Norwegian Elkhound

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Norwegian Elkhound
A female Norwegian Elkhound, showing the standard tightly curled tail
Other names	Norsk elghund Grå norsk elghund Gray Norwegian Elkhound Small Grey Elk Dog Norwegian Moose Dog Harmaa norjanhirvikoira
Origin	Norway
Kennel club standards Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Notes	The FCI divides this into two breeds, Grey (242) and domestic dog )

The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the Northern

The AKC breed name "Norwegian Elkhound" is mistranslated from its original Norwegian name Norsk elghund, meaning "Norwegian elk dog". In Norwegian "elg" means "elk" (also known as "moose" in North American English) and "hund" means "dog," as it does in many other Germanic languages. It is Spitz breed, not a "hound" dog. The breed's object in the hunt is to independently track down and hold the elk at bay—jumping in and out toward the elk, distracting its attention, while signaling to the hunters by barking very loudly—until the hunter who follows the sound can arrive to shoot it. The dog will only bark while the elk is stationary, but it can also slowly drive the moose towards shooters lying in wait. The Norwegian Elkhound is also used on a leash. In this mode of hunting, the dog leads the hunter in the direction of the moose while keeping quiet.

Lineage

The breed falls under the

According to The Kennel Club breed standard ideally the dog stands about 19.5–20.5 inches (50–52 cm) high and weighs up to 23 kilograms (51 lb).^[6] Its grey, white, and black coat is made up of two layers: an underlying dense smooth coat ranging from black at the muzzle, ears, and tip of its tail to silvery grey on its legs, tail, and underbody and an overlying black-tipped protective guard coat. An ideal Elkhound has a tightly curled tail. The Elkhound is a medium-sized dog and extremely hardy.

Temperament

Norwegian Elkhounds are bred for hunting large game, such as wolf, bear and moose. Although the breed is strong and hardy, the dogs typically have an inseparable bond with their masters and are quite loyal. All Elkhounds have a sharp loud bark which makes them suitable as watchdogs.

Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal to their "pack" and make excellent family dogs given proper attention. They are bold, playful, independent, alert, extremely intelligent, and, at times, a bit boisterous. They rank 36th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of above average working/obedience intelligence.

Health

Norwegian Elkhounds sometimes carry a

Elkhounds are prone to rapid weight gain and must not be overfed.

They have a lifespan of 12–16 years. There have been reports of elkhounds living to be 18 years old and older.

History

The Norwegian Elkhound has its origins in Sweden where it has always been highly prized as a hunting dog. It is 98% genetical identical to the Jämthund and share the same roots being from Jämtland and Norrland (Northern Sweden). It was rarely seen or bred outside of Norway until its appearance in England in the 19th century.^[7] It was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in 1901.

Famous Norwegian Elkhounds

• President
  "Weegie"

See also

•  Dogs portal
• List of dog breeds
• Tahltan Bear Dog (extinct)
• Norwegian Lundehund
• Old Norwegian sheep
• Icelandic goat
• Norwegian sheep landrace
• Norwegian chicken landrace
• Norwegian forest cat
• Black Norwegian Elkhound

References

Citations