Jamthund vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

As a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

Known also as the Swedish Elkhound or Swedish Moosehound, the Jämthund is a dog which hails from Sweden, and more specifically from a region known as Jamtland.

The dog received official recognition in 1946 as a dog breed from the Swedish Kennel Club. DNA testing tell us that these dogs originated from the crossing of a wolf, being described as a ‘Spitz-type dog’.

They were once used to pull sleds, and its why today he is an energetic dog, requiring a good dose of exercise and activities from his owners. The UKC accepted the dog as an official breed in 2006.

The Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

Described as a medium to large sized dog, the Jamthund stands at about 52 – 65cm in height, both males and females, and they weigh in at about 25 to 35 kilograms.

They have that typical Spitz-dog tail which curls over the back of the dog. When relaxed the tail hangs straight down. He has erect ears with a longish muzzle, much like a wolf, and his double coat lies fairly close to the body while on certain areas of the body, such as around the neck and tail, it is longer.

The color of his coat is usually light or dark grey with some cream marking around the muzzle, eyes, legs and paws. This fairly large, Spitz-type dog is certainly an attractive dog that while looking similar to a wolf shares some physical features with the Norwegian Elkhound.

Temperament:

Capable of being a splendid family pet, the Jamthund is an affectionate, loyal dog with his human family, although it is true that some of him hankers back to his hunting days.

He is an intelligent, amicable dog, and therefore training and socializing him is easy as he wants to please.

He is very energetic and won't be content with a life curled up indoors. He wants to be busy and involved with all your activities such as walks, hikes and swimming. He has a thick coat and he loves wintry weather, so the cold won’t stop him from wanting a long walk every day.

A Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

Loving the company of his human family, the Jamthund gets lonely, bored and frustrated if he is put into the backyard as a watchdog and left. When he becomes naughty it is because he is trying to tell you that he wants to be part of your life.

The Jämthund has excellent hunting skills and with his great intelligence too and his ability to learn easily, he makes a popular pet. He also has other attractive characteristics such as being brave and calm.

He forms a deep bond with his human family and his gentle nature makes him a favorite playmate of children too. They make good guard dogs as they are alert and protective of their human family.

Not only has the Jamthund got many positive characteristics to his name, he is an attractive dog too, and once you've brought one into your home you'll realize what a wonderful dimension it brings into your home and your life.

Border Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

While the Jämthund is a healthy dog breed and won't cost you much in veterinary bills when it comes to illness, there are some common dog illnesses that are worth knowing about so you can respond in time to his need.

Hip Dysplasia:

Unfortunately this is a joint problem that can affect even young dogs. The hip joint hasn't formed properly and it can lead to the development of painful arthritis. It can be a debilitating disease for your dog and you will need to see your vet.

Skin Allergies:

This may seem like a trivial kind of dog illness but in fact it can lead to a lot of frustration, pain, anguish and discomfort for your pet. Signs of a skin allergy can include red, inflamed skin, itchiness, pain and oozing sores where your pet licks away miserably at the affected areas.

Grooming

Because the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Exercise:

Your Jamthund is a high energy dog and because of his background of hunting and pulling sleds, he loves wide open spaces where he can run. He essentially suits country life and it wouldn't be wise to confine this energetic dog to a small home.

Grooming:

Brushing the thick coat twice a week will keep it in top condition.Keep his nails trimmed and also keep an eye on his teeth. Find out how to make use of canine toothbrush and toothpaste to keep his teeth clean and free of plaque.

Diet:

Such a high energy dog requires the very best food packed full of vitamins and minerals. Look for the best commercially manufactured food there is and add in some wholesome home-made food from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as well as some raw meat occasionally. He must have a constant supply of fresh, cool water.