Pet Wiki

Jämthund

Also called Swedish Elkhound, Jämtlanninpystykorva, Jamthund

Recognised breedFCI group 5Short profile

From Sweden, in particular the province of Jämtland.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male30 to 35 kg2
Weight, female25 to 30 kg2
Height, male57 to 65 cm13
Height, female52 to 60 cm13
Sizelarge

The FCI standard sets no weight; figures are from Wikipedia.

Ideal heights in the FCI standard are 61 cm for dogs and 56 cm for bitches.

brave and steady
calm and affectionate at home
hard-working with great stamina
123

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat

A big, strong but nimble spitz with a slightly rectangular outline. The close-fitting outer coat lies over a soft, cream undercoat, with longer hair on the neck, chest, tail and back of the legs and short, smooth hair on the head and front legs.13

Colourslight to dark grey with cream or light grey markings on muzzle, cheeks, throat, chest, belly, legs and under the tail12

Personality what they are like

Courageous and full of energy on the hunt, yet calm and relaxed at home. It is an eager learner that likes to please its owner and forms warm bonds with the family.123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The Swedish Kennel Club describes it as a working hunting dog that needs plenty of physical activity rather than life as a sofa companion.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy-care coat: bathe when needed and brush more often during shedding periods.3

Home where they are happiest

Best in an active, outdoorsy home, ideally with access to forest walks or hunting work.3

Company who they like around

Affectionate with its family; early socialisation helps it stay relaxed around other dogs, and its hunting instinct means small animals need care.2

The story where it all began

The Jämthund descends from the old hunting spitzes of Sweden's northern forests and was used above all for moose, but also bear and lynx. For a long time it was lumped together with the smaller grey Norwegian Elkhound, and it only gained separate breed status in 1946 thanks to the work of Aksel Lindström and others.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is one of Sweden's national dog breeds.3

  2. 2

    The breed carries a rare maternal DNA lineage (subclade d1) believed to come from dog and wolf mixing within the last few thousand years.2

  3. 3

    When it finds game, it holds it in place and tells the hunter where it is by barking.3

  4. 4

    Its FCI working trial applies only in Sweden, Norway and Finland.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Jämthund is named after Jämtland, a province in central Sweden, where the breed originates.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BjornFreyaOdinNilsAstridGunnarSvenIngaLokiTovaErikKaja

A day in the life told by a Jämthund

The forest calls me at dawn. I pad beside my human, nose to the ground, alert for any scent. We walk for miles, my muscles working, my mind sharp. At home, I lie by the fire, peaceful and still. I guard the house with a watchful eye. The day ends with a gentle pat and a full heart.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 42, Group 5 Spitz and primitive type, Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs, with working trial (Nordic countries only); standard dated 04.09.2019.1
Svenska Kennelklubben
Swedish national breed, recognised in 1946.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Jämthund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Jämthund, and at what times?

Feed your adult Jämthund at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.5

What should a Jämthund eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts, keep these far away. For specific amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

How often should I bathe a Jämthund?

Bathe your Jämthund when needed, roughly every two months or at least once every three months. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Their easy-care coat doesn't need frequent washing.37 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Jämthund need brushing?

Brush your Jämthund weekly, and more often during shedding seasons. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This keeps their double coat healthy and reduces loose hair.37 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Jämthund's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Jämthund need?

Your Jämthund needs plenty of daily exercise, think long walks, runs, or active play. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. This breed thrives in an active, outdoorsy home with room to explore.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Jämthund's teeth and ears?

Brush your Jämthund's teeth several times a week with dog toothpaste, ideally daily. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Jämthund live?

Lifespan varies for each dog, so ask your breeder or vet for a typical range. With good care, many dogs live well into their teens.

Is a Jämthund good with children and other pets?

Yes, Jämthunds are affectionate and form warm bonds with their family, including children. Early socialisation helps them get along with other dogs, but their hunting instinct means small pets like rabbits need careful supervision.2

Can a Jämthund be left alone?

Jämthunds bond closely with their family and may not enjoy long periods alone. It depends on the individual dog's temperament and training. Ask your breeder or vet for advice on building independence gradually.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 42, Jämthund fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Jämthund, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, temperament, genetics fact, history
  3. Svenska Kennelklubben: Jämthund skk.seused for care, exercise, temperament, history, national breed
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.