Having existed in the 1000s, the Swedish Elkhound is indeed a very old breed. Ancestors of this breed are speculated to be the dogs kept by the Stone Age people. Jamtland, a province in the northwestern part of Sweden is the place of origin of this breed. 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. The scimitar shaped tail that is tightly curled over the back enhances the dog’s striking appearance

As implied by the name, a Swedish Elkhound was developed to be an elk hunter. Strong, courageous and energetic are apt descriptions for the Swedish Elkhound. This breed is meant 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. The name Jamthund in fact is a local dialect that means bear dog.

This is a versatile breed. The Swedish Elkhound is a dog that is first and foremost a hunter but the breed has adapted well to doing other duties. 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.

Bold and aggressive when hunting, a Swedish Elkhound is known for its stoic demeanor. A Swedish Elkhound makes a wonderful companion dog as apart from an affectionate and friendly nature, this dog also has a stable and calm temperament. This breed makes wonderful family companions as aside from the love the dog gives to the family, it is especially kind and tolerant of the children.

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