Jämthund – The Swedish Elkhound

Bred in the rugged terrains of Sweden, the Jämthund, also known as the Swedish Elkhound, boasts a storied history as a formidable hunter of large game like moose and bears. For the natives in the Jämtland province of middle Sweden, these dogs have been indispensable companions to hunters across the centuries. Thanks to their strength and courage, as well as their hardy endurance and keen instincts.

With their wolf-like appearance and dignified, stoic presence, Jämthunds are more than just working dogs. They are also cherished for their loyalty and their commitment to guarding their family. While they share similarities with the Norwegian Elkhound, Jämthunds stand out with their larger size and distinctive traits. They are part of the Spitz breed family.

The breed is recognised by the Swedish Kennel Club – Svenska Kennelklubben (SK), and while rare outside of Sweden, they are also recognised internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) whom most recently published their breed standards in 2019. They are not yet recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or many other major regional clubs outside of Scandinavia.

History Of The Jämthund

The Jämthund, more commonly known outside of Sweden as the Swedish Elkhound, is an ancient breed originating from Jämtland, a region in central Sweden. Used historically for hunting large game like moose, bears and boar, these dogs were also versatile working companions and guard dogs.

Despite having an ancient history in their native Sweden, the breed was only officially recognized in 1946 thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts like Aksel Lindstrom and Count Bjorn Von Rosen. Until this time it was considered to be the same breed as the Norwegian Elkhound, but the Jämthund is undeniably a taller, less stocky breed. One worthy of its own definition. 

Breed Origin

The Jämthund’s lineage traces back thousands of years, with its ancestry linked to wolf-dog hybrids. Genetically, they belong to the sub-clade known as d1 which is only found in Northern Scandinavia and originated between 480 and 3000 years ago. Its development occurred in the harsh climates of northern Sweden, with the post-domestication breeding of a male dog and female wolf. From this, the sub-clade, along with all the breeds within can trace their origins. These breeds have a very unique genetic sequence, unmatched across the rest of Eurasia and sharing roots with ancient breeds going back over 30,000 years. 

Quick Facts About The Swedish Elkhound

• Strong and Resilient – The Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound) is a strong and athletic breed with a powerful build. It might have ‘Elkhound’ in the name, but these dogs used to hunt bears too, and this large game hunting has endowed it with incredible endurance, courage and strength. It will be able to keep up and contribute with even the most demanding activities.

• Loyal and Protective – Known for their loyalty and protective nature, Jämthunds form strong bonds with their families. Their natural wariness of strangers makes them excellent guard dogs too. Ensuring their homes and loved ones are always safe.

• Energetic and Intelligent – With high energy levels, Jämthunds need lots of exercise and mental challenges. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them highly trainable, though they can be slow to start learning and require firm, consistent guidance to manage their independent and dominant streak.

• Adaptable and Hardy – Bred to endure the harsh climates of middle Sweden, Jämthunds are incredibly resilient. They can adapt to various environments but do best in homes that provide ample space and opportunities for outdoor activities. They also do very well in their traditional working and hunting roles too.

Characteristics Of The Jämthund

While the Jämthund shares some similarities with other Nordic breeds like the Norwegian Elkhound and the Finnish Spitz, it does have its own unique traits and care requirements. Its important not to mistake this breed for any other, because it’s strong guarding nature and prey drive are traits you really need to be prepared for when training. 

You might hear the Jämthund referred to by various names. In Sweden, it’s commonly known as the Swedish Elkhound or by its native name, Jämptlanninpystykorva, but you are more likely to see this written than spoken. In speech, it is usually shortened to Jämthund. Other names include Jämthund Hound and Swedish Moosehound, but these are all just variations of the same name and all refer to the same breed.

Jämthund Puppies

Jämthund puppies typically come in litters of four to eight. As with all breeds, it’s recommended they stay with their mother and siblings for at least eight weeks to develop essential social behaviors. It’s really important for this breed in particular, as they do have a dominant streak with other dogs and their mother can teach them early about tolerance and their place in the pack.

For those looking to add a Jämthund to their family, the cost can vary significantly, particularly outside of their native Sweden where they are much more rare. In the United States, prices typically range from $800 to $2000, depending on breeding quality and demand. They are particularly rare stateside so expect a wait if you do want to invest in one.

In Europe, prices are generally between €700 and €1500 and in the UK you can expect to pay between £100 to £1500. Additionally, you should expect to budget for monthly expenses like food, insurance, and healthcare, which can range from $100 to $200, or your local currency equivalent.

Appearance

The Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound) is a large, wolf-like dog with a rectangular body, erect triangular ears, and dark brown eyes.  It has a commanding and stocky appearance typical of northern breeds, designed for stamina and strength in rugged, harsh terrains.

Standing approximately 57 to 65 centimeters (22 to 25 inches) at the shoulder for males, and 52 to 60 centimeters (20 to 23 inches) for females, they are slightly taller than they are long, giving them a balanced and powerful build. The FCI states in the standard, that the Ideal height for males ins 61 cm and the Ideal for females is 56 cm at the withers.

The head of the Jämthund is broad and wedge-shaped, topped with erect, triangular ears that contribute to their alert and intelligent expression. The tail is loosely curled over the back when active, a characteristic feature that adds to their spitz-type profile. When relaxed it will hang down toward ground. 

This breed’s sturdy frame and agile movement equip them well for their traditional roles of hunting and tracking, displaying a gait that is powerful yet effortless, ideal for long pursuits in the wilderness. To the eye, it is easy to see the wolf in their ancient heritage, but their character is far more forgiving than these ancestral roots. 

Coat

The Jämthund has a plush double coat with a harsh, weather-resistant outer layer and a soft, woolly undercoat. This coat provides excellent protection against harsh weather conditions in their native Sweden. It does need to moult though to keep it’s quality and during the shedding season this can be pretty heavy. 

Color

Typical coat colors include a mix of gray, cream, black, and white, often giving them a wolf-like appearance. They usually have a dark overall coat with lighter facial markings.

The FCI describes the breed standard as “Lighter and darker grey.” With markings that are “light grey or cream coloured on sides of muzzle, cheeks, throat, chest, belly, legs and under the tail.“

Temperament

Jämthunds are a courageous and loyal breed. They have a balanced, calm demeanor and gentle nature with family members, but they can be quite wary of strangers. They do very well in guarding roles as their strong protective nature is backed up by their wolf like appearance. That’s enough to put off most would be mischief makers. While they are affectionate with their families, they do require proper socialization to get along with other pets

Lifespan

With proper care, Jämthunds can live between 12 to 15 years. Proper management of food is important as they age to prevent obesity that can lower their expectancy. But when well managed and cared for, a long healthy life can be expected.

Known Health Issues

The Jämthund, known for its general good health typical of a breed developed for challenging outdoor activities, does face some specific health concerns that prospective owners should be aware of:

Hip Dysplasia – This common condition in large breeds occurs when the hip joint fails to develop properly, which can lead to pain and lameness.

• Treatment: Managing hip dysplasia involves lifestyle adjustments like maintaining an appropriate weight, providing suitable exercise, and possibly using anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, surgical options may be considered.

Gastric Torsion (Bloat) – As a deep-chested breed, Jämthunds are at risk for bloat, where the stomach dilates and sometimes twists, which can be a life-threatening emergency.

• Treatment: Preventive measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding heavy exercise around feeding times. Emergency veterinary care is crucial if bloat occurs.

Elbow Dysplasia – Similar to hip dysplasia, this is a developmental condition affecting the elbow joints that can cause pain and mobility issues.

• Treatment: Treatments may range from conservative approaches like weight management and physical therapy to surgical interventions in more severe cases.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – This genetic condition leads to the degeneration of the retina, eventually causing loss of vision.

• Treatment: While there is no cure for PRA, affected dogs can live full lives with adjustments to their environment to help manage their decreasing vision.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

As a general guideline, an active adult Jämthund may require about two to three and a half cups of premium dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. This breed may need a diet rich in proteins and fats to support their muscular build and stamina. If using a high-quality kibble with little to no filler, this should suffice, but check the nutritional info for your blend to make sure it is suitable for an active, energetic medium-breed. For less active or older Jämthunds, the amount should be adjusted downward to prevent obesity, considering their slower metabolism.

For puppies, who are typically more active and growing rapidly, more frequent feedings are beneficial. It’s advisable for Jämthund puppies to be fed three to four smaller meals per day to support their developmental needs and high energy requirements. This regimen helps maintain steady growth and provides sustained energy throughout their formative months.

Exercise

Jämthunds are built for stamina and strength, making them ideal for engaging in lengthy outdoor activities. Regular long walks or hikes, preferably in natural settings where they can explore, are crucial. This breed especially enjoys challenging terrains that mimic their traditional hunting grounds. So hiking through woods or hills is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs.

In addition to physical exercise, Jämthunds also benefit from plenty of mental stimulation. Activities such as tracking or search and rescue simulations can leverage their natural hunting skills and provide the mental engagement they crave. Playtime in a secure area is also important; however, due to their strong prey drive, it’s advisable to keep them on a leash or in a well-fenced area to prevent them from chasing wildlife.

Engaging them in regular interactive games, such as fetch or tug-of-war, can also help in keeping their energetic minds and bodies active and healthy. 

Family Compatability

Jämthunds are excellent family pets for active households. The breed is well known for their loyalty and protective instincts, but with good socialization that starts early, they can be well-suited for most family types, lncluding those with children. They usually tend to be gentle and patient with kids, often taking on a guardian role, especially in the presence of strangers.

As working dogs bred for hunting large game, Jämthunds have a strong sense of duty and thrive in environments where they can perform tasks or engage in activities that stimulate them both physically and mentally. They are not ideal for being left alone for extended periods, as they prefer company and can become bored and destructive if not adequately stimulated.

They usually get along with other dogs, especially when raised together from puppyhood. However, their hunting instincts might trigger chasing smaller animals, so interactions with non-canine pets should be supervised, especially when young and learning the rules. Jämthunds fit best in homes where they can be part of daily activities and have plenty of space to explore and play, making them more suited to rural or suburban settings rather than urban apartments.

Training

Jämthunds are highly trainable dogs and respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play delivered in a consistent and patient training approach. As a breed sensitive to their owner’s emotions, they mirror the energy presented during training sessions. A positive and encouraging attitude will often result in a positive training experience, while negative emotions may hinder their learning. The consistency is critical though, in order to temper their strong hunting instincts, particularly if you want them to socialize well with kids and other animals.

Incorporating activities that challenge them mentally and physically, such as agility or tracking exercises, can be particularly beneficial. These activities engage their natural hunting instincts in a positive way. Training that taps into their innate skills, like lure coursing or obedience tasks, will also help in keeping a Jämthund well-balanced and content.

Socializing

For Jämthunds, socialization is an essential part of their development due to their hunting background and strong protective instincts. They can be reserved and somewhat aloof with strangers, so early and frequent socialization helps them become more adaptable and less suspicious in new situations.

Since Jämthunds were originally bred for hunting game in challenging environments, they have an inherently high prey drive. Regular exposure to other pets, particularly smaller ones, is really important to help them learn appropriate behavior and prevent aggressive or dominant responses. Socializing Jämthunds with children is equally important; they need to understand how to interact gently and respectfully with younger family members. They shouldn’t really be left unsupervised in either of these situations, even when well trained.

Including structured play and positive experiences in different settings—such as busy parks, urban streets, and quiet rural areas—can greatly enhance their ability to cope with and adapt to diverse environments as they mature.

Grooming

Regular brushing is necessary to maintain their coat, especially during shedding seasons. Once per week will be enough off-season, but three to four times per week will be needed when moulting. Without regular brushing their thick coat can get matted or tangled, especially if they are active and outside in the elements a lot. The regular brushing can prevent this, but also gives an opportunity to check their skin for any rashes or allergies which can cause some discomfort for these dogs. Baths should be given only when necessary to preserve the natural oils in their fur, and only use skin sensitive shampoos.

Keep an eye on their ears for grime and clean when necessary, and for nails, visually check length, trimming when as and when required to stop them getting too long. 

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

Jämthunds have an admirably strong work ethic and commanding presence. Characteristics that help the breed stand out as both a capable and dependable dog. You might be forgiven for mistaking them for a wolf at first glance, a hint to their ancient hybridization. They are a reliable breed that offer both companionship and utility, but they do need an experienced owner to get the best out of them. While they do get on well with their family and friends, they have a dominant streak with other dogs and a high prey drive that both need managed with consistent training.

For experienced owners seeking a courageous, spirited and affectionate dog, the Jämthund is worth considering. But only really recommended for those who can meet its activity needs, and keep its strong instinctive behaviors well managed.