Discover the history, purpose, and essential traits of the Norwegian Elkhound, a sturdy, athletic hunting breed with a rich legacy
Leslie Forrest & Patricia Viken
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This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, September 2013 issue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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