Jamthund vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

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 Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French scenthound that has changed over many centuries and today the area in France where they originate from, has contributed to the dog's looks.

The rocky and thorny region of Vendeé required a hardy breed of dog. Also, hunters wanted a slower hound that they could keep up with, and the idea was to shorten the legs of the dog.

By the end of the 19th century, the Basset Griffon Vendéen was developed. By the 1950s, the Grand was considered a separate breed. and Petit was not banned until 1977.Today the dog is a long-backed and short-legged hunting dog.

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.

Kept today essentially as a domestic pet, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a strongly built dog, a rough-coated scent hound of medium size standing at roughly 39 to 45cm in height and weighing 18 to 20kg.

The coat is medium length, shaggy and wiry. It is essentially white with orange markings. Sometimes he can be tri-colored, having a combination orange, black or tan markings. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double with a thick, weather-resistant undercoat and a rough, harsh topcoat. In addition to regular brushing, this breed’s coat needs to be hand-stripped once a year.

His legs are straight, and he is longer than he is tall. He is a deep chested dog with long ears and a long tail. He is also noted for his mustache and beard with long eyebrows.

Temperament:

Your Grand Basset is a courageous, happy, confident dog, active and having great stamina.

He is a social, pack dog so he will be wanting plenty of time spent with his owner, failing which the owner should invest in another dog too. He will get on great with children and he is also a pet-friendly breed who will get on well with cats too. He is sharp and alert and responds well to training and socialization.

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.

This long-backed, short legged hunting dog has a happy, confident personality.

While he was used originally for hunting, he is now commonly kept as a companion dog. He is energetic and independent and will require you having him join you for walks and a ball game too.

Non-aggressive and adaptable he can live in the city or in the countryside so long as he receives plenty of attention and love – then he'll be a splendid pet.

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.

There are some Basset Griffon Vendéens that have reached 17 years of age. This is excellent for these dogs and lifestyle, nutrition and exercise can all play a part in the longevity of any dog.

Generally they live to be 10 to 14 years of age. While he is a pretty robust dog, you'll want to be aware of some of the diseases which may require veterinary intervention -

Cancer:

Cancer is a major cause of death in elderly dogs, but if caught early, the dog can be cured. These cancers can be malignant lymphoma, skin cancer, bone cancer or soft tissue sarcomas. You'll notice a lump on your pet or a wound they won't heal. When you notice your dog not feeling well, get him to the vet.

Cardiac Problems:

A common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, heartworm disease and myocardial disease. The signs of heart disease in your pet will depend on the severity of the disease and type. As heart disease moves on to congestive heart failure, you'll notice symptoms such as difficulty with breathing, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. You need to get your dog immediately to the vet.

Dermatitis:

Dog allergies can be caused by pollen, medications, food or insects. You'll notice your pet scratching, he'll have watery eyes and inflamed skin. This inflammatory condition can cause a lot of agony for your pet, driving him mad with pain and the desire to scratch and lick. Relieve his discomfort by getting him to the vet as soon as possible.

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.

Diet:

If you are going to be feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen kibble, there are excellent brands that bring out breed-specific formulas for age, size and energy levels of dogs.

Feeding a dog is an individual choice, but good food can increase his longevity. A bit of raw meat mixed into his kibble, or some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken will be excellent for him. This can be a tasty variety to his diet.

Fresh, cool water must always be available at all times.

Grooming:

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double and the rough, harsh coat will need brushing twice a week and stripped once a year.