Jämthund

The Jämthund — the Swedish Elkhound — is a large grey spitz bred to hold moose at bay until the hunter arrives, and Sweden's national dog.

History

It has hunted elk in the Jämtland region for centuries and was recognised as a breed separate from the smaller Norwegian Elkhound only in 1946, after a long argument about whether the two were one dog. Its job is to find a moose, hold it in place and bark, which requires nerve as much as nose.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, courageous and independent, closely attached to its handler and reserved with strangers. It is a serious hunting dog rather than a companion spitz.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and real work; it is unhappy and vocal without it. The thick double coat sheds heavily twice a year. Training works as partnership; it was bred to make its own decisions at the moose.

Health

Generally hardy, with hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.