English Mastiff vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

English Mastiff vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but English Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than English Mastiff. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 93 kg / 205 pounds lesser than English Mastiff. Black Norwegian Elkhound may live 3 years more than English Mastiff. Black Norwegian Elkhound may have less litter size than English Mastiff. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and English Mastiff requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Molosser dogs
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Norway
United Kingdom
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
7 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Colors Available:
black
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
fine, smooth
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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.

english mastiffThroughout most of history there have been images created by people of very large, sturdy dogs that they shared their space with. The English Mastiff can trace some part of her ancestry to these same dogs. This breed is thought to have come from the stock of ancient breeds such as the Alpine Mastiff, Pugnaces Britanniae and Alaunt. The Mastiff in general has then become a main descendent of many other breeds of dogs since the 1880’s. The images of these types of dogs goes back to the 5th and 6th century.

There is no genetic evidence linking these dogs to the modern Mastiffs and the English Mastiff, but the resemblance is obvious. There is anecdotal evidence that these Mastiff type dogs were exported from England – the English Mastiff – to Greece to hunt game but were also used as war dogs by the Celts. The Alaunt was probably used the Normans and bred by the Alans. Writings and images throughout these times depicted a dog that looked very much like today’s English Mastiff. Some speculate that the English Mastiff came to the United States of the Mayflower.

There was a decline in the English Mastiff in its homeland in the 1800’s following the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 which prohibited owners and trainers from baiting animals. Then in the 19th century, prior to the first World War, systematic breeding programs began with J.W. Thompson. His first English Mastiff was a female named Dorah. Dorah’s ancestors included dogs from Thompson’s Grandfather. Captain John Garnier of the Royal Engineers also had dogs that contributed to the development of the English Mastiff.

During this time some breeders got away from pure type and began to breed for other factors. In the late 1800’s, Edgar Hanbury and Mark Hanbury Beaufoy began restoring the breed to its original soundness. One of their dogs was exported to the US were breeding to soundness continued until the First World War reduced the number of English Mastiffs around the world. By the time the war ended there were no English Mastiffs outside of England.

There was a dog in Canada named Beowulf and direct descendent of imports from Britain, who came to the States after the war and began to re-establish the breed on this continent and registered with the American Kennel Club. Yet as of 1945, the contribution from North

Breeding was stopped again for World War II and started again after the war. Many of these puppies died of distemper. Only one female had pups that were able to grow up into adults. North America sent dogs to England at this time and all of the Mastiffs from that time, could be traced back to Nydia and the 14 North American Mastiffs. Since then the breed has been restored slowly in Europe, North America and everywhere in the world.

The English Mastiff is known by his massive head with a black mask and comes in a wide variety of colors. He is also known as a gentle giant because of his personality and the love he has for his people.

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.

english mastiff puppy - descriptionThe English Mastiff is a giant dog with a broad head and body. In terms of mass it is the worlds largest dog, just a little bigger that the Saint Bernard. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are 6 inches taller but do not carry the weight and bulk of the Mastiff. Mostly square in his body and his head with a massive chest and wide set forelegs. The head is square and very large. No matter the color of the coat, the face should have a black mask like the St. Bernard. His eyes and nose are also dark.

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

english mastiff dog - characteristicsThe English Mastiff is very happy to play with children. You willl need to be careful with small children as he does not know his size and is likely to sit on them.

Special talents

This lovable giant is noble and loyal. He will protect his family and he will be courageous about it.

Adaptability

This is a big dog but he doesnt live outside. You need a big yard and perhaps a big house. He may not adapt to an apartment.

Learning ability

The English Mastiff is smart and certainly trainable. He can be independent and stubborn at times but he has the ability to learn.

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.

english mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a massive dog can take its toll on the body’s development and that is certainly true of the English Mastiff. A lot of running is not recommended in the early life of the dog – preferable for the first two years. This could damage the joint’s growth plates and cause him a lot of problems in later years. Too much exercise in this massive dog can hurt him but so can, not enough exercise.

Some of the health issues other than this that the English Mastiff is prone to include:

  1. Calluses –
  2. On their paws. Must be taken care of before infection sets in.
  3. Arthritis

A large dog like the English Mastiff is always prone to pain from arthritic joints. See your vet about pain medication.

Hygroma

A spot under the skin that is swollen and filled with fluid. Can be treated. It is not an infection or contagious.

Hip Dysplasia

Can result in lameness and arthritis.

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.

english mastiff dogs - caringThis is an enormous dog that grows quickly. It is important to feed them properly as they grow. If he doesn’t get what he needs as a puppy you will not be able to make it up to him later on.

Feeding the puppy

The English Mastiff puppy needs good nutrition for growing properly.

From 12-16 weeks of age feed him 3-4 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 3-4 meals.

From 4 -6 months of age feed him 8-10 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

From 6-18 months of age feed him 8-12 cups a day of a high protein, high quality, dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

The English Mastiff is still growing from a year to 18 months. Starting at 18 months feed him 10-12 cups a day of high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2 meals.

As your Mastiff ages, cut down on the protein and feed a dry food appropriate for his age.

Points for Good Health

The English Mastiff is a very large dog that should not be allowed to get obese since he is prone to dysplasia. He needs protein throughout puppyhood and until he is about 8-10.

Games and Exercises

This is a couch potato if you let him be. Make sure he gets at least one long walk per day or he will tend to gain weight. Play with them off leash about an hour every day.

Comparison with other breeds

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