Jämthund

If you are inclined to the Spitz Family dogs because of their silky smooth double-coated hair, here is a jämthund, also called as Swedish Elkhound, available in your area. However, hair quality is not the only characteristic due to which these dogs are liked. You will get various reasons in this article to bring them home. It is present in the Northern part of Europe. It got its unique name because of the province called Jämtland, situated in Sweden. It is one of the native breeds of Sweden.

This is a fantastic option that is compact and is available in various sizes. It combines both radiant and convection heat to provide comfortable temperatures to the users. Other specifications are listed in the table below.

Origin

The origin of Swedish Elkhound lies in the hybridization of a female wolf and a male dog. The other similar breeds are Swedish Lapphund, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, Hällefors Elkhound. It is believed that it originated around 3000 years ago, but on paper, their origin is registered in 1946 with the efforts of Aksel Lindström.

Appearance

The first impression of Jämthund will itself be robust. Their strength is visible. Their feathery tail curled over their back naturally all the time gives a beautiful symmetry. Their pointed and erect ears make them look alert. You can also notice the ample space between the ears. Their eyes capture the shape and color of almonds, and you will have many other reasons to fall for them. 

They have a white-colored muzzle that is medium to long. Their height varies from 52 to 65 cm and weight between 25 and 35 kg. They are grey in color with variations of light and dark shades. The color of its cheeks is also white, and since their ancestor is a female wolf, there are wolf markings at some parts. These markings are often cream-colored.

Temperament

• Its temperament compliments its looks. It is aggressive when it comes to dealing with other dogs. However, it is warm with its family of dogs and humans.
• They are great hunters and prey cannot go off easily in front of Swedish Elkhound. They are great companions in difficult situations. For instance, if you need to pass through a deserted and scary road walking, you don’t have to worry at all. 
• They are aggressive, but they keep their shirt on and act accordingly. They don’t react but respond sagaciously.  

Use

Swedish Elkhound is of great use. It is widely used for hunting moose. Moose belong to the deer family, and they are pretty bulky, and it is not easy to deal with them for humans. Therefore, Swedish Elkhound is used for hunting them. You must have noticed a pack of dogs running in the snow to help in transportation; those running dogs are also Swedish Elkhounds. This activity is called sled pulling. Now there are many other options like airplanes, snowmobiles, and semi-trailer trucks.

Exercise

Please make sure the Swedish Elkhound needs enough exercise every day. It has a lot of energy, and it should be used constructively; otherwise, there are chances that your best friend dog can become a little destructive. They are not made to be kept inside the house. Choose to adopt a Swedish Elkhound only if one family member is free to spend 2-3 hours with the dog. It tends to get bored quickly.

Oral Health

While taking care of the entire Swedish Elkhound body, please don’t forget oral hygiene; otherwise, there may be big problems later. Clean their teeth regularly and take action on anything abnormal like bad breath. It can indicate diabetes, nausea, etc.  

Overall Care

Bathing is necessary for some of the dogs, but not all, including the Swedish Elkhound. There is a weather-resistant coat on their skin, and there is a risk that the coat may dry out with regular bathing. So, twice a week may be sufficient during summers and once a week during winters. 

The thick undercoat also needs brushing regularly because it may get matted. It means that the hair on the skin can get entangled amongst themselves and create a home environment for germs as it is hypoallergenic. It can make them prone to diseases and infections for humans. Give them a clean place to sleep, eat, and drink. Some common ailments it can suffer are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, obesity, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a veterinarian regularly.

Meals

If you have a puppy of 8-12 weeks, you need to feed them four times a day. If its age is 3-6 months, give 3 meals. From 1 year of its age onwards, feed it twice a day. Apart from the food available in the market for puppies and adult dogs, you can give them cottage cheese, cooked egg, and fruits and vegetables as recommended by the veterinarian because there can be concerns about vitamin and mineral intake. Give them water multiple times.

Domestic

The most important quality in dogs is their trainability. There is no point in raising an animal that cannot help and follow the master’s commands. The best part about Swedish Elkhound is that they are happy learners also. These days they are chosen by the people who love to adventure with their dogs and want a little toughness in them. They are meant to be the watchdogs. 

So, you do not have to worry about children because it enjoys the company of children more than they do. Nobody can harm you. If it is Jämthund around you provided, you also have to put a little effort and time to win their hearts. Just make them wake up early, take them for a walk, make them play with a ball or any other props, give them food, rub your hands on their backs and heads, and are all yours. According to research, the people who spend time with dogs tend to fall ill less often and stay away from depression.