Black Norwegian Elkhound

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Black Norwegian Elkhound

Black Norwegian Elkhound
Other names Norsk Elghund Sort
Norsk Elghund Black
Black Elkhound
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Country of origin Norway
Traits
Notes
The FCI divides this into two breeds,
Grey (242) and Black (268).

The Black Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Sort) is a modern variant of the Grey Norwegian Elkhound. It is a small Spitz breed and is very rare outside the Nordic countries of Scandinavia. It is bred for the same purpose as the Grey Norwegian Elkhound but is smaller, more agile, and easier to recognize in the snow. Historically, it is a much "younger" breed, first bred in Norway during the early 1800s.

The AKC breed name "Elkhound," is a direct translation from its original Norwegian name "Elghund," meaning "moose dog." In Norwegian, "elg" means "moose", and "hund" means "dog."

Contents

[edit] Description

[edit] Appearance

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a typical Spitz breed with a short compact body, dark eyes, ears standing straight up, and a curly tail carried over the back. It has a rich coat that does not stand out from the body. This is an all-weather hunting dog and the coat is very important. It must be able to keep out the heavy autumn rain in Scandinavia and endure the cold weather, which it does very well.

It has a dense, short, thick, course, double coat and is solid black. The dog stands about 46-51 centimeters (18"-20") - 47 cm (+3/-4) for males and 44 cm (+3/-4) for females - and weighs about 18 kilograms (40 lbs).

[edit] Temperament

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a very robust and hardy dog: very alert and full of power and pride. It is more strong-minded than the Grey Elkhound, and consequently needs a firm master as its leader. It is easy to train, but always needs something to do to be happy. It needs continuous exercise and activity in concert with its superb intelligence to do well. It is an excellent hunting dog and loves to be in the forest.

[edit] Hunting

The Black Elhound is used in all types of hunts but excels best in hunting large game such as elk, moose and bear. It is very good at tracking and makes an excellent guard dog. It is a good family dog but can sometimes be a bit contentious in relations with other dogs. The Elkhound has been an important dog for farmers in Scandinavia for hundreds of years.

[edit] Care

[edit] Grooming

Its coat requires frequent brushing.

[edit] See also

[edit] Resources

  • Books
    • Norwegian Elkhound (Comprehensive Owner's Guide), 2005.
    • Norwegian Elkhounds by Anna Katherine Nicholas. TFH, 1997.
    • The Norwegian Elkhound (Pure Bred) by Nina P. Ross, PhD. Doral, 1995.
    • The Elkhound in the British Isles by Anne Roslin-Williams. Witherby & Co., 1993.
    • My 60 Years with Norwegian Elghunds by Olav P. Campbell, 1988.
    • The New Complete Norwegian Elkhound, revised edition, by Olav Wallo. Howell, 1987.
    • Norwegian Elkhounds by Anna Katherine Nicholas. TFH, 1983.
    • Great Gray Dogs: The Norwegian Elkhound Factbook, 2nd edition. Great Gray Dogs, 1980.
    • Your Norwegian Elkhound by Helen E. Franciose and Nancy C. Swanson. Denlinger, 1974.
    • How to Raise and Train a Norwegian Elkhound by Glenna Clark Crafts. TFH, 1973. Reprint of the 1964 book with a different cover.
  • Magazine Articles
    • Dearth, Kim D.R. "The Norwegian Elkhound" Dog World September 1999, Vol. 84 Issue 9, p12-17.
    • "Dog of the Vikings" Dog Fancy. April 1998.
    • "Norwegian Elkhound". Dog World. July 1997, Vol. 82 Issue 7. p86.

[edit] External links

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Dogs originating from Norway
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