Swedish Elkhound

“Swedish elkhounds have waterproof coats, which protect them from harsh, freezing winters.”

Swedish Elkhound Introduction

Did you know that Swedish elkhounds existed in prehistoric times? They originated in northern Sweden from a region called “Jamtland,” giving them their other common name: Jamthund. Originally, they were grouped with other breeds like Norwegian elkhounds, but in 1946, people acknowledged them as a separate breed. They navigate Arctic areas such as Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia, where they explore and hunt despite snow and uneven terrain. Although Swedish elkhounds enjoy bitterly cold climates, their warmth resides in their energetic and adventurous personalities. Although known as ambitious hunting dogs, they can also be both calm and friendly. In fact, the many facets of their personality make them the perfect companion.

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Owning a Swedish Elkhound: 3 Pros and Cons

The Best Dog Food for Swedish Elkhounds

The best meal plan for Swedish elkhounds is a raw diet comprised of fresh meat such as lamb, chicken, and turkey. Their acidic digestive system allows them to process raw meat quickly and utilize it as a source of energy. Grains should be avoided because they will be stored as fat. The addition of fish alongside other meats provides nutrients necessary for a healthy condition of coat, skin, and bones. A few root vegetables or berries may also be beneficial.

Though a raw diet is unarguably better than a commercial food diet, dry food with a high nutrient level is a viable option as well. Here is a selection of some of our favorite dog foods to help you decide. We recommend Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This dog food contains antioxidants and prebiotics, as well as omega fatty acids essential for healthy skin and coat.

At four weeks old, an elkhound can begin eating raw meat. They should start with raw hamburger. At eight weeks, they can begin to eat other boneless meats like chicken, beef, and some fish. Only small portions should be allowed at the beginning, starting with ground, ½ inch cubes of beef or chicken. After six months, they can eat chicken bones. Owners should grind any fish or other meats to avoid digestive problems. After about eight months, this large breed can devour practically any raw meat given to them, bone or no bone. They should be fed twice a day, but can be fed up to three or four times a day as growing pups.

Health and Entertainment for your Swedish Elkhound

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Best for Large Dogs

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

•Nutritional, high protein food for large breed dogs

•Real protein as #1 ingredient

•Fruits & superfoods for vitamins & minerals

•Antioxidants, omega fatty acids, prebiotics

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Swedish Elkhound Size and Weight

Males range between 22.45 and 25.59 inches in height, while females range between 20.47 and 23.62 inches in height. Both males and females can weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.

Swedish Elkhound Common Health Issues

They should be taken to the veterinarian once a year for tests and vaccination. Identifying health problems is crucial for avoiding common health risks. Checking the breath of this breed is important in identifying halitosis or periodontal disease, which are dental diseases that can cause infection and discomfort. This breed can also be susceptible to diabetes, liver or intestinal diseases, or kidney disease, which can all be identified by breath test. Be wary of heartworms in warmer climates, as mosquitoes can cause this ailment. A simple heartworm test from a veterinarian can help identify and mitigate the effects of heartworms. Finally, Swedish elkhounds can carry intestinal worms. In total, diseases that can affect the Swedish Elkhound are as follows:

1. Halitosis
2. Periodontal disease
3. Diabetes
4. Liver diseases
5. Kidney disease
6. Intestinal diseases
7. Heartworms
8. Intestinal worms

Swedish Elkhound Temperament and Behavior

Swedish elkhounds are known to be loyal and brave companions with exciting but also calm personalities. When well-trained, they are personable and get along well in family settings. They can play with children and adults alike. However, training this breed is crucial to its success. An untrained elkhound will engage in aggressive behavior. Another defining trait of this particular dog is its patience. It rarely becomes annoyed, making it both a fantastic hunter and family member. Due to their hunting nature, they behave intelligently and independently, too. Finally, they have an affectionate personality. With adequate training, there is no need to worry about traits of hostility in this breed.

How to Take Care of Swedish Elkhounds

These hounds are moderate-maintenance dogs, meaning proper care is required for their success. Potential health problems require annual veterinary check-ups, and they may need medication in certain circumstances. They must follow a high-protein, no grain diet to be physically healthy and energized.

Swedish Elkhound Maintenance and Grooming

Regular brushing is important for this breed, as they can shed a good bit of hair. Brushing them every few days removes excess hair and decreases shedding. Bathing is only required a few times a year. Trimming matted fur beforehand is an efficient way to ensure a successful bath time.

Swedish Elkhound Training

Training from a young age is important in avoiding aggressive and stubborn behavior in later life. This breed is extremely intelligent, so they are easy to train and should be given rewards when they respond correctly to instruction.

Swedish Elkhound Exercise

Because they are a hunting breed, exercise is crucial to maintaining physical health. Their mental health also improves with regular exercise. They should exercise at least 30 minutes every day in an open space suitable for running and playing. A leash should be used on runs or hikes. Playing in the yard should be monitored when the Swedish elkhound is a puppy, and the addition of a fence should be considered.

Swedish Elkhound Puppies

When raising a puppy, proper feeding techniques should be followed (see The Best Dog Food for Swedish Elkhounds above). In addition, training as puppies is the best way to ensure obedience and loyalty later in life. Spaying and neutering is encouraged before six months of age. Immunization of puppies is also crucial to avoiding diseases like hepatitis or parvovirus. Consult a veterinarian about which vaccinations are needed in the first two months of life. Finally, Swedish elkhounds should start to engage in socialization programs at the eight or nine-week-old mark.

Swedish Elkhounds and Children

When trained, this breed gets along with children very well. They can be playful and calm, which complements energetic or relaxed children.

Dogs Similar to Swedish Elkhounds

Swedish elkhounds share similarities with other breeds such as the Norwegian elkhound, the Swedish vallhund, and the Finnish spitz.

• Norwegian elkhound – Norwegian and Swedish elkhounds are often confused as being the same breed because they are practically the same genetically. Both breeds are hunting dogs and respond well to reward-based training.
• Swedish vallhund – Like the Swedish elkhound, this breed is highly intelligent and easy to train. They also have a thick, water-resistant coat intended for cold weather.
• Finnish spitz – This dog originates from Scandinavia and is a hunting breed like the Swedish elkhound. Similarly, the Finnish spitz gets along well in family settings because of its playful and friendly personality.

Popular Names for Swedish Elkhounds

Some popular names for Swedish elkhound males are:

• Buddy
• Leo
• Diesel
• Cody
• Gus

Popular names for female Swedish elkhounds are:

• Roxie
• Layla
• Harley
• Luna
• Sadie

Related Animals

• Akita
• Akita Shepherd
• Alaskan Malamute

1. ITIS, Available here: https://www.itis.gov/servlett
2. Kamia Kennels, Available here: https://www.kamiakennels.ca
3. jamthund, Available here: https://sites.google.com/site/jaemthundswedishelkhound/standard-fci-en
4. Wisdom Panel, Available here: https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-breeds/swedish-elkhound
5. Petlur, Available here: https://petlur.com/dog/breed/jaemthund