At a glance the quick version
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.
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
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
It is one of Sweden's national dog breeds.3
- 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
When it finds game, it holds it in place and tells the hunter where it is by barking.3
- 4
Its FCI working trial applies only in Sweden, Norway and Finland.1
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Jämthund. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Black Norwegian ElkhoundLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 42, Jämthund fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Jämthund, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, temperament, genetics fact, history
- Svenska Kennelklubben: Jämthund skk.seused for care, exercise, temperament, history, national breed
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.