Jämthund Breed description: Character & Co

The nature: a strong personality

The Jämthund has a very strong personality. This is due to the mission for which it has been used for centuries. It hunts independently, but in contact with its handler.

Accordingly, the Swedish Elkhound is distinctly independent and self-reliant, yet a strong character.

Blind obedience does not suit it at all. In addition, it has a strong desire for freedom and a strong hunting instinct. The Jämthund is certainly not a dog for beginners.

Education: nothing for beginners

If you buy a Jämthund puppy, you should start early with the socialization. The education needs a lot of patience, again and again tact and good ideas, in order to make the exercises, which one wants from him, palatable to the dog, which is so independent. The visit of a dog school is recommended in any case.

With the necessary experience, a lot of consequence and patience the Jämthund can be trained not only as a hunting dog, but also as a rescue dog, a herding dog or a guard dog.

Attitude of the Swedish dog

The agile Jämthund needs a lot of exercise. In a cramped apartment it is not in good hands - a large garden, in which it can move freely, is clearly better. In addition, it needs a lot of exercise and physical and mental workout. Beside long walks - gladly also bicycle tours or riding tours - it needs a task. If it is not to be trained as a hunting dog, it should receive other training or be used in dog sports.

If it is well exercised, it can become a good family dog on the side, accepting children and also other pets.

Since it is very independent, the Jämthund can stay well alone. Then it will return to its role as a watchdog.

Health: the robust

Breed specific diseases are not known in the robust Jämthund. In case of insufficient exercise and wrong feeding, it can develop overweight.

The Jämthund is said to have a life expectancy of up to 15 years.

Care of a moose dog: uncomplicated

The Jämthund is relatively easy to care for. Its coat must be brushed or groomed regularly, in the change of coat daily. In addition, there are the regular checks of ears and eyes, paws and claws, which are necessary for every dog. The teeth also require attention. Either feed your Jämthund food that cleans its teeth, or brush its teeth regularly with a dog toothbrush.

What else you should know

Think carefully about whether you can offer a Jämthund what he needs: Freedom, consistency, work, exercise ...

If you decide to get a Swedish Elkhound, make sure that it is well socialized.

Then the strong dog can become a friend for life.