NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND Breed Standards
Archaeological evidence from Scandinavia suggests that the Norwegian Elkhound was domesticated during the late Stone Age, roughly 6000 years ago. From that time to the present, the breed’s development has been virtually unaltered by man. The people of Scandinavia have employed the Elkhound as a herder, guardian and hunter for thousands of years. A skilled scenthound, the Norwegian Elkhound has hunted various types of big game, but it was most commonly used to hunt moose – one wonders why it is not called the Norwegian Moosehound. Elkhounds are not meant to take down a moose, but rather to sniff out and locate a moose, and then hold it at bay and alert their gun-toting masters of the moose’s presence.
Despite the Norwegian Elkhound’s millennia of domestication and service, it was not considered as a show breed until 1877. Around this time, the dog was introduced to England and the United States, where it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930. The Norwegian Elkhound is a breed of average popularity in the United States today, and is considerably more popular in its native Scandinavia. Though most often seen as a pet, the Elkhound is still used by many moose hunters
SKILLS: The Norwegian Elkhound, is a hardy gray hunting dog. In appearance, a typical northern dog of medium size and substance, square in profile, close coupled and balanced in proportions. The head is broad with prick ears, and the tail is tightly curled and carried over the back. The distinctive gray coat is dense and smooth lying. As a hunter, the Norwegian Elkhound has the courage, agility and stamina to hold moose and other big game at bay by barking and dodging attack, and the endurance to track for long hours in all weather over rough and varied terrain.
SIZE: Height at the withers for dogs is 20½ inches, for bitches 19½ inches. Weight for dogs about 55 pounds, for bitches about 48 pounds.
Square in profile and close coupled. Distance from brisket to ground appears to be half the height at the withers. Distance from forechest to rump equals the height at the withers. Bone is substantial, without being coarse.
COAT: Thick, hard, weather resisting and smooth lying; made up of soft, dense, woolly undercoat and coarse, straight covering hairs. Short and even on head, ears, and front of legs; longest on back of neck, buttocks and underside of tail. The coat is not altered by trimming, clipping or artificial treatment. Trimming of whiskers is optional. In the show ring, presentation in a natural, unaltered condition is essential.
Color - Gray, medium preferred, variations in shade determined by the length of black tips and quantity of guard hairs. Undercoat is clear light silver as are legs, stomach, buttocks, and underside of tail. The gray body color is darkest on the saddle, lighter on the chest, mane and distinctive harness mark (a band of longer guard hairs from shoulder to elbow). The muzzle, ears and tail tip are black. The black of the muzzle shades to lighter gray over the forehead and skull.
Yellow or brown shading, white patches, indistinct or irregular markings, "sooty" coloring on the lower legs and light circles around the eyes are undesirable. Any overall color other than gray as described above, such as red, brown, solid black, white or other solid color, disqualifies.
CARE REQUIRED: The hard, coarse, weatherproof coat is easy to groom. It should be brushed regularly, with extra care given while the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. When the dog is shedding, the dead hair clings to the new hair. The dead hair should be removed with a rubber brush or a wooden comb with a double row of metal teeth. Brushes and combs just for this purpose are sold in pet stores. Bathe only when necessary, as it removes the natural oils in the skin. Like other Arctic dogs, they do not have the usual smell of dog hair. The coat is both water and dirt resistant. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.
CHARACTER: In temperament, the Norwegian Elkhound is bold and energetic, an effective guardian yet normally friendly, with great dignity and independence of character.
EXERCISE: The Norwegian Elkhound is a very energetic dog that thrives on strenuous activity. It should have at least an hour of exercise a day. It will enjoy a run beside your bike or a really good run in the woods, but remember that these dogs like to roam. If it picks up an interesting scent, it may ignore you when you call it.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Norwegian Elkhound will be okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is fairly active indoors and does best with at least a large yard. Elkhounds prefer cool climates.
TRAINING: Norwegian Elkhound has a mind of its own and is fairly independent. It may be somewhat resistant to obedience training. It is important to be firm with this dog but show affection as well. Puppies need firm but gentle discipline. Be fair when training this breed. You can upset the dog for a long time by punishing it unfairly, and it will let you know how it feels. They have been bred to hold prey at bay, barking constantly until the hunter arrives.
