Mountain Cur vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Mountain Cur vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Mountain Cur is originated from United States. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Mountain Cur. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Mountain Cur. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Mountain Cur has almost same life span. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Mountain Cur has almost same litter size. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Mountain Cur requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
undefined
Norway
United States
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
41 - 61 cm
16 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
12 - 25 kg
26 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
MC
Colors Available:
black
yellow, brown, blue, or brindle white on face and chest
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
short
Shedding:
Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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.

mountain curFrom The United States in the hound group comes the Mountain Cur. This breed was developed especially to “tree” their prey and to trail other smaller game. They treed and bayed larger prey like the wild boar and bears in the mountains and they trailed the smaller ones like the raccoon and squirrel. There are many types of curs and this breed is just one. Curs can be water dogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs and guard dogs. However, they are not great family dogs because they were born to hunt.

The Mountain Cur comes out of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia. The ancestors of the American Mountain Cur came with European settlers almost 200 years ago. They worked with the settlers to hunt for animals that would provide them with pelts and meat in order to survive on the frontier. The breed became rare when the descendants of the settlers moved to the factories after the second world war.

The breed was brought back by four ambitious men who saved the Mountain Cur. They form the Original Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association of OMCBA in 1956. But they argued over the standard and 2 of the 4 left to form their own association: The Stephen Stock Mountain Cur Association. By 1957 the Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association formed but it took until 1998 for the Mountain Cur to be registered with the United Kennel Club.

The Mountain Cur is a tough, courageous dog as are all the Curs. They are willing to face large and ferocious prey. They are fearless watch dogs, using their trait of being quiet on the hunt to their advantage. The Mountain Cur wants nothing more than making you happy. They have been known to corner bears and even bulls. Given the independence and intelligence of the Mountain Cur it is important that the human be the pack leader, or the Cur will assume the role. If angry the Cur will growl and bite, so being the pack leader is vital for humans.

The novel “Old Yeller” was written about a Mountain Cur – a yellow shorthaired dog with a bobbed tail and terrier blood. Like all Mountain Curs “Old Yeller” hunted and treed prey, fought a bear and held onto the nose of a charging bull. The Cur was the first American purebred dog. Other early lines come from the Appalachian Mountains and near them in southern states. Mixing hounds and terriers created this tough, courageous dog whose tenacity and grit are second to none. Today the Mountain Cur has been split into four distinct breeds: the Mountain Cur, The Mountain View Cur, the Stephens Stock, and the Treeing Tennessee Brindle.

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.

mountain cur puppy - descriptionBred to be a hard working hunter and protector, the Mountain Cur is rugged and stocky. They are muscular with strong neck, wide head and expressive dark brown eyes. Some may have blue or green eyes, but they will be darker instead of light. They have a heavy muzzle, high set short ears and feet that are catlike, muscular and strong. The Cur has straight legs, deep chests and 50% are born with the tail bobbed.

Their coat is short and heavy. The colors could be yellow, red, blue, brindle, black and brindle, yellow with white points, dark brown and red.

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.

Children friendliness

mountain cur dog - characteristicsThey are friendly with kids but don’t make good house pets.

Special talents

Tree climbing

Adaptability

They need space and they do not make good indoor pets

Learning ability

He is very intelligent and learns quickly.

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.

mountain cur puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Mountain Cur is susceptible to. They include:

  • Skin Issues – infections and allergies.
  • Ear Infections – Keep them cleaned and hair trimmed in ears.
  • Hunting Injuries – this is probably the most common health issue.
  • Bloat – Can be fatal.
  • Obesity – Can lead to bloat, injuries, other issues.
  • Hip Dysplasia – Can cause arthritis and lameness – can be caused or aggravated by obesity.

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 the puppy

mountain cur dogs - caringMountain Cure puppies should eat four bowls of high quality dog food in four separate meals each day until 3 months old. From three months to six months feed them 3 times per day and from six months to a year just twice a day.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mountain Cur would eat 3 cups of high quality dog food in one or two meals per day. Don’t overfeed them as they have a tendency toward obesity.

Points for Good Health

Athleticism

Games and Exercises

This breed is an active dog and he needs to get plenty of exercise. He needs daily exercise – daily walks – and enjoys canine sports like barn hunt and agility. They do well in field trials.

Comparison with other breeds

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