I have been searching 4 a dog and having seen you site feel that a elkhound may be to my liking. how myuch do they cost are they hard to keep etc any other information?!

Hi guest! There are a few "experts" in the breed that visit this board frequently. I'm sure they can give you a better low down than I can. :) Until then, have you checked out this site yet? Happy hunting!

British Elkhound Club

My advice from an Elkhound owner and breeder of 10 years standing, who previously owned a very highly strung working breed, is that they suit some people to the Ground.

They won't suit someone who wants unquestioning obedience, or a dog that is a couch potatoe 24/7, but neither are they a hyper breed past puppyhood.

They love family life, but do need firm but kind guidance in their youth to get the best out of them, but they then become wise and regal adults/senior citizens.

They tend to be lazy at home once adult, conserving their energy for when they are out hunting. Recall training from very young puppyhood is vital, so that the habit of returning is well established before puberty.

They can make very good Agility dogs (quite a lot do this in USA, but sadly few here), as they are nimble and lively. In USA quite a lot of people compete in Obedience, but in UK some very determined (masochistic some may say) do a creditable job of it in the lower classes.

They are a dog that sees itself as your friend, not your servant, it will work with you not for you.

Normally good natured to most dogs and people, and will be good with any stock it is habituated with, but being a hunting breed, will tend to want to follow it's nose, so you need to keep your wits about you, and keep on top of training.

I would advise visiting some for a few hours. go for a walk to get a feel.

If you are within reasonable distance of Bristol I will be happy for you to test drive my girls, but do not have any males.

Hi, I agree with the above post, I have had dogs & bitches, both sexes take a lot of time and determination when young and a lot of phone calls to the breeder to make sure you get it right, given the slighest oppertunity they will take advantage. But it is worth the effort as they make a delightful companion, and as Barbara has said most are good with other animals and dogs and adore children. They don't like to hear children cry and if your neighbour has a baby they will drive you mad because they will insist that you do something to calm the baby. I have mostly dogs now, only one bitch, and I prefer dogs but you will meet those who would not have anything but bitches. I think for the first two to three years the bitches are eaiser to manage as dogs do go through a very selfwilled teenage stage which lasts till about 3 years old, when they become 'gentlemen'. Not all are like this, but most and you don't know what you have got till they reach about a year old.

On the good side they do not need a lot of grooming or exercise & they do not need a lot of food either or though they may tell you something different. Now my next comment is personal, I don't think a first time dog owner should consider an elkhound until they have had a good look at them, good ones like the above poster owns and also more livley ones like my youngest. Having done that be prepared to put in a lot of work during the first 6 months. Oh and an Elkhound pup is never to young to start training, you can't start training to soon. But house training/braking is no problem they are a very clean breed and as soon as they find 'outside' and can hold it they will be clean.

If you deside to go ahead then I hope to see you around.

Ja:)kie

unfortunatly, like me, they are no good at spelling