Norwegian Elkhound

　　Alias: Gray Norwegian Elkhound

　　English Name: Norwegian Elkhound

　　Weight: (Male) about 55 pounds

　　(Female) about 48 pounds

　　Size: (Male) about 20.5 inches

　　(Female) about 19.5 inches

　　Origin: Norway

　　 Breed Introduction

　　Originating from Norway, the breed dates back to the 11th century.

　　Paleolithic era fossil remains excavated in Norway are the same species as the modern Norwegian Elkhound, making its origin very ancient. It was long ago used for hunting alongside Scandinavian hunters and later traveled across the sea with the Vikings to the continent. It is a brave gray hunting dog. In appearance, it is a typical northern breed, medium-sized, square in outline, sturdy, compact, and well-proportioned. The head is broad with erect ears, and the tail is slightly curled over the back. The distinctive gray coat is thick and smooth. As a hunting dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is brave, lively, and persistent, able to drive moose or other large animals into dead ends by barking and evade attacks. It is enduring and capable of working for long periods in various climate and rugged terrain conditions. Its traditional prey includes rabbits, deer, lynx, bears, moose, and more, spanning a wide variety. It arrived in Britain after World War I and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935. Nowadays, except for some areas in its native Scandinavia where it is still used for hunting, it is no longer regarded as a hunting dog elsewhere, but has transitioned into a friendly, gentle family companion and show dog.

　　Standard

　　Norwegian Elkhound Introduction

　　The Norwegian Elkhound is a brave gray hunting dog. In appearance, it is a typical northern dog of medium size, with a square outline, sturdy, compact, and well-proportioned. The head is broad with erect ears, and the tail is slightly curled over the back. The distinctive gray coat is thick and smooth. As a hunting dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is courageous, lively, and persistent, able to drive moose or other large animals into dead ends by barking and evade attacks. It has endurance and can work for long periods under various climate and rugged terrain conditions.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Size

　　Height at shoulder: male about 20.5 inches; female about 19.5 inches. Weight: male about 55 pounds; female about 48 pounds.

Square outline, compactly joined. The distance from the ground to the bottom of the chest is half the height at the shoulder, and the length from the forechest to the rump equals the height at the shoulder.

Bone is strong but not coarse.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Head

　　Head: broad between the ears, wedge-shaped, solid and dry (no loose skin).

　　Expression: eager, alert, showing great courage. Eyes: very deep brown, medium size, oval, not protruding. Ears: set high, stable erect ears but very flexible. Fairly small, height slightly larger than width at the base, tips pointed (not rounded). When alert, ears turn forward with the outer edges erect. When relaxed or showing friendliness, ears turn backward, so this is not a fault when seen by judges.

　　Skull: Viewed from the side, the forehead and back of the head have a very slight arch. Stop: not large but clearly defined. Muzzle: viewed from above the side, the base is thick and smoothly tapering, not pointed. Bridge of nose: straight, parallel to the head with the same length as the head. Mouth: tightly closed. Teeth: scissor bite.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Neck, Backline, Body

　　Neck: medium length, muscular, well positioned, slightly arched, no loose skin on the throat. Backline: straight and solid back from the withers to the base of the tail. Body: short and compactly joined, ribs extend sufficiently to the rear. Chest: deep, medium width; chest floor extends to the elbows, ribs well supported. Loin: short and wide, very slightly tucked up. Tail: set high, tightly curled over the back, passing the dorsal midline. The tail is covered with thick and dense hair, not brushy, natural and untrimmed.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Forequarters

　　Shoulder blades slanting, elbows close to the body. Legs: located under the body, medium length; sturdy; bones not coarse. Viewed from the front, legs are straight and parallel. Usually has a dewclaw. Paws: fairly small, somewhat oval, toes tight, pads thick. Hocks solid and slightly sloping. Paws are neither turned inward nor outward.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Hindquarters

　　Knees and hocks moderately angulated. Thighs: wide and muscular, viewed from the rear legs are straight, firm, no dewclaws. Paws: same as forelegs.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Coat

　　Thick, harsh, weather-resistant, lying flat on the body; composed of dense, soft, woolly undercoat and coarse, straight outer coat; hair on the head, ears, and front of the legs is short; hair behind the neck, on the rump, and under the tail is long. The coat must not be trimmed, shaped, or altered by artificial means. In shows, beard trimming is allowed. Natural, unaltered appearance is very important.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Temperament

　　The Norwegian Elkhound temperament is bold and lively, a strong-willed guard dog but generally friendly, possessing a noble and independent character.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Gait

　　Usually a lively dog, appearing agile and enduring. At a trot, the gait is smooth and effortless; the back remains level. As speed increases, the front and hind legs converge under the body center, so the footfalls appear on a single track. Angles of front and hind limbs coordinate, muscular and strong.

　　Norwegian Elkhound Colors

　　Gray, medium depth preferred, varying in shade due to number of hairs and black tips. Undercoat is a clear bright silver, seen on legs, belly, rump, and under the tail. The saddle area on the body has a darker gray, while the chest, mane, and distinctive armor (the long strip of hair from shoulder blades to elbows) are lighter in color. The muzzle, ears, and tail tip are black. The black muzzle transitions into a pale gray forehead and head.

　　Yellow or brown shades, white patches, blurred or irregular markings, grayish underlegs, or light rings around the eyes are undesirable. Any colors other than gray, such as red, brown, solid black, white or others are disqualifying.

[Norwegian Elkhound Disqualifications]

Any color other than gray.

[Norwegian Elkhound Summary]

Norwegian Elkhound is a square-proportioned, athletic northern dog. Its unique color, weather-resistant coat, and stable structure make it an excellent versatile dog, performing well in work or play.