CHAPTER LIII 

 ELKHOUNDS 



IN general appearance the Elkhound has much in 

 common with the Eskimo, the Samoyede, and other 

 dogs of Northern latitudes, but he is of larger 

 size and darker colour. His name sufficiently in- 

 dicates his occupation, which is that of hunting 

 the largest living representative of the deer tribe. 

 No doubt he was first brought over, b*y British 

 sportsmen who were in the habit of hunting the 

 Elk in Sweden, but since restrictions have been 

 placed upon the sport he is not used so much as 

 formerly. Considering their beauty and the fact 

 that they are fairly easily obtainable, it is somewhat 

 surprising that they have never become more widely 

 popularised. Major Hicks Beach, one of whose dogs 

 is illustrated, says : " These dogs are trustworthy 

 as companions and make nice indoor pets. They 

 are very hardy out of doors. Some of my Elkhounds 

 are very fond of the water." I believe that it is 

 necessary to keep them under good control when 

 there are any deer in the neighbourhood, or they 

 may give rein to their hunting instincts and occasion 

 trouble. 



Lady Cathcart, who is much attached to the breed, 



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