The Breed History
Six thousand years ago is the estimated timeline given for the
origins of this ancient breed, also termed the "Dog of the Vikings".
Archeological records show skeletal remains that match the breed in
size and constitution dating from between 4000-5000 BC alongside
stone weapon remnants. The first breed standard was drawn up in
1877. This is one of the Scandinavian elkhounds (Swedish Elkhound,
Norwegian Buhund are others) included in the Spitz dog family. AKC
recognition occurred in1913.
Breeding for Function
Working as a chicken and duck herder, a guard dog, hunter for
moose, elk, lynx, raccoon, fox and bear and as a sled dog, this
was truly a versatile dog. Courageous enough to defend against
bear and wolf, but gentle enough to be a companion. Stamina
is a hallmark of the breed rather than extreme speed. Their
short-coupled stature allows them the agility to hold quarry at bay;
avoiding harm while sounding a strong voice for the hunter.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 19.5" (49.5 cm), male 20.5" (cm)
Weight: females 48 lb (22 kg), males 55 lb (25 kg)
Coat: They have a distinctive double gray coat. Hairs are straight,
and the coat lies smoothly. The overcoat hairs are black-tipped. The
undercoat is wooly and dense and silvery shaded as is the underside
and legs of the dog. There is a black tip on the tail; ears and muzzle
are also black. They undergo twice-yearly shedding and have
moderate grooming needs and no doggy odor.
Longevity: 12-13 years
Points of Conformation: These dogs possess heavy bone and
well-developed musculature and a compact conformation. The
wedge-shaped head is broad and ears are held pricked up. The
high-set tail is carried curled over the back. Eyes are medium-sized,
oval, and dark brown in color. The stop is clearly defined, skull is
broad, and the muzzle tapers. The neck is muscular, of medium
length and slightly arched, without throatiness. The thorax is large
and deep, and the ribs well sprung. The topline gradually slopes
down to the rear. The legs are straight boned, dewclaws are usually
left on, and paws are small with a compact oval shape. The gait is
smooth and ground covering.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed attributes include: Intelligent, reliable, enjoys close
human companionship, loyal, friendly, good alarm barker and
watchdog, and will capably protect home and family. These dogs
are eager to please. They have very high exercise needs. Noted to
be sensitive, independent and headstrong, this type of dog needs
mental stimulation to prevent boredom vices. Though needing
human companionship, they are aloof with strangers. They are good
with older, mature children, and may see small pets as prey. If off
leash, they must be in a fenced enclosure because they are prone to
roaming.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Tendency to become obese without dietary restriction.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative
joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 19.5% affected. Reported
at a frequency of 23% in the NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar ligaments,
causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treat
surgically if causing clinical signs. Too few Norwegian Elkhounds
have been screened by OFA to determine an accurate frequency.
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow
arthritis. Too few Norwegian Elkhounds have been screened by OFA
to determine an accurate frequency.
Early Retinal Degeneration (ERD): An autosomal recessive
early onset form of progressive retinal atropy. Affected dogs are
nightblind by 6 weeks of age, and become totally blind between
12- and 18 months. No genetic test is available. CERF does not
recommend breeding affected dogs.
Rod Dysplasia (RD): An autosomal recessive form of PRA
manifested by night blindness by 6 months of age, and total
blindness at 3-5 years. No genetic test is available. CERF does not
recommend breeding affected dogs.
Chondrodysplasia: Autosomal recessive dwarfism in the Norwegian
Elkhound occurrs due to a generalized disturbance in endochondral
ossification. Radiographic changes included flaring and increased
width of the distal metaphyses of the radius and ulna, delayed
ossification of the cuboid bones of the carpus, and reduction in
length of the vertebral bodies. A direct genetic test is available.
Sry Negative XX Sex-Reversal: Autosomal recessive disorder of
sexual differentiation. Affected dogs can appear to be female with
enlarged clitori, or male with bilateral aspermatogenic testes. All have a 78 XX karyotype. Gonads can be ovotestes, but lack Sry, the
testis-determining gene. No genetic test is available.
Disease Predispositions
Sebaceous Cysts: Benign accumulation of sebum within plugged
hair follicles. Reported at a frequency of 20.8% in the NEAA Health
Survey 2007 Summary.
Allergies: Inhalant or food allergy. Presents with pruritis (itching)
and pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots). Reported at a frequency of
5.2% in the NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary.
Cataracts: Posterior and equatorial cortex intermediate cataracts
predominate in the breed. Age of onset 1-3 years. Identified in
3.87% of Norwegian Elkhounds CERF examined by veterinary
ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. Reported at a frequency of
12.3% in the NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary. CERF does not
recommend breeding any Norwegian Elkhound with a cataract.
Hypothyroidism: Inherited autoimmune thyroiditis. 3.1% positive
for thyroid auto-antibodies based on testing at Michigan State
University. (Ave. for all breeds is 7.5%). Reported at a frequency of
2.4% in the NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary.
Primary (Narrow Angle) Glaucoma: Ocular condition causing
increased pressure within the eyeball, and secondary blindness
due to damage to the retina. The breed can have primary
goniodysgenesis with pectinate ligament dysplasia and/or
trabecular meshwork dysplasia. Many affected dogs have cystic
degeneration of the iridociliary epithelial and/or peripheral retina.
Age of onset of 4-7 years. Classified as an open-angle, closed-cleft
glaucoma. Diagnose with tonometry and gonioscopy. Dorn reports a
3.48x odds ratio for glaucoma versus other breeds. Incidence in the
Norwegian Elkhound is estimated at 1.98%.
Persistent Pupillary Membranes: Strands of fetal remnant
connecting; iris to iris, cornea, lens, or involving sheets of tissue.
The later three forms can impair vision, and dogs affected with
these forms should not be bred. Identified in 1.83% of Norwegian
Elkhounds CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between
2000-2005.
Idiopathic Epilepsy: Inherited seizures. Control with anticonvulsant
medication. Seizures are reported at a frequency of 1.8% in the
NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary.
Distichiasis: Abnormally placed eyelashes that irritate the cornea
and conjunctiva. Can cause secondary corneal ulceration. Identified
in 1.63% of Norwegian Elkhounds CERF examined by veterinary
ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Mast Cell Tumor (MCT): Skin tumors that produce histamine,
causing inflammation and ulceration. They can reoccur locally or
with distant metastasis. Reported at a frequency of 1.6% in the
NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Causes chronic bouts of diarrhea.
Control with diet and/or medications. Reported at a frequency of
1.4% in the NEAA Health Survey 2007 Summary.2
Juvenile Renal Disease: A kidney basement membrane disorder
causing an impaired ability to concentrate urine, and progressive
azotemia. Periglomerular and interstitial fibrosis are the earliest
renal lesions. Results of glomerular counts, kidney size, and
dissection of the nephron indicated that nephron numbers and size
are adequate early in the disease, but that numbers decrease as
the disease progresses. Dorn reports a 9.41x odds ratio for kidney
disease versus other breeds. Unknown mode of inheritance.
Renal Glucosuria/Fanconi Syndrome: Causes glucosuria,
hyposthenuria, metabolic acidosis, hyperchloremia, and reduction
in glomerular filtration rate. May be part of Norwegian Elkhound
juvenile renal disease, or a separate inherited disorder. In a study
of Norwegian Elkhounds at dog show in Norway, 27.3% had
glucosuria. Dorn reports a 9.41x odds ratio for kidney disease versus
other breeds. Unknown mode of inheritance. Diagnose by finding
glucosuria with normal blood glucose levels, and urine amino acids.
A phenotypic test is available.
Diabetes Mellitus: Sugar diabetes caused by a lack of insulin
production by the pancreas. Controlled by insulin injections, diet,
and glucose monitoring. Reported at an increased frequency versus
other breeds, with a female predominance. Unknown mode of
inheritance.
Intracutaneous Cornifying Epithelioma: Benign skin tumors
consisting of keratin-filled crypts in the dermis and subcutis that
open to the skin surface. Most of these tumors occur on the back,
neck, sides of the thorax, and the shoulders. Usually occur prior to
5 years of age, with a male predominance. Etretinate treatment is
successful in 50% of affected dogs.
Brachygnathism, Ciliary Dyskenesia, Entropion, Oligodontia,
Osteochondrodysplasia, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and
Prognathism are reported.
Isolated Case Studies
None Reported
Genetic Tests
Tests of Genotype: Direct test for chondrodysplasia is available
from Genoscoper: www.genoscoper.com.
Tests of Phenotype: CHIC Certification: Required testing includes
hip radiograph, CERF eye examination (minimum 5 years of age),
thyroid profile including autoantibodies (minimum 5 years of age),
and kidney disease screening with urine protein:creatinine ratio
(minimum of 5 years of age). Optional recommended tests include
elbow radiographs, patella examination, and urine amino acid test
for Fanconi syndrome from PennGen. (See CHIC website; www.
caninehealthinfo.org).
Recommend cardiac examination.
Urine amino acid test for Fanconi syndrome is available from
PennGen.
Miscellaneous
- Breed name synonyms: Elkhound, Norsk Elghund, Grahund, Gray
Norwegian Elkhound, Norsk Elghund (Gra).
- Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC, ANKC (Australian National Kennel
Club), NKC (National Kennel Club)
- AKC rank (year 2008): 100 (544 dogs registered)
- Internet resources: Norwegian Elkhound Association of
America: www.neaa.net
Norwegian Elkhound Club of Canada: www.elkhounds.net/necc/
Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain: www.necgb.co.uk/
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