Schweizer Laufhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Laufhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Schweizer Laufhund is originated from Switzerland. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Schweizer Laufhund. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Schweizer Laufhund are of same weight. Black Norwegian Elkhound may live 3 years more than Schweizer Laufhund. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Schweizer Laufhund has almost same litter size. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Schweizer Laufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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Norway
Switzerland
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
47 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Bruno Laufhund, Bruno Jura Laufhund, the Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound French Type, Bruno Hound, Lucerne Hound, the Jura Type French Saint Hubert Hound, and the Schwyz Laufhund., Lucerner Laufhund, Chien Courant Suisse Berner Laufhund, the French Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound, The Saint Hubert Hound Jura Type, Jura Hound, Jura Laufhund, Bern Hound
Colors Available:
black
different for each line black with tan markings; tan with black mantle or saddle; white with black or tan or orange.
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
coat type short, smooth, and somewhat harsh
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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.

schweizer laufhundThe Schweizer Laufhund is a breed born in Switzerland and sought after by the French and the Italians for their skill at hunting small mammals, especially hare. Mercenaries brought scent hounds from France to Switzerland and cross bred them with the Schweizer Laufhund, thereby influencing and changing the native breed.

In 1882 it was established that within the breed of “Swiss Hound” (Schweizer Laufhund) there were five different varieties. At this time a standard was written for each of these five different types. By 1909 the standards were revisited and revised, eliminating the hound of Thurgovie. Then in 1933 it was decided that one standard would cover all the varieties of the Schweizer Laufhund.

The Schweizer Laufhund was a line used to develop many different scent hounds. They are used almost exclusively as hunting dogs and not as family companion dogs. St. Hubert Jura Hound, the rare ancient variety, is still in the hunting parties of Canada and France. The breed existed before any dog breeding written records were kept. In Switzerland from the middle ages on, the Schweizer Laufhund was the only hunting dog in the country until recent times.

Even though they didn’t have any popularity until the European nobility became enamored of them in the middle ages, it is thought by some that they date back to the Roman Empire. In actuality most of their pre- Swiss history has been lost. We do know that through the years the breed has been influenced by cross breeding with Austrian, German and French scent hounds.

He is not recognized by the larger kennel clubs such as AKC or UKC, but by some rare breed associations. The dogs that remain today in the United States, Canada and Europe are still mainly owned by either active or retired hunters. Despite their great personalities, they are still not numerous among family pets.

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.

schweizer laufhund puppy - descriptionA medium sized dog with good endurance and strength. Its head is lean, and its muzzle is long making this a very noble looking breed. Each of the 5 varieties has some of its own characteristics. They all have short, fine hairs on their ears and heads and longer hairs on their legs and back.

Each variety can be identified by its colors as they are unique.

• Bernese – White with a black saddle or black patches and tan on the ears and face.

  • Schwyz – A white dog with marking of orange.
  • Bruno Jura – Black with tan markings and Tan with black saddle marks.

• Lucernese – Because they have white and black hair mixed across their bodies, they appear to be “blue”.

  • St. Hubert Jura – Tan with a black saddle.

The Schweizer Laufhund come in miniature and standard sizes fitting into the same standard. Weight has a lot to do with the gender and height of the individual dog, they are longer than they are tall. As a scent hound, the breed is muscular and sturdy. They carry their long tails in a slight curve with a taper at the end.

Despite the different colors in the different varieties all of the breed have black noses, long droopy ears, and oval, brown eyes. They have a soft, calm and gentle facial expression.

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.

schweizer laufhund dog - characteristics1Children friendliness - they can be very gentle and loving with children. Toddlers might remind them of prey, however.

2.Special talents – they have great stamina.

3.Adaptability – adapts well if he gets enough exercise.

4.Learning ability -their learning ability is high, but they can be very stubborn.

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.

schweizer laufhund puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Schweizer Laufhund is prone to. As an ancient breed there is not a lot of genetic evidence of breed health issues but there is more recent reporting.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness, arthritis and inability to hunt.
  • Cataracts – can result in blindness.
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can result in lameness, arthritis and inability to hunt.

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – hereditary – can result in blindness.

  • Ear Infections – due to long droopy ears. Keep them clean.

• Ectropion and Entropion – eyelid misalignments either inward or outward. Can be corrected with surgery.

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.

schweizer laufhund dogs - caring. Feeding the puppy – as an active working breed they should be fed a high quality active or working breed kibble formula.

2.Feeding the adult - the adult should be fed the same active or working breed formula, only in an adult formulation.

3.Points for Good Health – stamina

4. Games and Exercises – this active breed does require a lot of daily exercise. Take them on at least one good, quick walk per day and give them a fenced yard to play in. They love hunting training and field trials along with activities like barn hunt. They love to run alongside as you bike or jog.

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. Schweizer Laufhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Schweizer Laufhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Schweizer Laufhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Schweizer Laufhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Schweizer Laufhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Schweizer Laufhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Schweizer Laufhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Schweizer Laufhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweizer Laufhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Schweizer Laufhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Schweizer Laufhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Schweizer Laufhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Schweizer Laufhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Schweizer Laufhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Schweizer Laufhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Schweizer Laufhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Schweizer Laufhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Schweizer Laufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Schweizer Laufhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Laufhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Laufhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Schweizer Laufhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Schweizer Laufhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Schweizer Laufhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Schweizer Laufhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison