McNab vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

McNab vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but McNab is originated from United States. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than McNab. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than McNab. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and McNab has same life span. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and McNab has almost same litter size. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and McNab requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Norway
United States
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
McNab Shepherd, McNab Collie
Colors Available:
black
Black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
Short and dense
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
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.

mcnabThe attractive McNab dog is also known as the McNab Shepherd or McNab Collie. This very lively dog originated in the Mendocino region of Northern California, being specifically bred to withstand tough weather conditions and rough terrain.

The dog is becoming popular outside of California now. A Scottish rancher with the surname McNab left Scotland and arrived in California in the 19th century. He crossed Scottish Border Collies with Shepherd dogs and the ranchers in California started using these dogs for herding livestock.

Today they are still being used as herding dogs in California and other countries. The dog isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. It was in 2014 that a group of McNab Shepherd breeders established the McNab Shepherd Registry so as to work towards the advancement of the McNab Shepherd.

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.

mcnab puppy - descriptionThe McNab Dog is a medium-sized working dog. The appearance of this dog varies quite a bit. For instance you may come across a dog with erect ears or floppy ears or a long tail or one that is naturally bobbed.

When it comes to size, you will find that between the males and females they stand at roughly 40 – 64cm and weigh anything from 14 – 30kg.

Most of these McNabs are black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face. The coat is weather resistant and fairly short and dense. You also get tri-colored McNabs. Eyes are usually a brown or copper color though you might find some with bluish eyes as well.

Temperament:

These are such intelligent dogs so with training and socialization you’ll find he is able to learn easily and quickly. He is a self assured dog, so he will respond well to an owner who is firm and fair, patient, kind and consistent.

He is best suited to life in the country as he needs lots of place to run around. If you don’t live on a farm, take the dog for long walks every day as he requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation. He is a loving family member too, getting along well with kids in the home as well as other pets. He is also a good guard- and watch dog, taking his job as protector of his human family very seriously.

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.

mcnab dog - characteristicsThe McNab makes a splendid pet and is known to be even-tempered, being friendly and tolerant with his entire human family.

He gets on well with children in the home as well as other pets. He has always been a hard working pet and doubles up as being an excellent guard dog too. Those who have had the McNab as a pet say that you couldn’t get a more excellent family canine friend.

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.

mcnab puppies - health problemsThis dog doesn’t really have genetic health issues, but they can suffer with hip dysplasia, a problem that many dogs battle with, whether small or large, young or old.

They can also suffer with epilepsy and an eye disease such as entropion where the lid of the eye is turned inwards. Check its ears and teeth regularly for infections and keep up to date with his vaccinations.

The McNab is a health dog breed so you aren't likely to face any of these common dog health issues.

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.

Diet:

mcnab dogs - caringYou can feed your McNab dog commercial dry kibble, but then you want to be sure its the best quality one. Buying inferior foods means that you’re getting a whole lot of ingredients in the food that are bad – sugar, salt, preservatives, fillers, colorants etc. Rather go for the best brands that will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Homemade food is also important and foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as cooked or raw vegetables chopped up and added to his dry kibble can make for a delicious, wholesome treat. It will be to his benefit if you can every now and then give him some raw meat as well. Make sure to see that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

McNab Shepherds are very active dogs and they are going to require quite a bit of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are dogs who have been used to herding livestock and he loves this busy life. It is why he wouldn’t be happy living in the city but is better suited to farm life or in a home with a large garden. Long walks and hikes will suit him as well as swimming and joining in every game there is.

Grooming:

The McNab is considered to be a low maintenance dog and grooming the short thick coat will be required twice a week. Always check around the eyes and ears as well as inside the mouth for problems and infections.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. McNab vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. McNab vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. McNab vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. McNab vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. McNab vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. McNab vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. McNab vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. McNab vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. McNab vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
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  17. McNab vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. McNab vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. McNab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. McNab vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. McNab vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. McNab vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. McNab vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. McNab vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. McNab 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