Scoland Terrier vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

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.

Not much is known about the Scoland Terrier. It is not a purebred but rather a crossbreed developed by crossing the Scottish Terrier with the Westland Terrier. To understand these mixed breeds, look to the original breeds for any combination of the characteristics of the breeds. The offspring of this crossing is not a 50-50 split of the original breeds looks or temperament.

Because the Scoland Terrier is a mix between the Scottie and the Westie he has all the characteristics of a typical terrier perhaps even twice as much. With both parents being terriers, you can expect your Scoland to act like a short legged terrier. These dogs are known for their courage and tenacity. Today these terriers are family companions. Most terriers today come from a pool of ancestral dog in the 19th century in Europe. This information was gleaned from a genetic analysis done in 2006.

The Scoland Terrier, being a hybrid, is not acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). It is acknowledged by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).

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.

Being a hybrid, the Scoland Terrier will not always look alike and could look like a Scottie, a Westie or a combination of the two. Most breeders of this designer dog say it usually has a body like the Scottie and a round head like the Westie. They are more often black with white markings, but they can often be wheaten as well. With round dark eyes, a scissors bite and black nose, her face is unique. The breed has erect and small, triangular ears and a medium fluffy tale. The coat is hard and wiry, with a dense soft undercoat.

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.

1.Children friendliness - they can be very good with children and children can help them get their exercise.

2.Special talents – digging and going to ground after rodents.

3.Adaptability - yes but she is adept at digging and must have a safe enclosure.

4.Learning ability – is high but she can be very stubborn.

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.

This hybrid dog can inherit any of the issues faced by its two parent breeds. For the Scoland Terrier this can include:

• Seborrhea – Skin disease that can cause dogs to scratch until bleeding and/or infected.

• Von Willebrand’s Disease – hereditary blood clotting disorder.
• Keratoconjuncticitis Sicca – the is dry eye.

• Carniomandibular Osteopathy -called lion’s jaw this is a developmental disease that causes extensive changes in the bones of the mandible and skull.

• Deafness

• Pulmonic Stenosis – when the blood flowing from the heart’s right ventricul to the pulmonary artery is blocked.

• Cataracts – can lead to blindness.
• Legg-Calve Perthes Disease – can cause limping and lead to lameness.

• PPM or Persistent Pupillary Membranes - causes visual impairment when the membranes do not dissolve after birth.

• Chronic Hepatitis – disease of the liver that can eventually cause major damage.

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.

1.Feeding the puppy - Give a high quality puppy dog food designed for terriers or active medium sized dogs. Give ¾ of a cup over 3 meals a day.

2.Feeding the adult – Give a high quality adult dog food designed for terriers or active medium sized dogs. Give one cup over two meals a day.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – The Scoland Terrier is a very active dog and needs daily exercise, He need time to play, run, and be stimulated by games. She would be very good at flyball, Frisbee, fetch, agility, barn hunt, and obedience. He needs at least 2 hours of play and exercise everyday.