Spitz hunting dog Large size 25-35 kg
Jamthund
A hardy Swedish elkhound built for cold-weather work that suits rural, active owners - the trade-off is high stamina, an independent hunting mind, and heavy seasonal shedding.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
25-35 kg, 52-65 cm tall
Very high
Activity
A working hunter that needs a job and space
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Fairly independent but wants activity
Moderate
Trainability
Intelligent but strong-willed
Moderate
Coat care
Dense double coat blows heavily twice a year
Good
Fit with kids
Loyal and steady with its family
Fair
Other pets
Prey drive toward small animals
Light
Health burden
Rugged breed with few major issues
The Jamthund typically weighs 25-35 kg, stands 52-65 cm, and lives 11-13 years.
Consider this breed if…
you live rurally with space and cold-weather activity,
you hike, run, or hunt and want a tireless working dog,
you can give firm, consistent training for a strong-willed dog,
you can handle heavy seasonal shedding of a double coat.
Do not consider this breed if…
you live in an apartment or a hot climate,
you want an easy off-leash dog around small animals,
you cannot provide daily hard exercise and a job,
you want a soft, biddable first dog.
A typical day with a Jamthund
- 6:30 · MorningLong run, hike, or working session
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest outdoors or near the family
- 12:30 · NoonWalk with sniffing and short training
- 16:00 · AfternoonActive play or a second outing
- 18:30 · EveningLonger walk or hunting practice
- 21:00 · NightA worked dog settles calmly
Family and environment
Kids Good
Loyal and steady with its own family.
Dogs Conditional
Can be assertive; early socialization helps.
Cats Poor
Strong prey drive makes cats a real risk.
Apartment Poor
Too active and vocal for a flat.
House with a yard Suitable
Needs a secure yard and daily exercise.
City Poor
Built for rural, cold-weather work.
Countryside Ideal
Space and cold suit this working spitz best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screened in breeding stock
Cataracts Can develop with age; monitor vision
Hypothyroidism Manageable with daily medication
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings reduce risk
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Close Scandinavian elkhound relative
Norwegian Elkhound Grey
A robust, weather-hardy Nordic hunter; loyal and healthy but strong-willed and a serious shedder.
View profile →
Nordic big-game hunting spitz
Karelian Bear Dog
A bold Finnish big-game hunter for experienced rural owners - the trade-off is intense drive, strong animal aggression, and a real need for space and a job.
View profile →
Another hardy hunting laika-type spitz
East Siberian Laika
A hardy, independent hunting spitz that needs a job and lots of exercise, and its strong prey drive suits rural life over close quarters.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Jamthund cost?
The Jamthund (Swedish Elkhound) is common in Scandinavia but very rare in the US, so expect a waitlist or an import. Where puppies exist, prices often run about $1,000-$2,000 plus any import and shipping costs. Over an 11-13 year life, food and routine vet care for a large dog typically add $13,000-$20,000 or more, before any major health issue.
Is the Jamthund a good pet or just a working dog?
It can be both, but it is a working hunter first. It bonds loyally with its family and is steady in the home, yet it needs a real job or serious daily exercise to be content. In the right active, rural home it makes a devoted companion; in the wrong one it becomes restless and difficult.
Do Jamthunds shed a lot?
Yes. The dense double coat sheds year-round and blows out heavily twice a year, when you should expect large amounts of loose fur. Regular brushing, and daily brushing during the blow, keeps it manageable.
Can a Jamthund live with cats?
It is risky. Bred to hunt moose and other game, the breed has a strong prey drive, and small pets like cats can trigger chasing. Some individuals raised with a specific cat learn to tolerate it, but it is not a safe default.