East German Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than East German Shepherd. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than East German Shepherd. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Black Norwegian Elkhound may have less litter size than East German Shepherd. Black Norwegian Elkhound requires Low Maintenance. But East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
Norway
Germany
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 9
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
black
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
double, dense
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

black norwegian elkhoundThe 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.

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

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.

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

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.

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

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.

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

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

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. East German Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. East German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. East German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. East German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. East German Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. East German Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. East German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. East German Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. East German Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. East German Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. East German Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. East German Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. East German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. East German Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. East German Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. East German Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. East German Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. East German Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. East German Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. East German Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. East German Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. East German Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison