them the most memorable members of any Viking warband.
Irish Wolfhound
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Though not Norse by origin, the Irish Wolfhound would have made a dramatic and valuable addition to any Viking crew visiting Ireland or the British Isles. Towering in size and noble in presence, these dogs were originally bred to hunt wolves and take down enemy warriors. Imagine stepping off a longship and seeing a literal horse-sized dog by a Viking’s side—instant intimidation. Despite their size, they’re gentle and loyal, a perfect balance of battle beast and hearth guardian. Their presence alone would’ve made enemy clans think twice about starting something.
Tibetan Mastiff
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Tibetan Mastiffs are indeed from the Himalayas, but if the Vikings had ever made it that far east (and who’s to say they didn’t?), these dogs would have been their dream guardians. Massive, independent, and bred to guard livestock in remote mountain villages, Tibetan Mastiffs are the definition of intimidating. With their lion-like manes and aloof temperament, they would’ve been the ultimate camp protectors while Vikings slept off a long day of pillaging. They don’t trust strangers easily, which aligns perfectly with the Viking motto: “Trust no one except the guy rowing next to you.”
Greenland Dog
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A close cousin of the Siberian Husky, the Greenland Dog has been a sled-pulling powerhouse for centuries in some of the coldest climates on Earth. Vikings exploring Greenland or venturing across icy territories would’ve found these dogs essential. They’re strong, fearless, and have an uncanny ability to navigate snowstorms and frozen landscapes. Known for their high endurance and pack mentality, these dogs would’ve made excellent travel companions through harsh winters. If a Viking crew ever needed to drag supplies over ice, these guys would’ve had it covered—without whining, unlike Bjorn in the back.
Rottweiler
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Though their origins trace back to Roman drover dogs, Rottweilers would have made excellent Viking sidekicks due to their strength, protective instincts, and work ethic. These muscular dogs were used to herd cattle, pull carts, and guard resources—basically the dog version of a Swiss army knife. Vikings would have appreciated their loyalty and intimidating presence, especially during negotiations that required a little… muscle. A Rottweiler guarding a longhouse? That’s a door you knock on very carefully.
Samoyed
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With a smile as bright as a Norse sunrise and a coat thick enough to shame a polar bear, the Samoyed would’ve been a top-tier Viking sidekick. Originally bred by the nomadic Samoyede people of Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds, these dogs are built for brutally cold conditions. Their dense, weather-resistant fur keeps them warm in sub-zero temps, while their cheerful, loyal demeanor makes them excellent travel companions. Vikings trekking through snow-covered forests or setting up winter encampments would’ve found the Samoyed useful and huggable. Don’t let that cute grin fool you—they’re fluff with a work ethic forged in frost.
Shikoku
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From the mountainous terrain of Japan, the Shikoku is a nimble, brave hunting dog with the spirit of a warrior monk and the reflexes of a ninja. While geographically distant from the Norse lands, their personality traits would’ve made them excellent Viking companions if the longboats had made it farther east. Shikokus are alert, loyal, and incredibly agile—perfect for scouting new territories, chasing down prey, or silently tracking enemies in dense terrain. Their fox-like faces and curled tails would’ve made them both exotic and respected among the Vikings. Plus, if your Viking crew needed a stealth unit, this dog would already be in position.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
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The Caucasian Shepherd is a literal wall of fur and muscle, bred to fend off wolves and even bears in the Caucasus Mountains. If Viking settlements ever reached that region, these dogs would have made an impression—mostly by standing there like furry fortresses. Their loyalty is unmatched, and they’ll defend their people with a fierceness that would impress even Odin. Their thick coat makes them well-suited for cold environments, and their intimidating appearance would keep even the boldest raiders at bay. Think of them as the bouncers of Valhalla.
Boerboel
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While South African by origin, the Boerboel would have been the Viking’s secret weapon in battle and at home. These dogs were bred to protect homesteads from lions, so dealing with raiders or wild beasts in the Nordic forests would be a walk in the park. Their loyalty to their families is unmatched, and they’re known for being calm until provoked—then, good luck to whoever made that mistake. A Boerboel by the mead hall door would’ve said, “Enter if you dare. Seriously. Think about your life choices.”
Alaskan Malamute
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Built for freezing temperatures and endless trekking, the Alaskan Malamute is a snow-savvy giant that would’ve been a Viking’s best bet for long, icy expeditions. Their strength in pulling heavy loads over snow and ice made them invaluable to Arctic explorers, and their pack loyalty aligns perfectly with the Viking spirit. Malamutes are independent yet affectionate, capable of surviving in the wild yet loving enough to curl up next to a roaring fire. If your Viking crew had a mascot that could also haul your loot back home, this would be the dog.
The Real Warriors Had Four Legs and Fur
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Mighty dogs that would’ve made epic Viking sidekicks, whether they were storming shores, defending the homestead, or stealing snacks from the feast table when no one was looking. These breeds bring the courage, loyalty, and ruggedness that the Norse would’ve admired in both man and mutt. So if you’ve got one of these dogs today, maybe give them a horned helmet (okay, a plush one) and let them live their best Viking life. And remember—behind every great Viking warrior, there was probably a dog just waiting to chase the enemy’s goat.
The post The Ultimate 13 Dog Breeds That Would Have Been the Perfect Viking Sidekicks appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.