Jämthund (Swedish Moose Dog)
A large, hardy Swedish spitz bred to find and hold moose, calm at home and tireless in the forest.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 57–65 cm · Females 52–60 cm
- Weight
- Males 30–35 kg · Females 25–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–150 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Double coat, medium
- Colours
- Grey, Cream
- Bred for
- Hunting by scent, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Sweden
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 42 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 4/5 – High |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- hunt or spend lots of time in the forest
- live rurally in a cold climate
- want a large but calm house dog
Think twice if you …
- live in a city flat
- have cats or small pets
- dislike barking
Care
Temperament
Jämthunds are steady, confident and affectionate with their family. They can be dominant with other dogs and are independent thinkers in the forest.
Exercise
Expect at least 90 minutes a day of real outdoor activity. Hunting, tracking, long hikes and skijoring suit them.
Grooming
The thick double coat needs a weekly brush and more during the heavy seasonal moult.
Training
They are intelligent and cooperative but independent, as hunting spitz work far from the handler. Recall needs steady practice.
Health
The Jämthund is generally robust, with hip and elbow dysplasia the main known concerns. Ask the breeder for hip and elbow results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Jämthund comes from Jämtland and the surrounding forest regions of northern Sweden, where it has long been used to hunt moose and, in the past, bear and lynx. It was recognised as a breed in its own right, separate from the Norwegian Elkhound, by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1946.
In the field a Jämthund tracks moose, holds them at bay and barks to call the hunter. At home it is usually calm, friendly and loyal, but it needs a lot of activity and has a strong hunting drive. It suits outdoor people, ideally in rural areas, rather than city life.
Did you know?
The Swedish Kennel Club recognised the Jämthund as separate from the Norwegian Elkhound in 1946.