It was bred in Sweden during the late 19th century to satisfy farmers' demand for horses suitable for agriculture.

The Swedish Ardennes is 15.2 to 16 hands (62 to 64 inches, 157 to 163 cm) and weighs 1,200 to 1,600 pounds (540 to 730 kg).

[2] It can withstand extremes in weather; Swedish Ardennes horses are very strong and willing workers and easy keepers.

The goal was to improve on the size and strength of native Swedish horses; to this end, a studbook was established in 1901.

Despite the increasing mechanization of agriculture and forestry, the Swedish Ardennes still makes up the largest proportion of Sweden's registered purebred stallions.