Breed Standards
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
NAME
Jämthund
ORIGIN
Sweden.
PUBLISHED
25.03.2003.
UTILISATION
Hunting dog.
CLASSIFICATION
Group 5 - Molossers
,Section 2 : Nordic Hunting Dogs
,Working trial only for the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway and Finland)
TRANSLATION
Mrs. Renée Sporre-Willes.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The Jämthund was only recognised in 1946, although it is a very ancient type of dog that has been known since the North of Sweden was populated. The reason for the late recognition is that the smaller Norwegian Elkhound and the Jämthund were judged as the same breed. This situation eventually turned out to be impossible. The Jämthund is mainly used for hunting elk but it has also been used for bear and lynx, particularly in earlier times. Hence it has to be very strong and of great endurance.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Large, rectangular spitz, clean-cut, strong, substantial but also agile and with a good stature. Body must not give the impression of being long, nor be too heavy.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT
Courageous and energetic but also stoically calm.
HEAD
Clean-cut and longish, proportionally broad between the ears.
NECK
Long, clean-cut, powerful with good reach.
BODY
Powerful and clean-cut, slightly longer than height at withers.
Straight and slightly sloping from withers to croup.
Broad and well developed.
Broad and only slightly sloping.
With good depth and well sprung ribs.
Belly slightly tucked up.
TAIL
Set high, of medium length and even thickness. Carried curled, but not tightly twisted over or close on the back. Dense coat, but without fringe.
LIMBS
Parallel when viewed from behind.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
Powerful, free, with good reach. On the trot « single tracking ».
COAT
Topcoat rather close lying but not flat. Undercoat short, soft, light, preferably cream coloured. Coat smooth on head and front of legs, longer on neck, chest, tail and backside of legs and thighs.
Lighter and darker grey. Characteristic markings light grey or cream coloured on sides of muzzle, cheeks, throat, chest, belly, legs and under the tail.
SIZE
Size for dogs 57-65 cm. Ideal 61 cm.
Size for bitches 52-60 cm. Ideal 56 cm.
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Anatomical Features
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.