Slovak Cuvac vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Slovak Cuvac vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Slovak Cuvac is originated from Slovakia. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Slovak Cuvac. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 24 kg / 52 pounds lesser than Slovak Cuvac. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Slovak Cuvac has almost same life span. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Slovak Cuvac has almost same litter size. Black Norwegian Elkhound requires Low Maintenance. But Slovak Cuvac requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Norway
Slovakia
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac
Colors Available:
black
White
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
Thick, medium length, wavy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

black norwegian elkhoundThe Black Norwegian Elkhound was first bred in Norway in the early part of the 19th century as a smaller version of the Grey Norwegian Elkhound. The Black version is a Spitz and is very seldom seen anywhere in world but Norway. He is designed for the same job that the Grey Norwegian Elkhound performed. The difference is that the Black Norwegian is smaller, easier to see in the snow and ice of Norway and smaller than the Grey. It is a hunter, a herder, a guard dog and a watch dog. Because of the temperatures in Norway it was very important to have a hunting dog that was able to deal with the cold, the snow and the heavy fall rains in Norway and Scandinavia. The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a powerful and prideful dog. Much more so than the grey, he is independent and strongminded. It is highly intelligent and is one of the most ancient of breeds. He is more durable and more quarrelsome than his cousin the Grey Norwegian Elkhound or the more familiar Swedish Elkhound.

Ancestors of the Black date back to the first days human kind went hunting around 4000-5000BC. There have been skeletons of dogs very much like the Black Norwegian Elkhound found that dated back to that time period. They hunted and guarded for the Vikings and pulled sleds as well. They hunted deer, moose, badger, elk, mountain lions, bears, wolves, lynx, rabbit and reindeer. They are trackers who hold their quarry at bay by barking until the hunter can find them. Today they serve as loved family pets and guard dogs. In a National Emergency the leader of Norway can call up all the privately-owned elkhounds of any kind and assign them to work in a variety of sledding duties. Within the FCI, the Black Norwegian Elkhound is classified as a primitive Nordic hunting dog.

slovak cuvacLooking quite a bit like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Slovak Cuvac is a large dog that has served as a guard dog. The Slovensky Cuvac is still used on sheep farms as he isn’t afraid of wolves and bears and will take them on if needs be.

Records of this dog have been kept since the 17th century already, and when the breed started dying out, a certain Dr Antonin Hruza put in efforts to revive the dog.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia and a club for the dog was established in 1933. A written standard was established in 1964. The dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

black norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a short compact Spitz with dark eyes and a curly tail. It is the coat that sets this dog apart. It is an all-weather coat suitable for the cold, the snow and the rain of Norway. Ears are pointed and erect while the head is wedged and broad. His head is almost like that of a wolf. Its body is strong and compact. Its coat is coarse, short and double. He has a broad black nose with a straight bridge and with black lips and dark brown oval eyes. His legs and withers are strong boned and powerful with well padded feet to protect it from the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia.

slovak cuvac puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog standing at between 59 and 70cm in height and weighing between 31 and 44kg.

The neck is broad and has quite a bit of fur around it. The head is large, the eyes dark brown, the double coat is white and thick and medium length. The eyes are brown, the ears medium length and floppy and the tail long and furry.

He has well-muscled limbs and is fairly agile for such a large dog.

Temperament:

This is a robust dog, used to spending time outdoors keeping watch over livestock. When he is invited into the home, he is gentle and well behaved, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He is loving and loyal towards his human family and will get on well with children in the home. He isn’t the brightest dog but you can still have him trained.

Characteristics

black norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsThis dog was made for families. He loves children and is not a one person dogs. He gets attached to everyone in the family. However, he is smart and stubborn. He loves to join in with whatever the family is doing but he does it to please himself not his owner. He loves, loves, loves to play and has the stamina to do so all day long. He is agile, bold, independent, strong, curious and loyal. His loyalty can be territorial, and he can become protective of his home and his family. This makes him an excellent watchdog until your friends come to visit and he won’t let them in the house. You need a high fence to keep him safe in your own yard and away from strangers and even guests till he gets to know them.He tends to be dominant and aggressive with other dogs. They also have strong hunting instincts.

slovak cuvac dog - characteristicsYour playful Slovak Cuvac is an affectionate dog, wanting nothing more than to be totally involved in his family’s life.

He is social and loving and also makes an excellent watchdog. He’s a big dog so think carefully before you bring him into your home. Many dog owners like the look of a big dog and forget that it costs a lot of money to feed a big dog and to pay for vet fees.

This big dog is wanting to be part of your family and not just to be discarded when you find that he is costing you too much.

Health Problems

black norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a strong and hardy dog, though he is susceptible to some of the problems many breeds face. These include issues with luxating patella, optical entropion, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome. The most serious of these is the Fanconi Syndrome which is an abnormal functioning in the tubules of the kidneys. This can be a life-threatening situation.

slovak cuvac puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy dog breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia is a threat. Hip dysplasia is always reason for concern as the condition can reduce a dog’s quality of life.

It is distressing seeing your once active pet becoming reluctant to play and move around.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition. It can strike any size dog but is more prevalent with large dogs. The ball and socket of the hip doesn’t fit properly and deterioration sets in resulting in loss of function of the joint.

You will need to get your dog to the vet who will perform a physical exam and discuss treatments to alleviate the pain your dog can experience.

Caring The Pet

black norwegian elkhound dogs - caringThis is an energetic active dog, or she should be. Feed her high nutritious food twice a day. Do not overfeed.

The most potentially troublesome health issue is Fanconi Syndrome. This kidney disorder can impact the of the body’s absorption of electrolytes, water and nutrients. These nutrients include Sodium, Potassium, Glucose, Phosphate, Amino Acids and Phosphate

The Black Norwegian Elkhound loves to play, and they love to work. Exercise is vital, but it must be one of those two things – play or work. Don’t leave him alone to figure it out for himself or you wont like what this intelligent dog decides to do. She needs a large yard, a long walk daily but jogging with you is even better. Make him heel when on leash or he will think he oversees you. These are roaming dogs who will follow a scent anywhere and ignore your commands for her to come to you. They are better off on a leash unless you are in a dog park or a fenced yard.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is great at all dog athletics, games and sports such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, tracking, herding.

slovak cuvac dogs - caring◆The thick white hair will require regular grooming to keep it free from burrs and dirt. He sheds so this brushing will help him to look more groomed.

◆The nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears too should be checked for redness and infection. You’ll need to look inside his mouth too as a rotting tooth can cause havoc within his body. A rotten tooth can also cause him tremendous pain and he has no way of telling you this.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want any puppies. This is better for your dog’s health in the long run too.

◆Your Slovak Cuvac is going to need a lot of exercise as they have always been used to roaming the mountains watching over livestock.

◆This is a big dog so if you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its for large, energetic dogs. There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market – just make sure you buy the best one for your pet to enhance health and longevity.

Try and give him some home made food too. Healthy food which won’t jeopardise his digestion is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. These can all be chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Your dog will thank you for not giving him exotic people foods which can do lots of harm. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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  8. Slovak Cuvac vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Slovak Cuvac vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Slovak Cuvac vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  24. Slovak Cuvac vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Slovak Cuvac vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison