The Norwegian name, Elghund, reflects the hunting heritage.  These dogs
were developed to hunt large game, such as bear and moose.  The Elghund
is also a good farm dog, and is trustworthy around farm animals, can be
a good sled dog when necessary, and fill in as a herding dog.

Elghunds make good family companions, as they are good with children,
and are intelligent watch dogs.  The Elghund trains easily and can
excel at obedience.

Like most of the members of the Spitz group, the breed is “primitive”;
having been refined for only 140 years.  While this is longer than the
Siberian Husky or the Malamute, it is a short time in dog history.

The Elghund has a long and venerable lineage.  Elghunds were the friends
and companions of the Vikings on their numerous forays in northern
Europe, and traveled across the sea as far as Nova Scotia.

Because the Elghund became a prominent hunting companion, it had to
be energetic, bold, and intimidate through apparent aggression.
Elghunds had to track game for many miles, and be bold enough to stand
up to moose and bear.  The most successful Elghunds were agile and
smart.  It was these ancestors that passed on the high intelligence
that makes these dogs easy to train today.

Elghunds are still members of the Spitz group, and have the Spitz
independence.  They will obediently carry out a command, but not
necessarily twice in a row.  An Elghund gets bored by too much
repetition.

The Elghund is still close to nature, and possesses the genetic
behaviors passed down from a not-so-distant time when these dogs were
expected to take care of their own needs far more than at any time in
recent history.  The Elghund must be kept in a securely fenced yard, or
it will roam and possibly hunt.  These dogs have a healthy curiosity,
which is best exercised at the end of a leash when taking long walks
with an owner who loves outdoor activities with an appreciative
companion.

Obedience training is recommended, as the new owner will come to know
what to expect of the Elghund, and the dog will benefit enormously from
the socialization with other dogs.  Elghunds naturally love people, but
may require careful handling around new dogs until taught and
socialized to being with them.

As the Elghund is “independent minded”, it may be necessary to provide
varied stimulation during training.  Skipping to the next lesson,
before repeating a lesson, is often a good strategy.

Elghunds make faithful and loving friends.  The Elghund requires
comparatively little physical care.  Like other Spitz dogs, the Elghund
has an efficient metabolism, and it is necessary to feed one far less
than it might eat to avoid obesity.

The Elghund coat is an “easy care” coat.  Bathing is only necessary a
few times a year, and regular brushing easily cleans the coat of any
dirt or debris picked up during regular exercise.

The Samoyed personality can be a challenge to the inexperienced owner.
Like most northern breeds, the Samoyed obeys out of respect.  The Samoyed that
is handled with respect will comply with love and patience.

Samoyeds, like all northern breeds, must be trained.  When training a
Samoyed it is important to remember that a command once given, must be obeyed.  It
is best to begin training when the dog is young, and MAINTAIN THE
TRAINING!  Arctic dogs train differently from other non northern
breeds, so learn about training the arctic breeds before starting
training, or you may become frustrated.  Stimulation is helpful when training.

Northern breeds of dogs cannot be deprived of human relationships, and the
Samoyed deprived of sufficient human stimulation will become bored, and
may engage in behaviors such as digging.  They are excellent excavators by
nature.  A young dog may also become a problem chewer.

A fenced-in yard is a must for a Samoyed for these reasons:
1.  The dog must get exercise, and be protected from automobiles.
2.  To protect the dog from theft.  The Sammy’s friendly nature and
willingness to ride in any automobile makes it vulnerable to being stolen.
3.  The herding instinct is very strong. The Samoyed will chase a rabbit
willingly, and refuse to obey a command to come while herding.
4.  The Samoyed coat is a great attractor of debris, and one romp can
result in a major coat problem.  The coat can be time consuming to
clean, and be costly.

The Samoyed is a “talky dog”.  With encouragement, this dog will voice
pleasures and dislikes.  The Samoyed will also communicate with paw or
nose, using the nose to press softly under any idle human arm for attention.
The Samoyed learns to shake hands readily, and learns to use paws to open
doors, and play with toys.

Samoyeds are sensitive.  A Samoyed is generally very people-oriented, and
senses human emotions quickly.  As most northern dogs, the Samoyed must
have a pack, and looks to the master as pack leader.  When treated with love
and respect, the Samoyed will return it well multiplied.  The physical
environment is less important to a Samoyed than the human one.  This
means the Samoyed needs human attention daily.  It is a member of the
family, and will let you know when it is unhappy with the relationship.

At the Arctic Dog Rescue and Training Center, we often say that the old
adage, “An idle mind is the Devil’s Workshop.” originated with the
owners of northern breed dogs. If you want a low maintenance dog,
content to lie about in a back yard sleeping, and having a bowl of food
thrown at it when convenient, and minimal attention for weeks at a
time–don’t adopt a Samoyed–or any other northern breed.  These dogs
require your presence–in mind and body, and a Sammy knows when it is
being short changed in the relationship.

If you can truly bring yourself to being thoroughly loved; being the
center of the universe for an attractive companion who is playful,
devoted, loyal, energetic, sometimes sassy, talkative, innovative, and
enthusiastic about you all the time . . . then just maybe you are ready
for a Samoyed.

American Eskimo dogs, or “eskies” as they are known, have a long and colorful history.  The eskie belongs to the Spitz group–the broad categorization of northern breed dogs.  These breeds have a history dating back more than 6,000 years, and the diversity and versatility of the breed is well represented in the eskie.  Still known in Europe as German Spitz dogs, the eskie found a
prominent home in America in the early 1900’s as a circus dog.

These lovable, highly intelligent and adaptable dogs became circus stars
through the 1920’s, and spread themselves throughout America by traveling
with the Circus, stealing the hearts of those who saw them, and winning
their way into homes throughout the country.  Most American Eskimo dogs today
can trace their pedigrees back to a famous circus dog or two.

Having a sensitive and affectionate nature, the eskie has an uncanny
ability to understand people and human tone, thereby adapting himself to the
various personalities of the household.  Most eskies are adopted due to having won
the hearts of people who visited them in their homes, or knew one that
belonged to a friend.  Few are adopted from being chosen out of a breed
book. It is no wonder that the national rescue organization calls them Heart
Bandits.

The eskie is hardly content to become a couch dog!  While they love a warm
lap, unlimited petting, and plenty of affection, they are too intelligent
to retire to a simple life of luxury. These energetic dogs have a strong
sense of duty, and when not protecting the home and interests of the people they
own, they continue to star in Hollywood, the show ring, and in agility and
obedience trials throughout the nation.

The standard eskie stands approximately 15-19 inches at the shoulder,
while the miniature stands 12-15 inches at the shoulder.  A toy eskie is rare,
but is recognized as standing 9-12 inches at the shoulder.  All have similar
winning personalities, high intelligence, devotion to their families, and
a willingness to learn anything people have the patience to teach them.

Eskies are best taught through positive methods–a lot of praise, games,
and a sense of joy all helping them to learn. They quickly get high marks in
obedience classes, and have the northern breed reputation of almost being
able to read the minds of people around them.

The eskie is a born watchdog, and MUST be well socialized as a puppy to
avoid developing an antisocial and over protective tendency.  Like other
northern breeds, the eskie requires your time and attention.  the American Eskimo
is devoted and loyal to his family.  He lives to please and protect them.

The eskie, like other northern breeds, MUST be a part of your family. They are natural diggers, and while not normally destructive, may become so when ignored.  They are natural roamers and predators requiring supervision and a fenced yard to protect them.

Since the reader may not yet own an Alaskan Malamute, it is likely that the family dictionary lacks a term coined years ago, at the Central Coast Northern Dog Rescue, that describes one aspect of this marvelous dog’s  activities.  It should be added to the vocabulary of any
would-be owner.

malamutilate, verb, to malamutilate.  The act of a malamute
destroying, devastating, or otherwise laying waste to an object or
entire environment in which said malamute may, or may not still be
present.  Results are comparable  to building demolition, landscape
eradication, or strip mining.   Other forms of this word: verb.
malamutilating, malamutilated. Noun: malamutilated, malamutilation.
Usage: The sprinkler was badly malamutilated. She entered the room,
and gasped at the malamutilation of her couch.

The Alaskan Malamute has been working for many years pulling sleds
loaded with freight for the Inuit people, who    inhabited the
shores  of Kotzebu Sound.  The Alaskan Malamute is an adaptable and
 intelligent  canine companion.  Malamutes are a  heavy-boned dog
with a bulky muzzle,    a broad head, wide-set ears, and a thickly
furred tail carried    plume-like over the back, the Malamute is one
of the most attractive     dogs around, and, pound for pound,
almost certainly the strongest.

One of the many interesting features of the breed is the natural
range    in size, color, and markings.  The average male may have
a weight ranging from 85-125    pounds.  The average female may
have a weight ranging from 75-100  pounds.   Most Malamutes have
coats that are     gray with white trim or black and white, but
coats of silver, sable,    red, and all white sometimes occur.

This arctic breed is blessed with a sunny disposition and is
happiest when    treated as an intelligent partner.  The Alaskan
Malamute often has a well developed sense of humor.

A degree of aggression toward other dogs is fairly common in the
 breed. Many malamutes are friendly with dogs of the opposite sex,
but    aggressive with same sex dogs. A few malamutes simply like
other dogs,    including small dogs. There are, however, no
pacifist malamutes. If    challenged by an aggressive dog, even the
most peaceable member of the    breed will usually administer a
swift lesson in who rules the earth, and who must show respect.

If a Malamute is permitted to run loose in rural areas, it will
reliably slaughter livestock and wild animals. In urban and
suburban areas, a loose Malamute is a menace to cats and other furry
creatures. Swift, fearless, and powerful, Malamutes have been know
to catch songbirds on the wing.  Very few adult rescue Malamutes
 get along well with cats.

Malamutes are universally friendly to humans.As the dogs of a
peaceful, nomadic people, Malamutes do not guard property and
virtually always extend a tail-wagging, face-licking welcome to
strangers.  These dogs develop deep, complex attachments, and
readily bond to their adoptive owners.

Siberians are a gregarious lot and may need the company of other dogs or of people at all times.  If you work all day, or have room for only one dog think twice before adopting a Siberian. While capable of strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is also very friendly with strangers.  So, if you want the fierce loyalty of a one-man dog–DON’T ADOPT A SIBERIAN!

At least once a year Siberians shed their coats.  If you like fur
all over the house and in the very air you breathe, then fine. If,
however, you value neatness at all times, then–DON’T ADOPT A
SIBERIAN!!

Some Siberian Huskies have a natural proclivity for digging holes
in back yards.  If you take great pride in your landscaping efforts–DON’T
ADOPT A SIBERIAN!!!

Of all the shortcomings to be found in a Siberian, the most
dangerous to the pet-owner is their tremendous desire to RUN, but
the very first dash that a dog makes across the road could be his
last run anywhere.  A Siberian, for his own protection, should be
kept confined or under control at all times.  If you are one of
those people who think it is cruel to kennel a dog, or keep him
confined to his own back yard, then–DON’T ADOPT A SIBERIAN!!!!

We just happen to believe that any dog is better off in a proper
kennel or fenced yard than running loose all over the countryside.
Yes, a kennel dog is missing a lot in life–the chance to be hit by
a car, the fun of being dirty, full of bum and loaded with worms;
the opportunity of being attacked by other dogs; the joy of being
sick on garbage and infested with disease; the pleasure of being
tormented by mean kids; the thrill of being shot in a farmyard; and
finally the great comfort of never knowing where he belongs or how
to behave.  We don’t want to see ANY Siberian become a TRAMP!

If you want a dog who will never stray, who, on the porch will stay,
content–even when you are gone away–then don’t adopt a Siberian!

If you have read this far and honestly feel that you qualify on all
counts, and are still determined to own a Siberian, then we take
great pleasure in welcoming you to the fold.  Join the rest of us
in the smug complacency of knowing that we own the most beautiful,
the smartest, and the most nearly ideal dog in the world. It is hard to
be humble when you own a Siberian Husky.