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Longships Norwegian Elkhounds was started as a tribute to those dogs who can do it all..I started with Norwegian Elkhounds in obedience and later started to show in conformation. My main hope was to continue a tradition of strong healthy and smart dogs, who not only could win breed championships but prove their mettle in the obedience and agility rings. I have only bred one litter, but the dogs from that mating went far beyond my dreams.
One dog became not only a champion but earned the very first Norwegian Elkhound AKC Master Agility Championship.
The dog that I kept from that litter earned his championship and also won Agility and Obedience Championships.
Two of the puppies became service dogs and the third male was also active in agility and obedience.
This litter became the standard for my motto.... Longships- Where Norwegian Elkhounds reach their highest potential.
Today, they have all gone to the bridge, where they will be awaiting their owners and me when the time comes..
I currently own two elkhounds. Birka, is the oldest, at 8 years old , is a very smart , intense and energetic worker. She gives 200% of anything she does... Sometimes she is a bit much, and she is a demanding girl, affectionate and sweet but its all about her! She loves to work, and of course the pay is food and I truly believe she would do anything. I have trained her to pick things up, if I drop them. This always comes in handy if your back is sore and you don't want to bend over...or if something falls and rolls under the table. The most amazing thing she has retrieved for me was a fish oil capsule that rolled under the dining room table. She quickly ran under the table and brought it to me: it was barely wet and was not punctured. She is good picking up dropped papers, or keys too. I would have gone on with her for Utility training, except any competition training is about 80 miles away...one way. Its just too expensive these days. We tried to get the Tracking Dog Excellent and she was fantastic; I ,however, held her back needing a knee replacement at the time. The terrain was too difficult for me. We tried and failed four times and decided that was enough. She is still the best tracking dog I have ever had.
Briskke, my other elkhound, is a very talented and handsome young male of 5. He has already proven his versatility winning an amazing Specialty Best in Show and completing his Rally Novice title on the same day! He has had an outstanding conformation career with three Specialty BEST in SHOWS and numerous Awards of Merit including one at a National show under a Norwegian judge. He recently finished his AKC Grand Championship and Rally Obedience Advanced title. Last spring he was certified for Pet Therapy work. He has been visiting the Tomah, WI VA and the New Lisbon nursing home. Everyone loves him and marvels at how gentle and calm he is . He has participated three times so far in the READ TO ROVER PROGRAM with children at the libraries. He likes to listen to the stories on his back, feet waving in the air hoping for a tummy rub while they are reading.
The photo was taken October 2012 of Briskke and myself in Interstate Park Minnesota at Taylors Falls after the NEAM specialty show. Thanks to Michelle Bendickson for this photo.
Currently I am retired and live with my husband in rural west central Wisconsin. Now I have time for my passions: Geneology, Showing the dogs, Photography, Art , Gardening. I recently became a JUNEAU COUNTY MASTER GARDENER, . I have also become the Geneologist for the family researching the Olson and Pierce lines further. I sometimes feel like a cemetery detective. I got involved at another level, as Chairman for the Cemetery Board for the Town of Fountain.
My Norwegian Elkhounds and I have participated in Breed Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Scent Hurdle, Carting, Herding, Pet Therapy and Hunting. I find this breed can really do it all.
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