Norwegian Elkhound
History ~ Gray Elkhound of Norway
By Dr. Nina P. Ross
In 1899, a group of Norwegian hunters and sportsmen established the Norsk Dyrehundklub and began to formulate the breed standard for the Elkhound. It was completed in 1906 and was revised several times, the latest in 1950. A current revision is underway. The club name was changed in 1949 to the Norsk Elghundklub. Bamse, owned by Arne Omsted, was one of the first Elkhounds to be exhibited in Norway. The first Gray Elkhound champion in Norway was Sara, bred by Ole Blegeberg, and whelped in 1912. She earned her title
ue to aim for the preservation of the natural beauty of the Gray Elkhound,
the United States. He finished in 1926, soon after the Elkhound was admitted to regular classes from the miscellaneous class. Early Elkhound kennels in America were Vindsval, Stonewall, Pitch Road, Narvikwood, Bjorn-Lass, and Stonylea. Elkhound temperament is best described as bold, energetic, and friend- ly, a necessary combination if it is to be effective as a hunter, a guardian, and a companion. Although it is independent and a bit aloof, the Elkhound is good-
English Ch. Llychlyn Morgan
its innate intelligence and rugged- ness in an on-going effort to retain it as a comrade, a guardian and a hunter, much like its ancestors that first roamed the frigid terrain of Scandinavia. Three Elkhounds were imported from Norway to the U. S. in 1913. Koik, Bimba, and Laila, owned by Gottlieb Lechner of Idaho, became the first three Elkhounds to be regis- tered by the American Kennel Club. Eleven were registered between 1914 – 1921, twelve were imported from Norway between 1923 – 1930, eighty-
A correct bitch
Ch. Crafdal Tryg’nThor’s Tufsen
in 1916. Glitre kennels became one of Norway’s most notable kennels. Other kennels contributing to the preserva- tion of the Gray Elkhound included Elgstolen, Fjeldheim, Gjetemyra, Homanskogen, Kalagerasen, Lifjell, Skromtefjell, Sokomdal, Stavsetras, Suteras, Tortasen, and Vardetoppen. Kennels in Norway during the period 1930 – 1960 were considered large if they had three or four bitches. Today, they seldom exceed two bitches. The main objective is to supply hunting dogs for themselves and their hunter friends. Kennel owners in Norway who are breeder-judges have judged Elkhounds at specialties and point shows in America. Several of the older kennels are still in existence in Norway. These breeders, as well as successful long- time breeders of Norwegian Elkhounds in many countries, contin-
natured, willing to obey its master, calm, self-assured, highly intelligent, easily handled in the show ring, and eager to go hunting. Far-seeing eyes and a keen sense of smell stimulate its hunting instinct, even though the prey may be a rabbit or squirrel in the back- yard. Many owners in the U.S. do not
have opportu- nities to hunt with their dogs, but the E l k h o u n d proves itself as a trusted and intelligent companion, content with a gentle pat on the head when it has pleased its master. ■
Ch. Vin-Melca’s Vickssen
nine were registered in 1934, and one hundred fifty in 1935. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America (NEAA), orga- nized in 1934, was approved by the AKC in 1936. Ch. Grimm of Lifjell, a Norwegian import, was the first Elkhound to finish a championship in
Dr. Nina P. Ross
186 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE • J UNE 2011
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