Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

The 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.

Originating in France, the Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore has been recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006. He was developed in France in the 1800s.

He is a rare breed, even in France. Today he is essentially a hunting- and scentdog and isn't really kept as a companion pet. The breed is recognized in France too by the French Kennel Club and also recognized internationally in 1983. In France today the dog is bred and kept primarily as a hunting dog and pet combined.

The 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.

Looking quite a bit like its Foxhound ancestors,the muscular Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore is a large dog standing at 60cm to 70cm tall at the withers and weighing in the region of 30kg and 35kg.

The Tricolore has a fairly broad, flat head, black nose and large brown eyes. His ears are set at eye level, they are medium length and floppy. The legs of the dog are straight and strong and the chest is deep and broad. The tail is long and slim. His double coat coat is short and smooth and he is tri-colored – tan, white and black.

Temperament:

Your Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore has always been used as a hunting dog and scenthound and has been used in a hunting team. The dog has been created by crossing French scenthounds with English Foxhounds, with this particular dog being descended from crosses between the Foxhound and the tricoloured Poitevins.

There are actually 3 Grand Anglo-Français breeds, with this Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore being one. He is a docile dog and doesn't make a particularly good watchdog. The dog enjoys the company of other canines and while he can get on well with his human family, and is good and patient with children, he isn't the ideal pet with children, as his mind is on hunting and the chase and following exciting scents.

He is a dog totally dedicated to hunting and hunting in packs sees him getting on well in the presence of other dogs. His strong hunting instinct and his wish to roam on a scent makes it that he will require a very large garden.

This 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.

The Tricolore is an excellent hunter but he also makes a good family pet. Because of the dog having ingrained hunting skills you won't find him being used essentially as a pet.

He can be stubborn, but with training and socialization he can become obedient and amicable. He is a dog that will require a great deal of exercise as he is an exuberant dog and won't do well in an environment where there is scant regard to outdoor living and exercise.

While hunting is a great love of this tri-colored dog, he is also capable of being a loving and devoted pet.

The 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.

Living to be about 10-13 years of age, your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is fortunate to be a healthy dog, but just like many other dogs, he may well get sick and then, as a responsible dog owner, you need to get your 4-legged family member to the vet.

Hip Dysplasia:

An abnormal hip joint can be hard for your dog as you notice him becoming less active and battling to get up after lying down. Hip dysplasia can lead to osteoarthritis, a limp and lameness. Get him to the vet so that you can at least help with making your pet's problem easier to bear.

Bloat:

Typically with deep chested dogs, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore can develop the life-threatening problem of bloat, when the stomach twists.

This 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.

The exercise requirements of this breed are high and he thrives on being busy and being involved in a hunt. If you do happen to keep him as a pet, he will require plenty of intense exercise from going on walks to joining in with your jogging and cycling activities. He just never seems to get enough exercise.

Grooming:

The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore requires little grooming and will do well with a good brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Diet:

For your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore to be strong and healthy, he'll need protein for strong bones and muscles.Protein needs to be the primary ingredient in an active dog's diet. If you're not sure, ask your vet about the best kibble to feed him and add in some raw meat to this every now and then.

Where possible, cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken can be added into the kibble too to make his diet more interesting and healthy. Fresh, cool water should be reachable for your dog 24/7.