Thai Bangkaew vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz-type dog breed hailing from Norway and with a history that goes back thousands of years.

These dogs have been used as hunting dogs and have been able to bring down game such as Elk, bears, wolves, badgers and reindeer. They have also been used to guard livestock.

The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.

The Thai Bangkaew breed comes from a small village in the Bang Rakarn District of the Phitsanulok Province, in Thailand. The breed is named after that village of Bangkaew. A wild dog was crossed with a Buddhist abbot’s black and white female. Today’s Bangkew is the direct result of breeding only from the litters produced from these original two. Some believe the wild dog was a jackal that is now extinct. The breed is similar to a Spitz and is a good hunter and an intelligent family member. However they still maintain some of the wildness of the jackal.

The Thai Bangkaew was developed to be a guard dog and alert their owners of any strangers or dangers. By 1957 the dog we know today we being developed through selective breeding. They are not recognized today by the AKC. These facts have made it a very rare breed that is hard to find outside southeast Asia. They are great outdoor companions.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large sized dog standing at roughly 45 to 55cm in height and weighing anything fro 18 to 25 kilogams.

People love this dog because of his beautiful wolf-like face and bright eyes. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, the eyes dark brown, the ears stand erect and the bush tail curls over the dog's back.

The double coat has different shades of gray and silver with cream and white shades on the undercoat.

He is a moderate shedder with some seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy dog who loves to be busy and he also makes a loving and loyal companion towards his human family. He tends to be a little bit reserved around strangers.

He is an independent dog so so its a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he is always obedient. He is an intelligent dog so you won’t battle to teach him.

He gets on well with children in the home. He however, can be a little bit aggressive with other dogs, but not if he was brought up with them as a puppy. Adventurous and active, he just loves spending time outdoors. It's why he is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to the city and also prefers cooler climates.

A compact and square dog, the Thai Bangkaew is a well proportioned breed with a gait that is smooth. They have a deep, wide chest with muscular and strong neck. The head is also square, the ears pointed and the eyes brown and average size. They have a double coat and a longer, thicker ruff. Their chest and back also have a ruff like a lion. The tail is plumed and carried up high and curves over the dog’s back. Their coat is water-repellent.

Your Norwegian Elkhound makes an awesome pet. He is full of the joys of living and wants to be an active member of his human family.

He is active and always ready for some fun and games. He is also intelligent and will make an even better pet when he has been trained and socialized.

Those who have owned one of these beautiful dogs will always say how they adore this beautiful, smart, loving canine friend of theirs.

1.Children friendliness – yes with early and proper socialization be watchful with small children

2.Special talents tenacity, climber

3.Adaptability – needs exercise, not a great apartment dog

4.Learning ability – high but independent and stubborn

Your beautiful Norwegian Elkhound can reach 15 years of age if you look after him well and he manages to avoid some of the common dog diseases there are.

There are some dog illnesses that are good to be aware of -

Glaucoma:

This is an eye condition where there is pressure that builds up in the eye. There is a problem with the drainage of fluid in the eye and this is what causes the pressure and there can be damage to the optic nerve.

Pyotraumatic Dermatitis:

This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and is often seen in dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound who have thick coats.

Hip Dysplasia:

A common disease seen in many dog breeds, young and old, and which is a malfunction of the hip joints, causing problems with your dog’s mobility.

This is a very healthy breed with a relatively clean genentic pool. The dogs tend to be healthy. They have no congenital health issues. However they do contract some normal canine issues.

Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Luxating Patella – slipped kneecap – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Cryptorchidism – absence of testicles – dog is sterile.

Chronic ear infections

Eye Diseases

As a spitz type dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog who will need lots of physical activity.

He has a very thick coat so make sure he doesn’t overheat during exercise as he has been used to living in wintry climates.

Brush and Check for Ticks:

Your pet will shed some of that thick hair so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep the coat in tip top condition. At the same time check him over for ticks and fleas. How often you see ticks on your dog will depend on where you live. These parasites attach to your dog and feed on his blood.They are capable of causing many diseases in your pet, one of which is Lyme disease, a disease which can lead to arthritis and swelling with your dog’s joints.

The best way to prevent any disease from weakening your pet is to get him to the vet as soon as possible. A good way to prevent ticks is to speak to your vet about tick control products.

Diet:

Make sure he has the best food to ensure health and happiness. Keep his meals simple – no exotic, spicy foods that can upset his stomach.

A high quality kibble brand for energetic dogs is a wise choice and some tasty home-made food added in occasionally. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

. Feeding the puppy Feed a high quality high protein puppy food for medium sized dog. Feed 2 cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality high protein adult food for medium sized dog. Feed 2.5 cups in 2 meals per day

3.Points for Good Health general good health

4. Games and Exercises they need daily exercise and they love to swim. He loves to dig and is a climber as well. Good at herding, barnchase.