Also known as the Norwegian Elkhound (originally Elghund, meaning "
elk dog"), this breed is probably the oldest and most unchanged member of the
Spitz family, which includes the
Akita,
Keeshond,
Chow Chow, and
American Eskimo breeds. The oldest evidence of the breed's relationship with man dates to about 4000-5000 BC.
Skeletons of elkhound-type dogs were discovered at the
Viste Cave site at
Jaeren in
Norway.
Best known for being the "dog of the
Vikings," appearing in many
Norse and other legends as companions to various
mythical figures, these compact, tough dogs were and still are used as
trackers,
watchdogs,
sheepdogs, and
sled dogs. Like other Spitz breeds they have a nearly limitless
stamina, and are intelligent, though they are generally not
pack animals like
Huskies or Akitas. They are (sometimes fiercely) loyal to their families, but are a bit
high-strung and males should be kept separate to prevent fighting.
They are gentle around children, but are
excitable and tend to be "
naughty," though never
vicious or
violent to humans. Their thick coats allow them to thrive in the
subarctic climate of the
Scandanavian countries, but they have also been bred in
Great Britain and
the United States with some success.
Although the elkhound is not a huge dog, males measuring about 52 cm and weighing in at about 23 kg (bitches slightly less), a single dog is often capable of tracking and holding a full-grown
elk (which is a pretty monstrous animal) until the
hunter arrives. They have also been used to track
wolves,
moose,
reindeer,
bear,
badger, and
lynx.
As a show breed, the Norwegian Hunters Association first showed the dog in 1877, shortly thereafter establishing a
breeding standard, and
stud books and records. In 1923, the British Elkhound Society was founded, and in 1930 the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America followed. I believe the elkhound is classified as a
Non-sporting dog for show (as are most
spitz dogs), but if anyone can correct me, please do.
http://www.elkhound.com/
http://www.barkbytes.com/history/amesk.htm
http://www.gardening-uk.com/dogs/breeds/texts/elkhound.html
written for wertperch's nodeshell challenge