Norwegian Elkhound dog

 Norwegian Elkhound dog
Norwegian Elkhound is a breed of dog, hunting dog, Norwegian Elkhound dog has the courage, agility and endurance, Norwegian Elkhound - a bold and energetic dog, good guard, but usually friendly.
Comrade Vikings guard lonely farms and hamlets, shepherd and protector of wolves and bears, the eternal hunter and companion brave travelers - Norwegian Elkhound has reached us through the over six thousand years, preserving the purity of all of their Nordic features of this fearless and friendly dog, faithful man, and hunting. On it we read in the sagas, her remains found next to the host Vikings and his weapon - a true testimony of respect, which she enjoyed Vpeschere Vist near Yaerena, in western Norway, was found the skeleton among Elkhound stone implements in the archaeological layer relating to the 4000 - 5000 years BC. er.
'Dog are selected and bred for its working qualities, acquired its distinctive style in a natural way. She does not prescribe any form: it does not cram in any pre-devised standard, its structure and rare beauty, like a thoroughbred horse, emerged because of the natural features of residence. Every physical characteristic is the expression of specific needs. Its compactness, strength of muscles, square format and size are a true expression of the requirements of nature to the dog that day after day to hunt from dawn to dusk on the terrain where you want more endurance than an extraordinary rate.
Although many countries Elkhound know and love, probably in the first place for his charm and sensitivity in relation to man, for reliability and ability to quickly learn and adapt to any conditions and circumstances, we should not forget that he was always matchless hunter big game.
Many years ago, still bears were carried out in Norway, but today they have almost disappeared, and the local breed is mainly used for hunting elk. One hundred years ago, the Englishman Captain Lloyd, an excellent hunter and author of the fascinating books in his spare time was a description of bear hunting in Norway, and since then everyone who had a chance to see how the Elkhound in the woods at home, to join his praise of the dog

 Norwegian Elkhound dog
Large male Norwegian Elkhound dog
Sensory organs Elkhound developed almost to intuition. We often read, but if you're lucky, and see himself as an experienced dog distinguishes between the smell at a distance of three - five miles or light poskulivaniem lets you know your master that they scare the elk and let him run at a time when feelings of the person can not catch no sign, on which a dog is found. It applies to moose. Knowing full well that moose can outrun her, she keeps the animal is simply barking attract his attention. Often elk away before the hunter arrives, making their way over rough terrain. Dog, assuming that elk again soon stop if it does not sound spugnet or vats, quietly and very gently in the wind follows its prey before Sheaf not overtake her. After a while the moose began to irritate a small animal, not giving him a rest, and he attacks the Elkhound, making wide sweeps of its huge horns and trying to hit her with his terrible hooves. But now Elkhound, which due to its short back can "jump like a ball," as Aaflota just cleverly bounces off these attacks, a loud and barking furiously to his sonorous voice could hear the host.

  Norwegian Elkhound dog
Elkhound is well adapted to hunting on any four-game, and soon became an expert on the trot, pume and raccoons. Sir Henry Pottinzher argues that Elkhound to the same excellent stalking fox. He also says: "There is no sure way to get close to the capercaillie, grouse and other forest birds than with a dog of this breed on a long leash, holding it in your hand or fastened to a belt and put the dog in front of the hunter."
Elkhound extremely versatile dog its abilities developed through constant communication with a man in search of game. To participate in exhibitions, he began only in 1877 when the Association of Norwegian hunters held its first exhibition. Shortly thereafter, were tested issued earlier genealogies, established the first manufacturers, published studbook (Norsk Hundestambak) and made standard. Prior to that, there was an intermediate type of the variety of dogs in different parts of the country, but if we look at pictures of famous dogs, pride Studbook, which is famous as the ETSI Bems Graham (Old Bems belonged consul Graham), we see that there already exist all the essential elements of modern show dog, and they just need a little improvement, sanded

 Norwegian Elkhound dog
Muscular Norwegian Elkhound dog on the river coast
By the end of the century the breed has developed rapidly, and although truly large nurseries were not enough, there were many experienced breeders that is committed to improving the Elkhound, and when the Norwegian Kennel Club (Norsk Kennelklub) established its annual exhibition in Oslo, the Elkhound has a large contribution of Norway breeding dogs. Since Elkhound increasingly trafficked to other countries, and his friendly disposition, intelligence, fortitude, dedication, desire to give pleasure, sensitivity and courage, confidence everywhere have won him popularity, which is increasingly supported by a companionable character than great hunting abilities .
Norwegian Elkhound. Official Standard
Approved December 13, 1988
General view. Norwegian Elkhound - hardy gray hunting dog. For its appearance - it is a typical northern dog of medium size and build, square format, with the short loin and harmonious proportions. The head is broad with erect ears, tail wrapped in a thick ring on the back. The typical gray adjacent thick coat. As a hunting dog, Norwegian Elkhound has the courage, agility and endurance, she is able to retain and not to allow themselves to elk and other big game, barking and agile attack, and endure many hours of sleuthing in all weather over rough terrain and underbrush.
Growth, proportion, composition. Height: Males - 52 cm, females - 49.5 cm Weight: males - about 25 kg, females - about 22 kg. Dog square format, with a short loin. The distance from the bottom of the chest to the ground is about half the height at the withers. Distance from humeroscapular joint to point of buttock equal to height at the withers. The backbone of a strong but not rude.
The head is broad between the ears, wedge-shaped, firm and dry (without excess skin). Expression of the eyes insightful, lively, indicating the great courage. The eyes are dark brown, medium size, oval, not protruding. Ears set high, strong and upright, but very moving. Relatively small, their height is slightly larger than the width at the base, with sharp (not rounded) ends. When alert ears turned forward, and their outer edges are vertical. When the dog is at rest or displaying his affection, the ears are tilted backwards, what needs to remember the expert. When viewed from the side of the forehead and the back of the skull is only slightly bulging, transition from forehead to muzzle is not sharp, but pronounced, the muzzle is deep at the base, gradually tapering to an end, but not pointed. Spin-T ka nose is straight, parallel and nearly equal in length to the skull. Lips tight, scissor bite

Norwegian Elkhound dog
Elkhound Hunting dog
Neck, Topline, Body. The neck is medium length, muscular, high-pitched, slightly arched, without dewlap. Topline is straight and strong from withers to base of tail. Housing is short and compact, most of its length falls on the chest. Chest deep and moderately wide, comes up to the elbows, ribs protruding. Loins short and broad, slightly convex. Tail Set high, tightly curled into a ring, carried over the center line of the back. Covered with dense hair, with no suspension, natural and uncut.
Forequarters. Scapula oblique, elbows under the withers. Limbs placed under the body, medium length, with a strong but not coarse bone. Seen from the front legs are straight and parallel to each other. The pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. Feet rather small, slightly oval with tightly closed toes and thick pads. Feet turning neither in nor out.
Hind limbs. Angulation of knee and hock moderate. Thighs broad and muscular. When viewed from the rear legs are straight, strong, 6c: t dewclaws. Paw - like forelimbs.
Coat. Wool is thick, tough, weatherproof, flat, consists of soft, dense, fluffy undercoat and coarse, straight top coat. Short and straight to the head, ears, front legs, longest on the neck, hips and lower part of the tail. Wool is not subjected to shearing, thinning or other artificial process. Whiskers can be cut. On the show ring is very important to present the dog in its natural state.
Color gray, preferably medium shade options determined by the length of black tips and a density of top coat. Undercoat pale silver, like the limbs, abdomen, back thighs and lower part of the tail. The main body of gray color is darkest on the saddle, lighter on chest, nape, and a characteristic band in the form of the harness (the band a long top coat from shoulder to elbow). The muzzle, ears and tail tip black. Black color on the face turns into a light gray on the forehead and skull.
Disadvantages: yellow or brown tints, white patches, indistinct or irregular markings, "black" at the bottom of the limbs and bright circles around the eyes.
ELIMINATING FAULTS: Any solid color other than gray, such as red, brown, black, Belgium or any other.
Movement of the ordinary for an energetic dog, from which you want speed and endurance. Trot step smooth and easy, the back remains straight. As the acceleration lynx front and rear legs close to the center line under the body so that feet are in the tracks. Front and rear legs balanced in the angular correlation and the development of muscles.
Summary. The Norwegian Elkhound is a family of northern dogs and has a square format and athletic. His unique color, weatherproof wool and even temper make Norwegian Elkhound ideal