Flat-Coated Retriever vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Flat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than Flat-Coated Retriever. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Flat-Coated Retriever. Black Norwegian Elkhound may live 5 years more than Flat-Coated Retriever. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Flat-Coated Retriever has almost same litter size. Black Norwegian Elkhound requires Low Maintenance. But Flat-Coated Retriever requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
undefined
Norway
United Kingdom
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
59 - 61 cm
23 - 25 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Flatcoat, flatt, Flattie Flatte (Sweden)
Colors Available:
black
liver and yellow (blonde, black
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
double, glossy and smooth
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate 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.

flat coated retrieverThe Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

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.

flat coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

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

flat coated retriever dog - characteristicsThe Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

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.

flat coated retriever puppies - health problemsFlat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

  1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
  2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
  3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
  4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
  5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

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

flat coated retriever dogs - caringHe will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Flat-Coated Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Flat-Coated Retriever vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Flat-Coated Retriever vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Flat-Coated Retriever 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