Homestead mailing list

["Fred Enga, Astechman" <fenga AT astechman.com>]

Hello all,

Excuse me coming out from 'lurker mode' to join this thread.

I have had great success with Norwegian Elkhounds as working dogs, in
Norway, Northern Ontario and in BC, Canada.  They are intensely protective
of their 'owners' and their 'territory' and, if properly socialised, really
do become one of the family with a great temperament and very intelligent.

They are compact, but all muscle, and have one of the most commanding barks
you will ever come across, especially if anyone trespasses on 'their
territory'.

The down side is that they are fiercely independent, and inclined to exhibit
their Viking genes by always looking to see what is on the other side of the
hill.  Training them to come when called is a challenge.

They will herd cattle, when persuaded that this is a required thing to do,
but I do not trust them too near sheep as lamb is definitely very high on
their menu of choice, although they will adopt 'your sheep' as part of the
pack, and therefore to be protected.

Oh, one other thing.....don't be surprised if they track and herd back a
moose for you to 'handle'.....it is what they were bred for.

Thanks for the time

Cheers

Fred Enga