How To Train A Dog

Having existed in the 1000s, the Swedish Elkhound is indeed a very old breed. There are speculations that this breed was developed from the dogs of the Stone Age people. Swedish Elkhounds were developed in Jamtland, a province in northwestern Sweden. This breed of magnificent conformation has been kept by people in Jamtland at the end of the last ice age. This is the reason why the breed gained the name Jamthund.

The Swedish Elkhound is a spitz type dog breed that has the looks of a wolf. 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. A tightly curled tail in the shape of a scimitar add to the already striking appearance of the dog

Obviously, a Swedish Elkhound’s job is to hunt elks. The Swedish Elkhound is acknowledged as an energetic hunter that possesses remarkable strength and courage. A Swedish Elkhound was primarily bred to be a working dog. The goal of the breeding program is to developed a healthy, tall, big dog . The dog has to be able to cope with deep snow, steep rocky ledges and thickly forested areas when pursuing the game. Indeed, the Swedish Elkhound, the breed that was developed is a remarkable hunter of elk, moose, lynx, bear and other game. Jamthund, the other name of the breed means bear dog in the local dialect.

The Swedish Elkhound is a versatile breed. Although specifically developed to be a hunter, the dog has remarkable abilities to perform other jobs as well. The Jamthund apart from being a utility dog has become a herding dog, a guard dog and a sled dog as well . Brave and intelligent, the dog was utilized as an army dog and was given the honor of being the national dog of the Swedish Marine. The Swedish Air Force has chosen this breed to be their official service canine as well.

In spite of the bold and aggressive nature shown when hunting, the dog has a stoic behavior. The dog possesses the stable and calm temperament, the affection and the friendly nature of an outstanding companion dog. 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.