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Norse Elghund: Elkhounds, the National Dog of Norway, have long been held in
high regard. Ancient Vikings and Norse Kings were buried with the essentials for a successful journey after life: their best
weapons and their faithful hunting dogs. Elkhounds have been presented to leaders as tokens of esteem and admiration........One
was given to President Hoover, by the people of Norway... (during his tenure as US Chairman of Relief and Chairman of
the Allied Food Council for directing relief and reconstruction to war-ravaged areas in Europe and Scandinavia)...thanking
him for much needed aid during WWI.
CHARACTER:
Today, the friendly and reliable character of the Norwegian Elkhound has earned
him a place in the homes of many as a cherished family member, and loyal companion. The Norwegian Elkhound is
also highly prized in his native country of Norway as a sled dog. The Norwegian Defense Minister, in cases of war, has the
power to mobilize all privately owned Elkhounds. Some of the Norwegian Elkhound's talents include hunting,
tracking, herding, guarding, sledding, agility, and as an excellent watchdog.
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DESCRIPTION
The Norwegian Elkhound is a sturdy, squarely built medium-sized
dog with the stamina to hunt all day long for days at a time. His double coat is distinctive with its gray
color and lighter undercoat. His muzzle, ears, and tail are black tipped. The tail is curled tightly up and over the
back. His head is broad and wedge shaped, his jaws are strong. His eyes are a dark brown, friendly and warm. The body
is relatively short, the chest should be deep and relatively wide. Unlike other breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound has no doggie
odor, he does not have the usual smell of dog hair. He is a very energetic breed and enjoys strenuous activity.
He would do best with a large yard. The Elkhound prefers cooler climates.With his dense coat he does shed heavily in
warm seasons.
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ORIGIN
The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the most ancient breeds. He has been
around for thousands of years. A skeleton similar to today's Norwegian Elkhound has been found dating back from 4000 to 5000
BC. According to his history, the Norwegian Elkhound was used in Scandinavia as a hunter of large game (moose and elk)
The Norwegian Elkhound can pick up the scent of game from several Kilometers away. He tracks his prey and then draws its attention
by barking. He, then, holds his quarry at bay by barking and circling until the hunter arrives. Norwegian Elkhounds
have also been successful in the hunting of bear, lynx, wolf, badger, deer, mountain lion, and rabbit. He works better
at night than in the day, making him well-suited for night game.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
~ CICERO ~
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TEMPERAMENT
The Norwgian Elkhound is a reliable, energetic, and alert companion for children.
He also makes a very sensible watchdog, as he is Fearless and somewhat reserved with strangers, yet Friendly with
family and friends that he knows and greets them enthusiastically. He is clean and docile, affectionate and loyal. Although,
he does have a mind of his own and is fairly independent, he may try to resist obedience training. It is important to be firm,
yet affectionate with this breed. Their breeding is as a hunter, and to hold their prey at bay with the sound of their bark.
Therefore, some Elkhounds may bark a great deal. Some may also be aggressive to same sex canines, but this tends to
be more of an exception rather than a rule.
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