Jämthund

Also known as: Swedish Elkhound

In Sweden's Jämtland province this large spitz was bred to hunt moose, working with the hunter but often ranging kilometers ahead, locating the animal and holding it in place with loud barking until the hunter caught up. A male can weigh up to 30 kilograms, and the medium length double coat gives real protection against harsh Scandinavian winters. The breed is closely related to the Norwegian Elkhound but is larger, and it was only recognized as a separate breed in the mid 20th century. Today the Jämthund is considered Sweden's national dog and is still widely used for moose hunting there. Its temperament tends to be independent, alert and not particularly needy of constant human attention. Life expectancy runs 10 to 13 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Jämthund: how old in human years?

52–65 cmHeight
20–30 kgWeight
10–13 yrsLife expectancy

Russo-European Laika

FCI group: Spitz and Nordic/Ancient-type Dogs
FCI section: Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs
FCI: 42
Country of origin: Sweden

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Height

Males 57–65 cm

Females 52–60 cm

Weight

Males 25–30 kg

Females 20–25 kg

Life expectancy

10–13 yrs

Coat

double coat, medium length (medium-length)

Temperament & Family Life

Jämthund's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Jämthund's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 4/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Jämthund's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 3/5
Watchfulness 4/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Jämthund's grooming needs are moderate.

Shedding 4/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 3/5

Living with the Jämthund

An October morning, mist over a clearing, and from the trees comes a steady, stubborn bark. That is how a Jämthund announces that it has found a moose and is holding it in place. Hunting runs deep in this Swedish breed, and even if your dog never meets a moose, the instinct stays: a squirrel, a hare or the neighbour's cat is serious business, so in unfamiliar places the lead is your friend.

There is a lot of energy here, and it needs somewhere to go. A half-hour loop round the block won't tire it; it wants long forest walks, a run, jobs for its nose. A flat is no place for it; a house with a yard and a solid fence suits it far better. It is clever and learns reasonably well, but as a true spitz it has opinions, so short, varied sessions and a treat at the right moment work better than a stern voice.

With its own family a Jämthund is friendly and attached, and it generally gets along with children, though its enthusiasm needs watching around little ones. Visitors will be announced loudly: barking is a working tool for this dog, and it enjoys using it. It usually gets on with other dogs if it has met plenty of them from puppyhood. If you love long autumn hikes and don't mind a bit of noise, you will have a loyal and tireless companion.

Grooming and coat

The Jämthund's coat was built for a Swedish forest winter: harsh, straight outer hair over a dense, soft undercoat. Once a week, brush right down to the skin, paying attention to the neck, chest, breeches and the underside of the curled tail, where the undercoat packs together first. It sheds a fair amount, and when the undercoat turns over you will find hair everywhere for a week or two; brush daily then, and make your peace with grey hairs on dark trousers.

Beyond that it asks for little. Bath it only when it has genuinely got filthy, since a clean, well-brushed coat sheds dirt on its own. After walks in the woods, check the skin and ears for ticks, and trim the nails once you hear them clicking on the floor.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (30 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 330 g of dry food a day, from €18,08 a month For a neutered, normally active 25 kg dog. Calculate for your dog