Black Norwegian Elkhound vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Black Norwegian Elkhound vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but American Pit Bull Terrier is originated from United States. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than American Pit Bull Terrier. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than American Pit Bull Terrier. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and American Pit Bull Terrier has same life span. Black Norwegian Elkhound may have less litter size than American Pit Bull Terrier. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and American Pit Bull Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

black norwegian elkhound - historyThe Black Norwegian Elkhound was first bred in Norway in the early part of the 19th century as a smaller version of the Grey Norwegian Elkhound. The Black version is a Spitz and is very seldom seen anywhere in world but Norway. He is designed for the same job that the Grey Norwegian Elkhound performed. The difference is that the Black Norwegian is smaller, easier to see in the snow and ice of Norway and smaller than the Grey. It is a hunter, a herder, a guard dog and a watch dog. Because of the temperatures in Norway it was very important to have a hunting dog that was able to deal with the cold, the snow and the heavy fall rains in Norway and Scandinavia. The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a powerful and prideful dog. Much more so than the grey, he is independent and strongminded. It is highly intelligent and is one of the most ancient of breeds. He is more durable and more quarrelsome than his cousin the Grey Norwegian Elkhound or the more familiar Swedish Elkhound.

Ancestors of the Black date back to the first days human kind went hunting around 4000-5000BC. There have been skeletons of dogs very much like the Black Norwegian Elkhound found that dated back to that time period. They hunted and guarded for the Vikings and pulled sleds as well. They hunted deer, moose, badger, elk, mountain lions, bears, wolves, lynx, rabbit and reindeer. They are trackers who hold their quarry at bay by barking until the hunter can find them. Today they serve as loved family pets and guard dogs. In a National Emergency the leader of Norway can call up all the privately-owned elkhounds of any kind and assign them to work in a variety of sledding duties. Within the FCI, the Black Norwegian Elkhound is classified as a primitive Nordic hunting dog.

american pit bull terrier - historyThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Norway
United States
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
8 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Colors Available:
black
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

black norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a short compact Spitz with dark eyes and a curly tail. It is the coat that sets this dog apart. It is an all-weather coat suitable for the cold, the snow and the rain of Norway. Ears are pointed and erect while the head is wedged and broad. His head is almost like that of a wolf. Its body is strong and compact. Its coat is coarse, short and double. He has a broad black nose with a straight bridge and with black lips and dark brown oval eyes. His legs and withers are strong boned and powerful with well padded feet to protect it from the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia.

american pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

Characteristics

black norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsThis dog was made for families. He loves children and is not a one person dogs. He gets attached to everyone in the family. However, he is smart and stubborn. He loves to join in with whatever the family is doing but he does it to please himself not his owner. He loves, loves, loves to play and has the stamina to do so all day long. He is agile, bold, independent, strong, curious and loyal. His loyalty can be territorial, and he can become protective of his home and his family. This makes him an excellent watchdog until your friends come to visit and he won’t let them in the house. You need a high fence to keep him safe in your own yard and away from strangers and even guests till he gets to know them.He tends to be dominant and aggressive with other dogs. They also have strong hunting instincts.

american pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

Health Problems

black norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a strong and hardy dog, though he is susceptible to some of the problems many breeds face. These include issues with luxating patella, optical entropion, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome. The most serious of these is the Fanconi Syndrome which is an abnormal functioning in the tubules of the kidneys. This can be a life-threatening situation.

american pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

Caring The Pet

black norwegian elkhound dogs - caringThis is an energetic active dog, or she should be. Feed her high nutritious food twice a day. Do not overfeed.

The most potentially troublesome health issue is Fanconi Syndrome. This kidney disorder can impact the of the body’s absorption of electrolytes, water and nutrients. These nutrients include Sodium, Potassium, Glucose, Phosphate, Amino Acids and Phosphate

The Black Norwegian Elkhound loves to play, and they love to work. Exercise is vital, but it must be one of those two things – play or work. Don’t leave him alone to figure it out for himself or you wont like what this intelligent dog decides to do. She needs a large yard, a long walk daily but jogging with you is even better. Make him heel when on leash or he will think he oversees you. These are roaming dogs who will follow a scent anywhere and ignore your commands for her to come to you. They are better off on a leash unless you are in a dog park or a fenced yard.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is great at all dog athletics, games and sports such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, tracking, herding.

Feeding

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Cur vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  6. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Queensland Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. German Coolie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Croatian Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Red Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  13. New Zealand Huntaway vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwegian Buhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Mudi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Schapendoes vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  18. Nenets Herding Laika vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Scotch Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Smithfield vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  21. Smooth Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  23. Swedish Lapphund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  24. Swedish Vallhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Thai Bangkaew vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  26. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  28. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Schnauzer vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fox Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Bull and Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Bedlington Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Lakeland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Jagdterrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Paul Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Indian Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Brazilian Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds