History: Gray Elkhound of Norway

The Norwegian Elkhound in the United States is the same breed as the Gray Elkhound of Norway, its country of origin. However, Norway’s own Norwegian Elkhound is the Black Elkhound, a smaller, lighter-built breed. Scandinavia has additional Elkhound breeds for moose hunting, including the Jamthund, Karelsk, Karelian Bear Dog, and several Laika breeds from Russia.

The history of the Gray Norwegian Elkhound dates back over six thousand years. These dogs once roamed Norway’s woods, competing with prehistoric humans in search of moose, or “elg,” for which the breed was named. “Elghund” translates to “elk dog.” In time, humans and Elkhounds began working together to hunt for food. Archaeological evidence points to migratory people known as Veidefolket, or gypsies, who searched the region for sustenance, accompanied by wild dogs believed to be the forerunners of the Norwegian Elkhound, called Torvmosehund.

The Viking Period, beginning around 793 A.D., saw fearless Norsemen journey across seas in large, well-crafted oak ships. Some of these journeys included Danes and Swedes. Viking ships needed up to sixty oarsmen, and rugged, bold dogs were highly valued by these Norse warriors. These dogs served as companions, protectors, and hunting partners, bearing physical traits akin to today’s Gray Elkhound. Viking burial ships, often laden with the dead, earthly possessions, food, horses, oxen, and dogs, were preserved for centuries by the blue clay loaded within them. Archaeologists and osteologists believe the dog bones found at burial sites resemble an Elkhound-type breed still present in Scandinavia. Artifacts from the grave at Valloby strongly indicate Elkhound-like dogs in Norway before the time of Christ. The Viking Age ended around 1066.

In more recent Norse history, a twenty-year span from 1825 to 1845 became known as the “wolf period.” Thousands of wolves ravaged Scandinavia, attacking farm livestock. The Elkhound was instrumental in helping control the wolf population with its resourcefulness and fearless nature. The wolves had decimated most of the game in Norway’s woods, leaving only a small moose herd in Osterdalen and Hedmarken. Few Elkhounds survived this period. Hunters and breeders worked to find and breed the best of these survivors, gradually re-establishing the bloodlines.

A puppy whelped in 1865, named Gamle Bamse Gram, became the model for today’s Norwegian Elkhound and appears in many of the earliest pedigrees. The Gray Elkhound was first shown in Norwegian conformation shows in 1877 at the inaugural benched show. Breeders then, as now, believed an Elkhound should be proven as a hunting dog before competing in conformation. Among the 124 hunting dogs entered in the first show, fifteen were Elkhounds. In 1880, 180 hunting dogs entered the second show, including twenty-eight Elkhounds.

In 1899, a group of Norwegian hunters and sportsmen founded the Norsk Dyrehundklub and began developing the Breed Standard for the Elkhound. The standard was completed in 1906 and revised several times, most recently in 1950, with another revision currently underway. The club changed its name in 1949 to the Norsk Elghundklub.

One of the first Elkhounds to be shown in Norway was Bamse, owned by Arne Omsted. Sara, bred by Ole Blegeberg and whelped in 1912, was Norway’s first Gray Elkhound champion, earning her title in 1916. Glitre kennels became one of Norway’s most renowned Elkhound kennels, along with others like Elgstolen, Fjeldheim, Gjetemyra, Homanskogen, Kalagerasen, Lifjell, Skromtefjell, Sokomdal, Stavsetras, Suteras, Tortasen, and Vardetoppen. Between 1930 and 1960, kennels in Norway were considered large if they had three or four breeding bitches. Today, it’s rare to have more than two, with the primary goal being to provide hunting dogs for the breeders and their hunting companions. Many kennel owners in Norway who are also breeder-judges have judged Elkhounds at specialty and point shows in America.

Several older kennels in Norway still exist, and their breeders, along with established breeders of Norwegian Elkhounds worldwide, continue to work toward preserving the Gray Elkhound’s natural beauty, intelligence, and ruggedness. This ongoing effort seeks to maintain the breed’s role as a companion, guardian, and hunter, much like its ancestors that roamed Scandinavia’s rugged terrain.

In 1913, three Elkhounds—Koik, Bimba, and Laila—were imported to the United States by Gottlieb Lechner of Idaho, becoming the first Elkhounds registered by the American Kennel Club. From 1914 to 1921, eleven Elkhounds were registered, followed by twelve more imports from Norway between 1923 and 1930. In 1934, eighty-nine Elkhounds were registered, and that number grew to one hundred fifty in 1935.

The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America (NEAA) was formed in 1934 and received AKC approval in 1936. Ch. Grimm of Lifjell, a Norwegian import, was the first Elkhound to achieve a championship in the U.S., finishing in 1926 after the breed moved from the miscellaneous class to regular classes. Early Elkhound kennels in America included Vindsval, Stonewall, Pitch Road, Narvikwood, Bjorn-Lass, and Stonylea.

The Elkhound’s temperament is best described as bold, energetic, and friendly—qualities essential for a hunting, guarding, and companion dog. Though independent and slightly reserved, the Elkhound is good-natured, obedient to its owner, calm, self-assured, intelligent, and easy to handle in the show ring, with an eagerness for hunting. Its keen eyesight and sharp sense of smell stimulate its hunting instincts, even if the target is a backyard rabbit or squirrel. While many U.S. owners may not have the chance to hunt with their Elkhounds, the breed still shines as a loyal, intelligent companion, satisfied with a simple pat on the head for a job well done.

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The Norwegian Elkhound – Hunter, Athlete

Evaluating a breed requires that the judge understand the history and purpose of the breed. The Norwegian Elkhound has a very long history verified by science and honored in folklore. The folkloric traditions give us the legend of “How the Elkhound Obtained Its Curly Tail,” and “The Saga of the Wolf Night” to name a few. Scientifically, archeologists have unearthed remains of two dogs with skeletal features similar to present day Elkhounds dating ca. 5,000 – 4,000 B.C.

Professor Brinchmann at the Museum of Bergen in Norway attests to the Elkhound’s primal existence. Brinchmann analyzed bones and relics found in Viking burial sites and concluded that the bones were dog skeletons, a testament to the value man placed on his dog in that early era. Artifacts unearthed from a grave at Valloby leave little doubt as to the existence of Elkhound-like dogs in Norway before the time of Christ.

When judging an Elkhound, ask yourself, “Is this Elkhound capable of performing as a hunting dog?”

The Norwegian Elkhound, the national dog of Norway, exists as a hunting athlete. The animal must not be flighty or frivolous. It is a solid, sturdy, hunting breed that loves its job. To become a show champion in Norway, an Elkhound must win in the conformation ring and earn a first prize in field trials. When judging an Elkhound, ask yourself, “Is this Elkhound capable of performing as a hunting dog?”

Answering that question requires a bit of knowledge about Norway. If you have never had the opportunity to visit this beautiful country, understand that Europe’s true wilderness is not found in the Alps but in the northern reaches of the continent and into the Arctic Circle. It is a land commanded by glaciers, sheer fjords, mountainous terrain, and extensive coastline. It is not conventional wilderness, but expansive, uncultivated, and uninhabited—wild country. This is the terrain where the Elkhound trails moose.

The Essence of the Breed

For those with a passion for dogs, “goose bumps” are indeed characteristic of the experience of seeing a correct, well-made purebred dog. The “right” ones fill your eye, command your attention, and possess unmistakable breed type. Anne Rogers Clark wrote, “Type, to me, is what makes the dog look like its breed. An untypical dog that is sound is worthless; a typical dog that is sound is priceless.”

As a hunting athlete, the Elkhound is not a breed of extremes. The correct Elkhound has a square profile (The distance from the forechest to the rump equals the height from the withers to the ground.); is of medium size and moderate proportions. Ideally, a male is 20-1/2 inches tall at the withers and a bitch 19-1/2 inches. A smaller dog will be ineffective in rugged terrain and deep snow while a dog exceeding 21-1/2 inches is likely to sacrifice necessary agility and efficiency when holding the moose at bay.

When looking for the breed’s signature square profile where half the dog’s height is in its leg length, do not be fooled. Some dogs may appear square, but upon examination be found to have a short rib cage and long loin. This is incorrect.

An Elkhound must be presented in proper condition—lean and hard. Overweight and sloppy should not be rewarded. In addition, this breed should have substance but not be overdone. Visualize the dog maneuvering rough terrain while hunting. Too much bone does not serve the animal or the hunter.

Heads, Tails or Both

First impressions are often lasting. When approaching an Elkhound, you should be struck by its beautiful wedge-shaped head with comparatively small and erect ears. The Elkhound’s expressive dark brown oval eyes exuding a calm, alert expression will draw you in. The muzzle should be dark with a straight nose that is approximately the same length as the back skull.

A very important aspect of the Elkhound profile is its signature tightly curled tail. It must be set high and curled over the centerline of the back. While variations to the standard are not a disqualification, some Norwegian judges will not consider an Elkhound without an absolutely correct tail.

Neck & Topline

A strong, well-arched neck of medium length is essential in the functional balance of the dog and allows maximum maneuverability when holding the moose at bay. Often overlooked, a strong neck aids the Elkhound in jumping, dodging, and sprinting. If the dog appears square but its head seems to be set on its shoulders, the dog is out of balance and proportion. Another often overlooked feature of this breed is its topline. Again, think athlete.

The Elkhound’s back should be straight and strong with a slight slope to the root of the tail. If the topline rolls when the dog moves, something is amiss in its structure, creating inefficient movement.

The Correct Coat

An Elkhound should come equipped with the equivalent of Mother Nature’s Gore-Tex®—a weatherproof, double coat with dense undercoat covered by coarse, flat-lying guard hairs. This all-weather coat with distinctive silver, grey, and black markings protects against temperature extremes and inclement conditions. While a soft, fluffy, open coat may be a groomer’s delight, it will not withstand the rigors of the hunt and is incorrect. Speaking of grooming, the standard is unequivocal. “Presentation in a natural, unaltered condition is essential.” Could this be any clearer?

Smooth Moves

Correct movement is not complicated. If the dog is proportioned correctly and in condition, it will move correctly—the whole equals the sum of its parts. The Elkhound’s balanced design enables it to bounce, spin, and turn without having to engage in extra movement to propel its body. When viewing the Elkhound in motion, look for effortless side gait that is efficient, smooth, and covers ground. The gait must not be labored, awkward, choppy, or stilted.

To quote the standard, “The Elkhound is constructed for agility and endurance. At a trot, the stride is even and effortless, the back remains level. As the speed of the trot increases, front and rear legs converge equally in straight lines toward a centerline beneath the body so that the pads appear to follow in the same tracks. Single track—front and rear quarters are well balanced in angulation and muscular development—the balance of the front and rear assemblies cannot be overstressed.”

An Elkhound that does not move effortlessly and purposefully will not make the grade as a hunting dog.

Throughout this article, the emphasis has been on the Norwegian Elkhound as an athletic, courageous hunting dog. The breed standard, first codified in 1906, serves as a blueprint for selecting the correct representatives of the breed. Breeders and judges must be mindful of what is right for the breed, honoring the past, guarding the present, and looking to the future.

Author’s Note

The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America encourages current and prospective judges to visit www.neaa.net for further information on upcoming specialties and judges’ education opportunities approved by the NEAA.

Bibliography

1. Clark, Anne Rogers, “Type.”  (accessed July 30, 2013).
2. Norway Travel Guide, Norway. (accessed August 1, 2013).
3. Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, Norwegian Elkhound A Comprehensive Study – Judges Study Material, 2010.
4. Ross, Dr. Nina P, The Norwegian Elkhound. Doral Publishing, Inc. Wilsonville, Oregon, 1995.
5. Trotter, Patricia, “Norwegian Elkhound Breed Seminar.” Lecture, Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, Friendship, MD, 2003.
6. Wallo, Olav O, The New Complete Norwegian Elkhound. New York: Howell Book House, Inc, 1987.

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Norwegian Elkhounds: Their Judge and Their Breeder

The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy gray hunting dog. These are the first words of the Official Standard. Any prospective breeder or judge can obtain a copy of this standard, read and study it. He or she can then proceed to follow either of these two ultra-important paths, feeling possessed with the knowledge needed and fortified with enough knowledge to produce excellent results.

The sport of dogs requires successful breeders or judges possessing an intrinsic (go-with-your-gut) confidence based on knowledge and experience that can only be attained through constant learning/studying. I have always felt that if you produced a wonderful litter when first starting out, luck had befallen that breeder. As to judges, initial assignments are usually followed by a few reflections on, “Woulda, Could, Shoulda.” The quality breeders and judges get their feet under them and, ultimately, produce a quality result, time after time, with the aforementioned learning/studying.

My goal here is to benefit current and prospective breeders and judges by giving you some of the background that is not mentioned in the wording of the standard. I would like to expand on the intimate characteristics of the Elkhound that years of experience has provided me. Often, little-known factoids stick in a person’s mind and lend themselves to greater interest in that breed.

General Appearance:

The gray dog is very difficult to see in the woods. The underbody and underside of tail are light silver, and help to provide the hunter (or the distressed owner of an escapee) with a sighting of their dog. The silver underside is vital to coat color—and in the woods. Imagine the courage of a 50-pound dog trailing and holding an antlered and sharp-hooved giant of an angry animal many times taller and weighing 1,200-1,500 lbs. After trailing for miles, he must hold the moose until his human can get there to bring down their quest. To this end, the dog can be a barker (much to the chagrin of neighbors).

The hunter must find the moose, and his dog, since his two legs leave him in the moose’s and the dog(s)’ dust quite early in the hunt. The hunter must listen for his dog(s) in order to have a chance of finding them. The moose is a great swimmer and has good speed. Now, how impressed are you with the abilities of this dog? Did you know that many of today’s Norwegians still fill their freezers every fall with game he has killed with his Elkhounds?

Neck, topline and body:

The Norwegian Elkhound is not a dog built for speed, but rather for endurance. For agility, the body is short. The ribcage comprises most of its length, thereby providing the room needed for heart and lungs. They must have a hard, level topline, which denotes great musculature. Leg strength, the ability to leap and twist (to evade attack), stems from the topline as well. All of these attributes just “scream” athlete. The dog’s very survival has always been determined by his athleticism, intelligence, and the ability to think on the run.

Coat:

Thick and harsh to resist snow, ice, and freezing rivers and lakes. The outer coat keeps them warm and not wet enough to freeze, while the downy undercoat (that you find all over your floors and in your food) keeps them protected.

Forequarter and Hindquarters:

The Norwegian Elkhound paws are small and oval to travel easily over rough or icy terrain. Imagine a dog with large and/or open toes trying to cover rough terrain with such feet. Length of leg should be 50% (I, perhaps, like a little more – 52%) of the dog’s height. Please, please note that the ribcage does not hang down below the elbows. Both should meet in the same spot; heavy-bodied and/or short-legged dogs cannot make it as hunters. In Norway, there is a great deal of woods, underbrush, water, and fallen trees, all of which hamper the speed and progress of the shorter-legged, heavy-bodied, would-be hunters. The rear should have moderate angulation, providing the ability to leap and spin—avoiding antlers and hooves.

Temperament:

The Norwegian Elkhound is bold, energetic, and will sure let you know when UPS has arrived at your door. The Elkhound hunts far ahead of the hunter and must make his own decisions about how he will proceed. For this reason, as an independent thinker, he is not the “star” of the performance world. He is far from stupid and he learns quickly. But in training class and subsequent competitions, his general feeling is, “Been there, done that, my dear owner. So how dumb are you for needing to do this over and over?” Some comply out of love of the partnership and some just love the energy they get to expend, but all Elkhounds are smart, sensitive to their people, loyal, and happy.

If asked to advise breeders and judges as to the paramount information on which to base their selections, I would list the following:
Above all, select the athlete who possesses a good headpiece for scenting ability, small ears that won’t freeze, arch of neck, and excellent layback with good return of upper arm, length of leg, hard level topline, long rib and short coupling, and high-set tail with ample rear angulation. His appearance must say, “I am the dog who can, despite harsh elements, long distance, and rough terrain, follow and contain the game.”

Judges, please keep in mind when judging the Hound Group that the Elkhound looks like no other dog in his Group. When considering your placements; evaluate your Elkhound on how well he fits his standard as a sound, energetic athlete. An extensive familiarity with this breed will, hopefully, have you considering them equally with the other more popular/safer breeds.

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Norwegian Elkhounds in Performance

Elkhounds are not just pretty faces; they are very intelligent and can excel in many different dog sports. There is nothing like the feeling of working with your best friend. Bred to be independent, when hunting, they go off and find the moose, then bark and bounce to hold it in place until the hunter comes to shoot it.

While they are definitely not a breed that will do something just because you tell them to, with the right kind of training and respect for their independence, you can do just about anything.

One of the most popular AKC performance venues is dog agility. The athleticism of the Elkhound is showcased in this venue. Elkhounds are running agility at every level, and the thrill of a great run with your favorite teammate cannot be beat!

AKC agility started in 1994, and the AKC top dog that year was an Elkhound, Berrit, aka Ch. Midnight Sun’s Grin N Berrit MX AXJ CDX VNEX, owned and handled by Richard (Dick) Budny. The High in Trial trophy for agility at the Elkhound National Specialty is bestowed in her honor.

It took a bit longer for the first MACH, but in 2003, “Serker,” MACH Ch. Longships Sealine Berserker VCD2 TD OVNEX, owned and handled by Larry Lovig, became the first Elkhound to get several dogs have followed in his footsteps, and the all-time leader, MACH 5 Ch. Vikrest Steppin’ Out in Style RN CD “Prada,” is still active and working on that MACH 6 at the age of 7 with owner/handler Betsy Flagg. Elkhounds are a healthy breed, and dogs are frequently competing into their teens.

Obedience is another venue where Elkhounds can shine. Elkhounds have worked at every level of obedience, including the highest levels of competition obedience. The first two Obedience Trial Champions were owned and handled by Don and Marilyn Rotier: Am/Can OTCH Camalot’s Bella Tigra (a Norwegian import!) and Am/Can OTCH Camalot’s TrulleAyla UD in the 1980s.

Elkhounds are quite intelligent and learn things very quickly. The challenge is to have them show what they know in public. Frequently, the mischievous imp in the Elkhound can think up new and better ways to perform the obedience exercises, pleasing the crowd but not necessarily the judge! When working with Elkhounds, a sense of humor is a requirement.

When Rally was added to the AKC performance options, Elkhounds were right there in the forefront. Rally is a fast-paced, fun activity for both dog and owner. There are twists, turns, and jumps, keeping both Elkhound and handler on their toes. Rally has probably become the most popular dog sport for Elkhounds, and the first Rally title came within weeks of the start of the new sport, a Rally Novice title for U-CD Wrathwood’s Lasting UD RN NA NAJ “Merlin” and his owner/handler Dona Barsul. Merlin was also a Search and Rescue dog, once again showing the versatility of the breed.

Being Scent Hounds, tracking comes naturally to Elkhounds. Even with that advantage, it is also a very challenging sport. We are proud to say that there is a Champion Tracker (CT) Elkhound, “Alley” CT Ch. Highland Tornado Alley CD RN VNE, owned and handled by Wendy Vise-Wiley. A tracking dog uses its nose to follow a set track, and the handler is just along for the ride.

Not being in the Herding Group, the Elkhound cannot contend in AKC herding trials, but dogs have earned American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) titles. The Breed Standard mentions Elkhounds being used as reindeer herding dogs in Norway. Melanie Rodgers and her Elkhound Silkgrass Trufa’s Hy Mountain Beyla RE CGC have the AHBA Junior Herding Dog title on sheep.

Barn Hunt is a new sport where dogs climb up, over, and under straw bales to find tubes containing live rats. There are three levels with increasing numbers of rats to find. In 2014, the National Champion was an Elkhound, the first one ever! Ch. Janor’s Guilty as Charged CD GN RAE MXP MJP “Loki” and owner/handler Dennis Bell took the honors at the Barn Hunt Nationals in Missouri. This up-and-coming sport is ideally suited for the Elkhound’s natural scenting and scrambling abilities and is becoming very popular in the breed.

But at the end of the day, Elkhounds also love just being with their people and enjoying the great outdoors with them—hiking, skijoring, rafting, or camping. They are built to go all day in the forests of Norway, looking for game, and they enjoy getting out into nature. In Norway, they hunt off-leash, “loshund,” and on-leash, “bandhund,” but in the U.S., we usually keep our Elkhounds on-leash because they expect you to come looking for them, not the other way around!

They are busy looking for moose, and the Norwegian hunting test requires them to bark for three hours to help the hunter find them once they have the moose at bay. They are also used for hunting bear in their native Norway. A more loyal and loving friend and companion you cannot find.

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Dog of the Vikings

The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy, gray dog that has remained relatively unchanged for around 6000 years. The essence of his beauty is that he is not “man-made.” He is a medium-sized dog, compact, square, well-muscled, exceedingly intelligent, courageous, bold, and energetic. This is a natural requirement for a big game hunter, on the chase, day after day, in the rugged country from which he originated—Norway.

It is surmised that in the Viking Era, the Norwegian Elkhound had many duties. He was a companion and watchdog for his people. He protected his owner’s farm from wild animals such as wolves and bears. He was a guardian of flocks. Also, the Vikings took some of their dogs on voyages to sea. Pre-dating the Viking Era, archaeological findings revealed a number of stone implements and bones inside Viste Cave at Jaeren in Norway, including two skeletons of dogs, identified as definite Elkhound types by Professor Brinchmann of the Bergen Museum. These findings date back from 5000 to 4000 BC.

In the last several centuries, the Norwegian Elkhound has been bred primarily for his superior hunting capabilities. In America, the name “Elkhound” has been misinterpreted to mean “elk hunter.” This is a mistranslation of the Norwegian word “elghund,” which means “moose dog.” The Elkhound is an independent hunter, using his keen air-scenting ability to track the moose through rugged terrain. His impressive bark alerts the owner to his whereabouts. Upon locating the moose, the Elkhound barks incessantly, skillfully darting in and out, bouncing from side to side to avoid deadly antlers and hooves. This distracts the moose from the hunter while holding the moose at bay. Thus, stamina and agility are more important than speed for this breed. Elkhounds are also used to hunt bear and deer in Norway.

In the United States, game laws prohibit the use of the Elkhound for hunting moose and other big game. However, the Norwegian Elkhound makes a great family dog for those who appreciate that keen hunting instincts influence his personality. He is loving and devoted yet independent, highly intelligent, curious, and energetic, with a great deal of selective hearing. For instance, if he takes off running and you call him, he often stops, looks around, and if there are no better options, he will come trotting happily back to your side.

This is a good example of the need for a 5- to 6-foot fence to keep your dog safe and secure. It also shows that basic, consistent obedience training is a necessity, as there is a continuing conflict between his loving devotion to you and his deep instinct to be “on the hunt,” combined with a never-ending intellectual curiosity. Many Elkhounds have become accomplished in obedience, rally, agility, tracking (the Elkhound is both a sight and scent hound), and therapy. Recently, it has been noticed that some Elkhounds have the ability to alert owners to impending seizures, some cancers, and more. Due to the Elkhound’s independent nature, any one of these endeavors takes skill, great effort, and persistence, but success is very rewarding for those owners who partake.

Most Norwegian Elkhounds have a zest for life and are, well, just plain fun. They cherish the outdoors and love to interact with people. They relish long walks. Some even love to retrieve a ball or toy, but usually only up to a point. Many love to play “keep away” with you and/or other dogs in your family. They can be a joy to watch with all their energy and gusto, remembering their skillful, agile moves utilized by their relatives and ancestors in dealing with the moose. There are small hazards to watch out for within the Elkhound’s outdoor territory.

Tripping on a freshly dug hole, coming across a “crater” next to your foundation, and disappearing sprinkler heads are just a few hazards of having an Elkhound. Elkhounds, as smart as they are, always have a reason for their mischief, and only some take part in these sorts of activities. Where did that gopher go? How about a nice cool den during a warm summer day? No bone? A sprinkler head will do. Also, Elkhounds love to chase small game. Along with this comes the barking—sometimes incessant—as with a treed squirrel. Just hope you have tolerant neighbors! However, the same barking behavior DOES make him a good watchdog. Many would be surprised to know that a certain percentage of Elkhounds love the water. Some like to run through sprinklers. Others enjoy running through shallow streams, and some actually like to swim, but usually with a purpose.

My father started breeding Norwegian Elkhounds and Labrador Retrievers back in the ’40s. He used his Labs for pheasant and duck hunting. My father had a need for adventure and the curiosity of an Elkhound. He decided to try his Elkhound’s “paw” at duck hunting. His Elkhound jumped into the water and swam quickly toward the duck. When he came to shore with the duck in mouth, my father hastily took the duck to quell any “Elkhound notions” of running off with this tasty morsel for dinner. My father said that his Elkhound was a natural. I say, “What could be more natural than an Elkhound going after easy prey at any cost?”

Indoors, the Elkhound can be a loving companion, lying at your feet or by your side on the couch. You may also find him “crashed” on the floor in another room, sleeping. Sometimes he’s just “in your face,” always curious about what you are doing. After your Elkhound has had his full and complete meal, and you are cooking or eating dinner, there he is, looking up at you with those dark soulful eyes in complete adoration. Don’t flatter yourself. The Elkhound is a food-motivated chow hound. Don’t give in. Yes, you can train him not to beg with patience and persistence. Only give him treats as a reward for good behavior or specific requests. If not, he will be successfully training you, which will result in negative consequences for his health. A heavy or obese Elkhound will be plagued with weight-related health problems until his shortened life is over.

The Elkhound is generally an easy keeper. Because his double coat sheds rain, sleet, snow, and other foreign substances, it is essentially self-cleaning, with very little doggie odor. Only a good brushing and/or combing is generally needed once or twice a week. However, Elkhounds do shed. Some shed once or twice a year, while others shed a little all year long. For those that shed once or twice a year, much more diligence will be needed to rid the dog of old, dead coat, and there will be times when you may be living with tufts of hair everywhere!

Norwegian Elkhounds are generally healthy dogs, but, like all breeds, they do have some breed-related health issues. Sebaceous cysts, which are benign skin growths, plague many Elkhounds. Some have hip dysplasia and/or luxating patellas. Some Elkhounds have eye-related issues. Renal disease is not uncommon in the Elkhound. All but sebaceous cysts can be tested or X-rayed and certified clear or affected through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Elkhounds occasionally acquire cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma or stomach cancer. So far, research has not pinpointed any specific cancer that tends to be heritable in the breed, but research is ongoing.

The Norwegian Elkhound makes a wonderful and fulfilling companion! He is strong-willed yet deeply loyal, with an abiding love for his owner. He is fun yet dignified, with a strong sense of purpose. The Elkhound is a relatively easy keeper that wants to be with his people but doesn’t demand constant attention. These are some of the reasons many people throughout the years have said to me, “My Elkhound was the best dog I’ve ever owned.

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Judging the Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America holds a national specialty only once every two years. On the off or odd year, a member regional club will host a NEAA-sponsored specialty in conjunction with their own specialty. I just returned several days ago from judging NEAA’s show. This was such a huge honor. I had the pleasure of evaluating a number of good dogs. Our entries may be down, but there were a number of quality dogs and bitches from which to find the “one I wanted to take home.” I would like to describe for you the process used to make my choices. “Only a properly conditioned dog, square in profile and balanced in proportion, can perform effortlessly as he was bred to do thousands of years ago.” – Author unknown.

I keep these words in my head with every dog I evaluate. Article after article has been written going piece by piece with the standard. My aim here is to provide a different concept about how to judge this breed. The following quote, also author unknown, may help you when you study our standard and try to apply it to live dogs. “The Norwegian Elkhound is not a cookie-cutter dog. The standard uses inconclusive words (substantial, medium, comparatively, and slightly) to describe the breed, giving ample opportunity for interpretation. However, if one or more of the breed characteristics are out of balance, the dog is undesirable for showing or breeding.” Skeletons found in caves dating back to 4000-5000 B.C. give this breed the right to claim the title of oldest domesticated dog in western Europe.

Living in Viking villages, Elkhounds protected the people and their farm animals from theft and wolves. Their battles with wolves are legendary and can be found in numerous writings. The breed is a descendant of Canis lupus—the wolf, which explains his independence. One article describes him in this way: “For all his loyalty and affection, he will never be sufficiently submissive for everyone’s taste.” It is this independence that gives him his hunting prowess. Los-hund (Norwegian for hunting free), the dog must have the ability to make his own decisions, while knowing he will need to vocally summon the hunter to finish the hunt. Imagine the bravery of a 50-pound dog cornering and holding captive a 2500-pound kicking and goring machine, sometimes for hours, and after giving chase for most of the day. The terrain of Norway is mountainous, covered with underbrush, and densely forested.

The ability to pick up a trail and follow it at a trot for hours is paramount. Now that I have laid out the physical requirements of this breed, let us find the best dog in the ring—the dog that could do the hunting job. Viewed from the side, look for a short-coupled, balanced dog. Check for good leg length—this length helps them over fallen trees and to wade through streams without getting completely soaked. Looking at the dogs from the side as they gait, a level topline should be maintained while front toes reach the tip of the nose with good push-off from the rear. They tend to move with their heads lowered. Approaching the dog, you should see courage in the dog’s eyes. These eyes should be dark brown and oval with “mascara lines” coming from the outer corners. There should be a scissors bite. Ears should be slightly smaller than their base’s width and black in color.

The dog will lay them back when relaxed or showing affection; however, judges must be able to see them erect at least once. Moving to the side of the head, you should see two equal and parallel planes with a slight stop. The muzzle should be black, and on occasion, dogs will have spectacles under the eyes, which are an undesirable marking. Fill under the eyes is most desirable. A muscular neck of good length leads you to a pair of great shoulders. Scapulas that lay on good muscling and are matched by long upper arms lead your hands to substantial bone in the leg and on to paws, which are oval and tightly closed. Elbows should be well set on deep, well-sprung ribs. We are now at the all-important ribcage for the correct Elkhound. The dog must have a comparatively long ribcage and a short coupling to be correct. The distance between the withers and tail may appear to be short, but it is the correct proportions that are essential.

There must be great heart and lung capacity for miles of ground covering and short coupling to aid in agility when avoiding the antlers and hooves that can kill. (NOTE: Approximately 3-4 fingers width should comprise the length of the coupling.) The dog should possess moderate rear angulation, well-let down hocks, and muscled thighs. The tail is high set and tightly curled, lying on the center of the back. Checking the coat, it must be harsh and flat lying for weather resistance; brushing it the other way should expose a woolly undercoat as the dog carries a double coat. The only disqualification is for a dog that is not overall gray in color.

The darkness of the coat is determined by the length of the guard hairs. A dark dog of good quality should be rewarded, as these dogs will maintain the black markings in the gene pool. There should be a black saddle, black ears, tip of tail, and muzzle. Underneath the dog, underside of tail and legs are light silver. Harness marks (longer, lighter colored hair) are distinct lines running from shoulder to elbow. In temperament, he is bold and energetic, friendly but dignified. ABOVE ALL ELSE, HE MUST BE AN ATHLETE IN ORDER TO GET THE HUNTING JOB DONE. As I quoted at the beginning of this article, the wording “the Elkhound is not a cookie-cutter dog” is very true. In your judging experiences, you may encounter dogs that do not very closely resemble the type you were shown the week before. Judges must study materials and develop a picture in their mind of what the dog should look like, then judge to that picture. I would suggest Elkhound breed type is: A hearty, grey Nordic hunting dog of great stamina and courage, good leg length, short coupling, moderate angulation, erect ears, and tightly curled tail. He is truly the hound that hunts alone.

The post Judging the Norwegian Elkhound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Kathi Molloy, Breeder of Highpoint Norwegian Elkhounds

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Kathi Molloy: I live in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with my husband, Bob. We found our first Norwegian Elkhound, “Prancer,” when we lived in Boston back in 1992. Then we got “Tellie,” and by 1997, we were ready to breed. The keeper in that litter, “Becky,” became our first bred-by champion.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Kathi Molloy: Our kennel name is Highpoint Norwegian Elkhounds, as back then, we lived in the highest point of a suburb just north of Boston. Here in Hilton Head Island, we currently live with our three Elkhounds:

• “Cliff,” who is a veteran;
• “Pink,” who just turned three;
• “Munroe” who is four months old.

In addition to these three, I also co-own four other Elkhounds that have all been shown in Conformation.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Kathi Molloy: Cliff is probably my best-known show dog. He was No. 1 All-Breed in Elkhounds back in 2019 and was handled by Paul Catterson to his Grand Champion Gold title.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Kathi Molloy: Our CH Highpoint’s Nike was a very typey and beautiful bitch, and a turning point in our breeding program. I still see her features in almost all the puppies we have had since then.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Kathi Molloy: All of our puppies are whelped and raised right in our family room adjacent to the kitchen. We have followed many of the Puppy Culture guidelines to help ensure that our puppies have a solid start on socialization.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Kathi Molloy: When trying to select for potential show puppies, I do follow much of Pat Hastings’ guidelines for choosing the best puppy for structure at eight weeks, but tend to keep them a little longer to assess movement. Breed features and type strongly weigh in the decision-making as well. Performance puppies and show puppies both need to be structurally sound.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Kathi Molloy: Recently, Pink has earned her Fast CAT title. She was No. 4 fastest in Elkhounds for 2022 and is No. 5 Lifetime to date.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Kathi Molloy: I think Conformation and Performance puppies all need to be structurally sound.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Kathi Molloy: Elkhounds need to be in good condition. It is way too easy to have an overweight Elkhound. They need to stay active with their owners to be in good weight and condition. They are bred to be a hardy, athletic dog and to trot all day in rough terrain for hunting.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Kathi Molloy: Elkhounds can be predisposed for potential renal issues and have had a higher incidence of hip dysplasia in the past. They also can be prone to sebaceous cysts. They don’t need a special diet, but adding an oil (like salmon oil) helps the coat.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kathi Molloy: There are still quite a few preservation breeders in Elkhounds. The breed tends to have a greater percentage of breeder/owner-handlers than some of the other more popular breeds.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Kathi Molloy: Elkhounds make great family dogs. They are faithful guardians and love nothing better than to spend time with their family. The best candidates are usually active people who like to walk or do things with their dogs.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Kathi Molloy: People often mistake the Elkhound for another breed such as the Siberian Husky, German Shepherd Dog, or Keeshond.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Kathi Molloy: An Elkhound is a medium, square, athletic hunting dog. Its double coat is harsh and quick-drying, to withstand the elements. It needs enough leg to get through snow and rough terrain all day, with an effortless gait. Temperament needs to be bold and energetic, not shy.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Kathi Molloy: It is important as breeders that we socialize our Elkhounds well and early.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Kathi Molloy: One of our dogs treed a black bear. Not sure if amusing is the right word, but it was certainly memorable.

Are you looking for a Norwegian Elkhound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Norwegian Elkhound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Norwegian Elkhound Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Norwegian Elkhound dog breed with articles and information in our Norwegian Elkhound Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Norwegian Elkhound Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Kathi Molloy | Highpoint Norwegian Elkhounds appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Robin Rhoden, Breeder of Aspen Norwegian Elkhounds

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Robin Rhoden: I live in Colorado. I have been in dogs for 30 years. I have bred BIS, RBIS, many Top All-Breed and Breed point dogs, National Specialty WD, Select, and many AOM, and many Regional Specialty Winners. I have been breeding for 27 years and have bred 47 champions to date.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Robin Rhoden: My kennel name is Aspen. I currently keep a dozen dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Noteworthy winners include:

• BIS BISS GCHB Aspen’s A Hard Act To Follow,
• RBIS MBISS GCHG Aspen’s It Takes A Thief,
• MBISS CH AspenRepulik Into The Wind (No. 1 Elkhound, All-Breed).

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Robin Rhoden: CH Aspen’s Class Act was bred twice, only had four girls, but all four were Multiple Group Winners. Her daughter, CH Aspen’s Playin’ To Win, is the dam of 12 champions. Her other daughter, BIS BISS GCHB Aspen’s A Hard Act To Follow, is the dam of eight champions. BISS GCHS Aspen’s The Wild Wild West is the sire to BIS and BISS get.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Robin Rhoden: I have a heated/air-conditioned, indoor/outdoor kennel building and have converted the walk-out basement into three indoor/outdoor dog runs and a grooming and bathing area. Puppies are whelped in the house and are raised in a puppy pen in the house; we have a fenced front yard where they spend their outdoor time.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Robin Rhoden: I spend many hours watching the puppies in the yard. I pick by how they handle themselves, set themselves, and use themselves. I put more emphasis on these things than evaluating them stacked on a table.

Performance puppies are selected in the puppy yard. I include tunnels, wobble boards, flat slides, etc. The fearless puppies that explore and enjoy these activities, hopefully, will continue to do so.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Robin Rhoden: I have titled multiple Obedience dogs and have titled multiple Agility dogs.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Robin Rhoden: In a good breeding, you should have dogs that are able to do both if they fit the Standard and have good temperaments.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Robin Rhoden: If Elkhounds have another dog friend and a large yard to run in, they should be able to condition themselves. Occasionally, I have road-worked a special. Even at the age of 10, Elkhounds are used to hunt moose in Norway and should hold together well enough to do so.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Robin Rhoden: Elkhounds are a pretty healthy breed, overall. There are not really any special nutrional needs, other than many are overfed and are fat (especially in the pet population). The metabolism of spayed/neutered and older dogs slows down and they don’t need a lot of food.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Robin Rhoden: Definitely NOT. Our breeder population is older and many of the great breeders have passed away, and not many new, younger breeders have stepped in. We went from a breed that had 300-400 at our National Specialties to less than 100 now.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Robin Rhoden: Yes, actually, Elkhounds are pretty adaptable. They are great family dogs.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Robin Rhoden: Well, probably the biggest misconception is that they are confused with other breeds. The public tends to think they are Akitas, Keeshounds, or wolves. The best-kept secret is that they easily adapt from being couch potatoes to being a hardy Northern hunter that can hunt moose for hours on end.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Robin Rhoden: I would like to say, think of the function of this breed. They have to be able to hunt for up to 35 miles a day in the snow and over deadfall, trailing a moose. Then they have to hold that behemoth at bay while the hunters catch up. Right now, there are two major issues in the breed that would put that ability at risk. An Elkhound is supposed to appear square, but the length of the back should be in the ribs, and the dog should be short-coupled. Right now, we have a lot of square dogs that are short-ribbed. These dogs would not have the lung capacity for a long hunt, and if the longer loin is too long, the dog will have to expend excess energy trying to keep the back level while moving.

The second issue that is putting the breed at risk of being able to do its job is that many dogs in the ring have rear ends that are out of proportion. The second thighs are too long. This causes the dogs to stand either “hocked under” or way too far behind, which causes an unstable rear. These rears will break down and not be able to hold up on the hunt over uneven ground and multiple surfaces.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Robin Rhoden: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t just listen to one person. Ask as many questions as you can. Read everything you can. Then, after you do all of that, format your own opinion.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Robin Rhoden: One of my first dogs, “Bear,” had a great sense of humor. He would actually prank other dogs and people, and then wander off and wag his tail with a smile on his face.

Are you looking for a Norwegian Elkhound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Norwegian Elkhound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Norwegian Elkhound Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Norwegian Elkhound dog breed with articles and information in our Norwegian Elkhound Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Norwegian Elkhound Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Aspen Norwegian Elkhounds | Robin Rhoden appeared first on Showsight Magazine.