Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Jamthund - 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.

Hailing from Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is believed to have descended from herding dogs as well as the Puli and Tibetan Terrier.

Later these dogs were bred with local Scottish dogs to bring about Scottish herding dogs, the Bearded Collie. The dog was accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1959. In 2001, the American Kennel Club recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog as a breed in the Herding Group.

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.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog. Both males and females stand between 42cm to 50 cm in height and they weigh roughly between 14 and 23kg.

The dog has a double coat which can mostly be white, cream, gray, brown and black. The underdoat is soft and dense with the top coat being straight or wavy and being medium length.

There is quite a bit of hair around the facial area. The eyes are alert and brown and the ears medium size, high set and then drooping down. The tail has always been attractively docked, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is often just left long.

Temperament:

Lively, bright as a button, clever, social and feisty, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is easy to train, becoming obedient and well balanced. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is such a self confident dog and he will fit happily into life in the city or the countryside, loving spending time with his human family.

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.

The PON is an independent, self-willed dog but he can also be entertaining and amusing. He is a social, friendly dog but for many people, his long hair and grooming requirement might prove to be a bit of a handful.

Your dog is energetic, cheerful and playful and when he isn’t around, it will be like some sunshine has gone out of your life. He is faithful and loving towards his human family but is aloof towards strangers. Bring one of these dogs into your home and you’re guaranteed to have a remarkable friend and pet for many years.

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.

These dogs are generally healthy and the dog’s life expectancy is about 12 years. Nonetheless there are some problems to be aware of. For instance, with this dog, hip dysplasia is a real problem.

The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of hundreds of these dogs and found a large percentage were dysplastic.

Hereditary eye disease can also occur with this dog. Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that can cause central vision loss. Many genetic abnormalities can cause degeneration of the image forming part of the eye. Unfortunately these conditions can result in total blindness. Parts of the retina can also degenerate with age.

Skin allergies are also an ever present threat with your dog. Itchiness and pain can be a nightmare for your pet and scratching and licking brings no relief – just aggravates the condition. You will certainly need to get your pet to the vet as skin allergies and skin diseases can make your beloved canine miserable.

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.

Your Polish Lowland Sheepdog is like a big Bear and his long, shaggy coat will require regular brushing, otherwise it could become full of burrs and grass.

Many people prefer to take their dogs to a grooming parlor where the hair is cut, the nails trimmed, the teeth cleaned and the ears checked.

Provide your Sheepdog with a nice warm, dry cozy spot that is his and where he can quietly retreat.

If your Polish Lowland Sheepdog spends time outdoors, make sure he has access to both shade, sun and shelter in case it rains. There must always be a bowl of fresh water outdoors too.

Diet:

It is better to give your adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog 2 smaller helpings of food as opposed to one big bowl. Puppies will need 4 bowls of food a day. Two bowls will ensure your dog doesn’t gobble up his food and create digestive problems and bloat.

High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more delicious for him occasionally by mixing in chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Just a tad of raw meat occasionally can also be of huge benefit.

Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock. Be sure to keep his food and water dishes clean.

Have your dogs spayed or neutered if you don’t want them to have puppies.