What makes the Jämthund Unique?
Jamthund is combined through intelligent and alert minds; this builds them to be ideal like watchdogs. Jamthund dog will be loyal to their owners and love for protecting their loved ones at any cost. It always looks for sensible amount exercises for burning off the energy they encompass.
Breed Groups
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Is the Jämthund Right For You?
The Jämthund has great hunting skills, high levels of intelligence, great temperament and versatility that makes this exceptional dog a favorite of all the people. This dog is brave, courageous, energetic yet stoically calm. It forms strong bond with its family being very loving, affectionate and friendly with them. It displays its gentle, kind and playful nature to children, making a great playmate of them. This dog is willing and eager to please its owners and family and responds well to training. The Swedish Elkhound displays a dominant behavior around other dogs and may not be suitable for other non canine pets in the family due to high prey drive.
In 5 Words
- Energetic
- Loyal
- Active
- Independent
- Courageous
Characteristics
Learn About the Jämthund
Description
General Description
The dog should have a loosely curled tail that hangs on the back and is not too thin or too tightly curled; when relaxed the tail should hang straight down. This breed has erect ears with a wide space in between them, a medium to long muzzle, and a double coat of various shades of agouti. The eyes are brown.
The Jämthund should be distinguished from the Norwegian grey elkhound. The Norwegian elkhound is much shorter and stockier than the Jämthund, and its tail shape is very different. It also has a black mask on the muzzle, whereas the Jämthund has a white muzzle, white cheeks and typical wolf markings.
Size
The size of the male is usually between 57 and 65 centimetres (roughly 22 to 26 inches), weighing 30 to 35 kilograms (66 to 77 pounds). Females are usually between 52 to 60 centimetres (20 to 24 inches), weighing 25 to 30 kilograms (55 to 66 pounds).
Coat
It has a double coat. Top coat is long, hard and close fitting while the undercoat is short, soft and wooly. The coat is shorter and smooth on head and front of the legs while longer on neck, chest, back of legs and thighs and tail.
Short History of the Jämthund
The Swedish Elkhound is a breed with ancient origins, though it was only recognized as a separate breed in 1946, because it used to be shown together with the smaller Norwegian Elkhound. The breed was mainly used for hunting Elk, though it was sometimes used on bear and lynx as well.
The Swedish Elkhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.
Temperament
Jamthunds are well-rounded dogs and very intelligent. They need to have plenty of mental and physical stimulation or they become quite bored and destructive. They have a very social nature and want companionship in whatever they’re doing. They are affectionate and protective with their owners and need to have strong and reliable connections to them. Jamthunds are very loyal and are great with children – especially in a guardian role. They are a busy and active breed always on the go and requiring a lot of exercise outdoors. They love to run and play and explore to their heart’s content in rural or rugged areas.
Although loving with a desire to please, Jamthunds tend to be dominant in personality so other pets in the household need to be a good fit. But they do want to be part of a “pack” so other than being dominant, they do well with children and other dogs in the home.
It is a high energy dog that needs large open spaces to burn its energy by playing and running as it likes. Unsuitable for apartment living, the dog will be best suited to a rural setting. This dog adores its family and makes a great family pet.
Caring for Your Jämthund
General Health
Some health conditions that are known to afflict Jamthunds include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, liver disease and hearing deficits. The breed is prone to becoming obese, which can increase the risks for diabetes, degenerative joint disease, heart disease and anesthetic complications.
Grooming & Bathing
Long coat of this dog can easily get tangled and for this reason, the dog should be thoroughly brushed every day to remove dead hair from the body. Being a hunting dog, it should be checked for burrs and thorns that it might have picked up when hunting. Ears should be checked regularly to prevent infection and remove any foreign bodies. Bathe only when necessary.
Exercise & Training
As with most breeds developed for hunting, the Swedish Elkhound requires a lot of regular exercise to stay fit, both physically and mentally. It quickly becomes bored if kept indoors for too long and can become destructive.
Jämthund Picture Gallery
