Elkhound Dog Breed

Norway

Despite its long history, the Elkhound is a manufactured breed. At the beginning of the 20^th Century, the Scandinavian Kennel Club designated a commission which purpose was to stipulate about the existing relationship between some local varieties of Pomeranian dogs and determine which aspect the Scandinavian Elkhound should have. As the result for the Committee deliberations, a dog, very similar to that of the current Elkhound was the most preferred type. Once decided the case, most part of breeders will concentrate in this type of accepted Elkhound, the other local variations were relegated to oblivion. However, already in 1877 the Elkhound was designated a Norwegian breed standard, and from then on, it is acknowledged as a national breed.

The Elkhound should give the impression of a dog with great vivaciousness, very brave and gifted with great energy – actually, the class of animal one may expect to be able to hunt reindeers. – It has a cot formed face, dark colored eyes, pointed ears, and with great flexibility. The tail is very short and curved over the loin. The coat is thick and abundant, larger on the buttocks, behind the shoulderquarters, around the neck and tail.

The color has several grey tones, lighter on the inferior part of the body. Its height at withers is about 52 cm for male dogs and 49 for female dogs.