Thread: Looking for a New Hunting Dog..... Elkhound?

Afternoon All.

After Having to shoot my last Bitch due to an accident where she got injured beyond vet repair at the back of the kaimanawas, I think I'm finally ready for a new Dog. (this was two years ago)

I've been looking into different breeds, Namely the Swedish Elkhound -- Does anyone know if there is a Breeder in New Zealand?

My last bitch was a Wirehair, Looking for something roughly the same size, but a bit "wolf" Looking.



Don't worry - This isn't my first Deer dog.


Cheer's All

There is a breeder in the Waikato. I briefly considered one, but the coat on them put me off, sheds a lot and they roast in the heat, require a fair bit more grooming than the gwp. She bred Norwegian elk hounds though, not Swedish, if there’s a difference

Heya Mate.

Yeah the reason i was going with the Swedish was actually the shorter coat. I feel the Norwegians would have a hard time in our climate. It's looking like I'm going to have to import one.


Time to get the wallet out...

I've always thought the wire haired vizslas look pretty cool.

A friend had an Elk hound as a pet. Was a great dog but didn't have that natural focused hunting instinct that real hunting breeds have - Ok so it was only one - but we took it hunting with other dogs and you only want to buy one. If you want 'wolf looking' then the right type of German Shepherd is pretty amazing, track, brains, natural throat hold. Might be hard to find that really good 'type' though.
As JoshC says the WH Vizla's are another one option. Originally a cross between Vizla and GWHP, I suspect they might have everything...

they look cool

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

A friend had an Elk hound as a pet. Was a great dog but didn't have that natural focused hunting instinct that real hunting breeds have

You sure you are talking about Norwegian/Swedish Elk hounds? They are very much a "real hunting breed" - how do you think they got their name?

They are a hunting breed, for trail barking moose commonly, but I suspect there’s a few breeders that breed for showing rather than working.

I believe any hunting breed, regardless of Breeding for show/work can be made into a good hunting dog with good training. It's about the potential.

Originally Posted by Masperjay

I believe any hunting breed, regardless of Breeding for show/work can be made into a good hunting dog with good training. It's about the potential.

As above, potential to bark... look up how they are used. I think they are like the huntaway of deer dogs and I cant see how that would suit ant style of hunting in nz...

Originally Posted by Masperjay

I believe any hunting breed, regardless of Breeding for show/work can be made into a good hunting dog with good training. It's about the potential.

It is all about the potential.... but you are dreaming if you think something bred for looks has more working potential than one bred for its intended purpose.
Any of the hounds including the various spitz types have a work/show division in them, and as stated there is not really a following for there use here.... the Europeans seem to do alright out of the barking thing.

Originally Posted by Wildman

As above, potential to bark... look up how they are used. I think they are like the huntaway of deer dogs and I cant see how that would suit ant style of hunting in nz...

I love that "the huntaway of deer dogs" say (or bark) no more

Hi Guys - I have a Vallhund the Napoleon version and shorter legged one of the Swedish spitz's. They are commonly used to work cows as the Blat, heel nip and bark at the cows.

The Elkhound push stock and Elk / reindeer etc using their high pitched bark that due to the diaphragm is almost sonic and massively piercing.
So as a herding - pushing dog potentially yeah - quiet pointing indicating .... Yeah not so much!

cheers P.

@Masperjay, how did you get on with the elkhound? I've just started Räven in the bush. Siberian husky. Showing plenty of potential. Heat is only an issue at the moment with the 28C+ days we're getting. And you need a good vacuum cleaner. Sheds once a year for 364 days....

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