Having existed in the 1000s, the Swedish Elkhound is indeed a very old breed. The companion dogs of the Stone Age people are speculated to be the ancestors of this breed. Jamtland, a province in the northwestern part of Sweden is the place of origin of this breed. During the later part of the last Ice Age, the Jamtland people have developed the Swedish Elkhound, a breed of dog with an outstanding stature. Thus, the dog also gained the name Jamthund.
The Swedish Elkhound is a spitz type breed with a wolf-like appearance. The rectangular shaped body is covered with smooth and close lying light to dark coat. Cream and gray marking on the dog's cheeks, muzzle, chest, belly and legs enhances the striking appearance of the thick double coat. The scimitar shaped tail that is tightly curled over the back enhances the dog's striking appearance
As implied by the name, a Swedish Elkhound was developed to be an elk hunter. Strong, courageous and energetic are apt descriptions for the Swedish Elkhound. A Swedish Elkhound was primarily bred to be a working dog. The breeding objective is to create not only a tall and big dog but one that is healthy as well . The dog has to adapt well to the rigors of hunting in heavily forested areas and to be able to scale rocky ledges and traverse deep snow in pursuit of prey. Indeed, the Swedish Elkhound, the breed that was developed is a remarkable hunter of elk, moose, lynx, bear and other game. This breed is also known as Jamthund which means bear hunter in the local dialect.
This is a versatile breed. The Swedish Elkhound is a dog that is first and foremost a hunter but the breed has adapted well to doing other duties. A Jamthund is also a herding dog, a utility dog, a guard dog and a sled dog . This brave and intelligent dog has become an army dog as well and was honored by being chosen as the national dog of the Swedish Marine. The Swedish Elkhound was designated as the official service canine of the Swedish Air Force.
In spite of the bold and aggressive nature shown when hunting, the dog has a stoic behavior. A Swedish Elkhound makes a wonderful companion dog as apart from an affectionate and friendly nature, this dog also has a stable and calm temperament. The affection for the whole family, the tolerance and the gentleness shown to the children are qualities that make a Swedish Elkhound breed an ideal family companion.
The Swedish Elkhound is a spitz type breed with a wolf-like appearance. The rectangular shaped body is covered with smooth and close lying light to dark coat. Cream and gray marking on the dog's cheeks, muzzle, chest, belly and legs enhances the striking appearance of the thick double coat. The scimitar shaped tail that is tightly curled over the back enhances the dog's striking appearance
As implied by the name, a Swedish Elkhound was developed to be an elk hunter. Strong, courageous and energetic are apt descriptions for the Swedish Elkhound. A Swedish Elkhound was primarily bred to be a working dog. The breeding objective is to create not only a tall and big dog but one that is healthy as well . The dog has to adapt well to the rigors of hunting in heavily forested areas and to be able to scale rocky ledges and traverse deep snow in pursuit of prey. Indeed, the Swedish Elkhound, the breed that was developed is a remarkable hunter of elk, moose, lynx, bear and other game. This breed is also known as Jamthund which means bear hunter in the local dialect.
This is a versatile breed. The Swedish Elkhound is a dog that is first and foremost a hunter but the breed has adapted well to doing other duties. A Jamthund is also a herding dog, a utility dog, a guard dog and a sled dog . This brave and intelligent dog has become an army dog as well and was honored by being chosen as the national dog of the Swedish Marine. The Swedish Elkhound was designated as the official service canine of the Swedish Air Force.
In spite of the bold and aggressive nature shown when hunting, the dog has a stoic behavior. A Swedish Elkhound makes a wonderful companion dog as apart from an affectionate and friendly nature, this dog also has a stable and calm temperament. The affection for the whole family, the tolerance and the gentleness shown to the children are qualities that make a Swedish Elkhound breed an ideal family companion.
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Learn more about the Swedish Elkhound's appearance, history, origin, personality and how to care for it at Sarah's Dogs.