Information on AKC Norwegian Elkhound Puppies
Norwegian Elkhound Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy gray hunting dog. In appearance, a typical
northern dog of medium size and substance, square in profile, close coupled
and balanced in proportions. The head is broad with prick ears, and the tail
is tightly curled and carried over the back. The distinctive gray coat is dense
and smooth lying. As a hunter, the Norwegian Elkhound has the courage, agility
and stamina to hold moose and other big game at bay by barking and dodging attack,
and the endurance to track for long hours in all weather over rough and varied
terrain.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height at the withers for dogs is 20½ inches, for bitches
19½ inches. Weight for dogs about 55 pounds, for bitches
about 48 pounds.
Square in profile and close coupled. Distance from brisket to ground appears
to be half the height at the withers. Distance from forechest to rump equals
the height at the withers. Bone is substantial, without being coarse.
Head
Head broad at the ears, wedge shaped, strong and dry (without
loose skin). Expression keen, alert, indicating a dog with
great courage. Eyes very dark brown, medium in size, oval,
not protruding. Ears set high, firm and erect, yet very mobile.
Comparatively small; slightly taller than their width at the base with pointed
(not rounded) tips. When the dog is alert, the orifices turn forward and
the outer edges are vertical. When relaxed or showing affection, the ears
go back, and the dog should not be penalized for doing this during the judge's
examination.
Viewed from the side, the forehead and back of the skull are only
slightly arched; the stop not large, yet clearly defined. The
muzzle is thickest at the base and, seen from above or from the
side, tapers evenly without being pointed. The bridge of the nose
is straight, parallel to and about the same length as the skull. Lips
are tightly closed and teeth meet in a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of medium length, muscular, well set up with a slight arch
and with no loose skin on the throat. Topline--The back is straight
and strong from its high point at the withers to the root of the tail. The body
is short and close-coupled with the rib cage accounting for most of its length.
Chest deep and moderately broad; brisket level with points of
elbows; and ribs well sprung. Loin short and wide with very little
tuck-up. Tail set high, tightly curled, and carried over the centerline
of the back. It is thickly and closely haired, without brush. natural and untrimmed.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping with elbows closely set on. Legs well under
body and medium in length; substantial, but not coarse, in bone. Seen from the
front, the legs appear straight and parallel. Single dewclaws are normally present.
Feet--Paws comparatively small, slightly oval with tightly closed
toes and thick pads. Pasterns are strong and only slightly bent. Feet turn neither
in nor out.
Hindquarters
Moderate angulation at stifle and hock. Thighs are broad and well
muscled. Seen from behind, legs are straight, strong and without dewclaws. Feet
as in front.
Coat
Thick, hard, weather resisting and smooth lying; made up of soft, dense, woolly
undercoat and coarse, straight covering hairs. Short and even on head, ears,
and front of legs; longest on back of neck, buttocks and underside of tail.
The coat is not altered by trimming, clipping or artificial treatment. Trimming
of whiskers is optional. In the show ring, presentation in a natural, unaltered
condition is essential.
Color
Gray, medium preferred, variations in shade determined by the length of
black tips and quantity of guard hairs. Undercoat is clear light silver
as are legs, stomach, buttocks, and underside of tail. The gray body color
is darkest on the saddle, lighter on the chest, mane and distinctive harness
mark (a band of longer guard hairs from shoulder to elbow). The muzzle,
ears and tail tip are black. The black of the muzzle shades to lighter gray
over the forehead and skull.
Yellow or brown shading, white patches, indistinct or irregular markings, "sooty"
coloring on the lower legs and light circles around the eyes are undesirable.
Any overall color other than gray as described above, such as red, brown, solid
black, white or other solid color, disqualifies.
Gait
Normal for an active dog constructed for agility and endurance. At a trot the
stride is even and effortless; the back remains level. As the speed of the trot
increases, front and rear legs converge equally in straight lines toward a center
line beneath the body, so that the pads appear to follow in the same tracks
(single track). Front and rear quarters are well balanced in angulation and
muscular development.
Temperament
In temperament, the Norwegian Elkhound is bold and energetic, an effective guardian
yet normally friendly, with great dignity and independence of character.
Summary
The Norwegian Elkhound is a square and athletic member of the northern dog family.
His unique coloring, weather resistant coat and stable disposition make him
an ideal multipurpose dog at work or at play.
Disqualifications
An overall color other than gray.
Approved December 13, 1988
Effective February 1, 1989
