Jämthund
The Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound) is Sweden's national dog and the primary hunting dog for moose (elk) in Scandinavia — a large, powerful spitz that bays moose by circling them and holding them in place until the hunter arrives.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Sweden
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
25–30 kg (55–66 lbs)
Height
52–65 cm (20–26 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food appropriate for an active large hunting dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound) is Sweden's national dog and the primary hunting dog for moose (elk) in Scandinavia — a large, powerful spitz that bays moose by circling them and holding them in place until the hunter arrives. The Jämthund was only formally recognised as a distinct breed from the Norwegian Elkhound in 1946 — before that it had been classified as a large Norwegian Elkhound. It is larger, more powerful, and has a lighter, more elegant grey coat than the Norwegian Elkhound. It is Sweden's official national dog.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, impressive spitz with a flowing grey double coat that is lighter and more elegant than the Norwegian Elkhound's darker grey. The erect ears, curled tail, and confident stance are characteristic. The eyes are brown and expressive. The overall impression is of a calm, powerful, dignified Nordic hunting dog.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Calm, courageous, and independent — a serious hunting dog with the self-assurance of a breed developed to face moose alone. Loyal to its family. Independent decision-making is a characteristic.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours vigorous exercise daily in open country. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Heavy seasonal shedding.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy. Generally a healthy, robust Nordic hunting breed.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Jämthund is Sweden's national dog — officially designated by the Swedish government as the national symbol of Sweden's hunting and outdoor culture. It appears on Swedish postage stamps and is deeply embedded in Swedish rural identity.
The Jämthund was only recognised as a distinct breed from the Norwegian Elkhound in 1946 — before that, Swedes and Norwegians had argued for decades about whether the two countries's similar grey elkhounds were the same breed. Sweden's larger, lighter-coloured dogs were finally granted their own breed status.
