Norwegian Elkhound

It takes a brave dog to track a moose, and that's what Norwegian Elkhounds did for thousands of years. Hunting through snowy forests with their Stone Age human companions, they would go in search of large prey--moose, elk, or bear. They worked ahead of the hunter. When they found the animal, they trapped it in a corner of underbrush, then they barked loudly to call their master.

Over the thousands of years that it has existed, the Norwegian Elkhound has looked just as it does now. Nature made him strong and clever, so he could be a good hunter. His thick, soft, gray coat can stand the cold and snow of Norway. And his noble, playful ways have made him a beloved friend. It's no wonder that the Elkhound was cherished by the Vikings. Puppies are born black and lighten as they grow.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: A hardy, medium-sized dog, square in profile with a dense gray coat, courageous and strong.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 201/2 inches at withers females, 191/2 inches. Weight--males, about 55 pounds; females, about 48 pounds.

Fun Facts

Norwegian Elkhounds have tightly curled tails and gray, silver, and black coats. Ears, muzzle, and tail tip are black. Eyes are dark brown. A stripe of black called the "harness mark" runs down his shoulders. The downy soft undercoat sheds out about twice a year. Brushing helps keep it under control, but expect lots of it. That undercoat insulates the dog against cold as well as hot weather.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.