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Inside
every Newfoundland, Boxer, Elkhound and Great Dane is a puppy longing to climb
on to your lap.
-
Hellen Thomson (b.1943)
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Part of the Overscaig
"Autumn" litter at 4 1/2 weeks
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Our resident male / sire of the "Autumn" pups
"Diesel"
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The Elkhound is a member of the Spitz
or Nordic group of dogs. He was known as the "Elghund" or "moose dog" but his name
was translated incorrectly when it was
anglicized. The national dog of Norway, he is still used to hunt Elg (Moose) because he
is capable of tracking his quarry for hours over unfriendly terrain and in bad weather.
Known for his endurance and stamina, the Elkhound has also been used as a draft dog and
in search and rescue work.
He is a natural breed, whose roots go back thousands of
years. The Elkhound today is the same dog who travelled with the Vikings.
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The
Norwegian
Elkhound is deep-chested, compact and square in profile. Males
stand
20.5 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are 19.5 inches tall. The Elkhound has a thick,
dense, weather-resistant double coat with a silver white undercoat. The topcoat or
guard hair is "banded". Each hair is black at the base, silver in the middle, and
black at the tip.
This topcoat provides the distinctive Elkhound "harness mark" and
"saddle". Puppies
are born black but markings begin to appear within two weeks. Like other Spitz dogs, the
Elkhound carries his tail curled up over his back. Shedding occurs once or twice a year; and
an Elkhound has little or no doggie odour. He needs only a weekly brushing to keep his coat in
shape.
The Elkhound has a bold and energetic
personality; he is confident and outgoing. he is neither shy and submissive nor domineering
and aggressive. The alert and friendly Norwegian
Elkhound is an excellent family pet and therapy dog who is loyal and devoted to people. His
dependability and trustworthiness make him an excellent protective watchdog. The
Elkhound is a very intelligent breed of dog and uses his intelligence to make decisions. Both
the males and females are easy to train as they learn very quickly however they are obedient
not robotic. Required routine training is very easy with positive motivation and sensitive
teaching – very easily house broken. The Elkhound respects firm, fair leadership.
Although the Elkhound loves the outdoors and rigorous
exercise he is equally adaptable to indoor living. This flexibility makes the Elkhound an
excellent choice since the majority of dog owners live in urban areas. As with most other
breeds a fenced yard is desirable.
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