How to Identify a Swedish Elkhound

The Swedish Elkhound, also called the Jämthund, is the lesser-known elkhound breed, the other being the Norwegian Elkhound. [1] Originally bred to hunt elk (moose) and occasionally lynx or bear, the Swedish Elkhound was once shown with the Norwegian variety before being recognized as a separate breed. [2] As a type of spitz, they share a few traits in common with other breeds while still having several distinct characteristics of their own. This wikiHow will help you identify a Swedish Elkhound by recognizing the breed's unique features.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

  1. Swedish Elkhounds are large dogs. Males stand at 22.5–25.5 inches (57–65 cm), while females are slightly smaller, having a height of about 20.5–23.5 inches (52–60 cm). [3]
  2. A Swedish Elkhound's head is a bit long and appears clean. With a defined stop, it is somewhat arched overall and broader in the area between the dog's ears. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. The eyes of a Swedish Elkhound are a brown color - never yellow - and have some resemblance to ovals. They help give the dog an expression of calmness while still being keen. [5]
  4. Swedish Elkhounds have ears that are carried straightly erect, not hanging down. They end in a point at the tip and are set high on the head with a good amount of hair on the insides. Being a small amount longer than they are wide, they are sensitive and move to depict the dog's feelings. [6]
  5. A Swedish Elkhound's muzzle is not quite as long as the head. It tapers to the wide, black-pigmented nose without appearing snipy and includes a strong and fairly broad nasal bridge and open nostrils. The tight lips and well-muscled cheeks conceal the dog's scissors bite. [7]
  6. The paws of a Swedish Elkhound are identical in the front and back, being a slight oval shape and appearing strong. They face straight ahead with toes that are well-knit. [8]
  7. Set high on the back, a Swedish Elkhound's tail is evenly thick and curled loosely over the dog's back or thigh. It is medium in length and coated with dense fur but does not form a fringe. [9]
  8. Swedish Elkhounds are strong, rectangular in proportion, clean in cut, and both agile and substantial. They have a long neck, laid-back shoulders, a fairly deep chest, well-sprung ribs, strongly boned legs, and a topline that slopes a bit. Their gait is comprised of decent reach and freedom while maintaining power, and the front and back paws nearly single-track when the dog is at a trot. [10]
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. A Swedish Elkhound's coat is a double coat, having a topcoat and an undercoat. The topcoat is lies close to the skin without seeming flat, and the undercoat is soft in texture and a short length. The coat overall is rather smooth on the front of the dog's legs and the head, while the chest, neck, backs of the legs, and tail have a longer coat. [11]
  2. The base color of a Swedish Elkhound's coat is a grey color, which may range from light to dark but does not include black. The undercoat is usually a lighter color, such as cream. [12]
  3. Swedish Elkhounds are known for their distinct cream or light grey markings. These appear on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest, legs, belly, and on the underside of the tail. [13]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Considering Temperament

  1. Because of their background as a hunting breed, a Swedish Elkhound may be independent at times. This may make them act dominant or stubborn, especially during training. [14]
  2. For the same reason, Swedish Elkhounds are also notably active and strong dogs. They are playful and energetic, needing regular exercise to make use of their energy. [15]
    • Swedish Elkhounds also have a strong prey drive, so they should be monitored around other small animals. [17]

    Did you know? Swedish Elkhounds were bred to work in cold regions, so they are naturally accustomed to low temperatures, making them more easily adaptable to other locations. [16]

  3. With a high level of intelligence and curiosity, Swedish Elkhounds require a good deal of mental exercise to keep them occupied. If trained properly, they are capable of being very eager to please and focused, responding well to commands. [18]
  4. Swedish Elkhounds are wary around strangers due to their independent streak and will not hesitate to protect their families. They are also quick to bark if something seems amiss, making them great watchdogs. [19]
  5. Overall, Swedish Elkhounds are very loving and value family life. They are vastly loyal and love receiving and showing affection, though they can also be calm when needed. [20]
    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if the dog in question is your own. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Swedish Elkhound.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Dress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)
      How to
      Improve Your Alexa Ranking
      How to
      Become Taller Naturally
      How to
      Do Hairstyles for Curly Hair
      How to
      Build Good Credit
      How to
      Slim Your Face
      How to
      Kill Fruit Flies
      How to
      Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose
      How to
      Iron
      How to
      Make Mother's Day Gifts
      How to
      Get into Real Estate
      How to
      Get a U.S. Passport
      How to
      Fold Sheets
      How to
      Make Chia Seed Pudding
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/swedish-elkhound
      3. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/swedish-elkhound
      4. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/swedish-elkhound
      6. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/swedish-elkhound
      7. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      8. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/swedish-elkhound
      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      2. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/swedish-elkhound
      4. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/042g05-en.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/swedish-elkhound-temperament/

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 728 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement