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The Norwegian Elkhound is a Spitz-type breed of dog, specifically a member of the scent hound family. The dog is the national dog breed of Norway.
Appearance: The dog stands about 52 centimetres high
and weighs up to 24 kilogrammes. Its grey coat is made of
dense smooth lying hair ranging from black at the muzzle, ears
and tip of its tail, to silvery grey on its legs, tail and
underbody. Solid black elkhounds are rarer.
History: Archaeological digs in Scandinavia suggest
this breed existed and was domesticated in the Stone age. At
the end of the 19th century the breed came to England and in
1901 the The Kennel Club officially recognised it.
For many years, the breed was considered one of the oldest
dog breeds, going back more than six thousand years. Recent
DNA analysis suggests, however, that this breed is actually a
recent construction, bred to resemble an older form.
An ideal elkhound has a tightly curled tail, as the dog
shown in the photograph on this page. The elkhound is a medium
sized dog and extremely hardy. They are bred for hunting large
game, such as bear and elk. The elkhound has a very strong
drive and it is not unheard of for an elkhound to go through a
plate glass window when motivated by its quarry. Although the
breed is strong and hardy, the dogs typically have an
inseparable bond with their masters and are quite loyal. The
Norwegian elkhound was presented at a dog exhibition for the
first time in 1877. All Elkhounds have a sharp and piercing
bark which is handy if someone breaks in.
Temperament: Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal to their
"pack" and make good family dogs. Although each dog
is an individual, they generally like children (or at least
tolerate them) and can be very protective of those they
consider part of their pack or family. This, combined with
their loud voice, makes them a good watch dog. Norwegian
Elkhounds can be challenging to train because of their
intelligence and deep independent streak. However, they can
make good obedience, agility, and particularly tracking dogs,
and they are good natured in their disobedience (for example,
failing to "come" because there is something of
greater interest in the other direction).
Grooming: Norwegian Elkhound's thick coats are well
suited to Norwegian weather, and provide protection from the
elements in two main ways. Their outer coats shed rain, snow
and sleet easily, while their under coats keep them warm in
the low temperatures. Because their coat is so thick, they
moult it twice a year, producing copious amounts of fur - in
some rural regions of Norway, this fur is used to make
sweaters.
Elkhounds tend to remain clean through their coat shedding
most dirt, and because the dogs seem to keep themselves clean
instinctively. However, elkhounds require regular brushing
especially when they moult to avoid their oil glands becoming
plugged, and to help them to stay cool in summer.
Health: Norwegian Elkhounds sometimes carry a
genetic predisposition to suffer from blindness, or, like many
medium and large breeds, hip dysplasia, renal problems and
cysts, particularly in later life. Overall, however, they are
a hearty breed with few health problems.
Elkhounds are very powerful animals, bred to hunt all day
in cold climates, so they require plenty of exercise to feel
satisfied and stay healthy. A twenty to thirty minute walk
twice a day is recommended by many breeders. Elkhounds are
prone to rapid weight gain and must not be overfed, They tend
to have a lifespan of twelve years.
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