The Elkhound or Elghund - which means "Moose Dog" - is a
                   member of the Spitz group of dogs and originates from
                   Norway.

                   The breed's ancestry can be traced back thousands of years
                   and, due to selective breeding, has changed little over the
                   centuries.

                   It was once the hunting dog of the Vikings. An intelligent breed,
                   which down the centuries has been used for its many qualities -
                   speed, stamina, scenting, and tracking.

                   The Elkhound is not a pack hound, which make it invaluable to
                   the lone hunter.

                   When the Elkhound locates its quarry, it will bark to alert the
                   hunter. The elk is a large animal, so skill and a lot of hard work
                   is required on the part of this hound to hold its quarry at bay
                   until the hunter arrives for the kill. As well as elk the breed are
                   just as adept at tracking other game - deer, lynx and badger.

                   The lone hunter will usually keep only two hounds - a male for
                   hunting and a bitch for breeding.

                   For centuries, the Elkhound, like other Spitz breeds have been
                   used for pulling sleds. Elkhound teams comprise male and
                   female pairings - males are best kept apart due to the likelihood
                   of them fighting.

                   Elkhounds arrived in Great Britain shortly before the First
                   World War, but it was not until 1923 that the British Elkhound
                   Society was founded.