With the phenomenal old world litters we have coming this summer the potential to get a matched pair is extremely good out of Kessa and Varja. Both of these daughters of Karu are at the absolute upper end of Norwegian Elkhound excellence in the world.
Matched Pairs of Elkhounds Ancient Practice
The running of matched pairs of Elkhounds is a very ancient practice and has been done with great success for centuries.
We already know the phenomenal attributes of that genetic behind these two lines for matched pairs as of course we have already witnessed this many times. Kessa and Kaleva are full siblings, truly incredible dogs. Varja and her sisters, Revna and Karia all run at Michael and Sarah’s now.
The matched pair concept is old. Very old. Check out this photo.
The old breeders and hunters had been running matched pairs since way back, long before us. Our philosophy on this concept is based on centuries of practice with this breed. True ancient lineage dogs are pack animals by instinct. They thrive in a pack environment. They thrive on modeling the older pairs the ability to work as teams is highly valuable in remote terrain work.
The matched siblings above are two of the very best Elkhounds ever, that is Jaegar and Tora. There literally are no better “Individual Elkhounds” and there for certain are no better “Matched Pair Elkhounds” so you can have dogs that function as one but are two, yet remain totally capable as one.
Never in all my time have I seen it harder to work two than 1. In fact in my experience and I have raised so many matched pairs it’s crazy, but I have seen it’s easier. The dogs in fact are better. They are better as a pair and they are better individually.
The best Norwegian Elkhounds in the world, many of them the very best are the Kamia Kennels matched pairs.
The twins Tekla and Tuva were two of the very best, with Tekla I have stated many times to be the very best Norwegian Elkhound female ever. Individually, or as a combined unit they were totally remarkable. So easy to train, so simple to work as a pair, yet masterpiece Elkhounds on their own. Matched pairs are remarkable.
Kona and Bruin were the first matched pair we placed, this was decades ago. Phenomenal big boys, excellent family companions and superior support for themselves but also the family. We have seen this over and over through the years.
What is fascinating is the matched pairs can be separated, then re-united, they become one unit over and over again, separated, then one, nothing matters to related Elkhounds. It’s incredible to witness, I have seen it over and over.
Merle and Silver Nessa are a prime example. They can be apart, come together, operate as a unit, then go back to life as one, visit each other again, it’s like they never left.
Also they don’t have to be the same litter, it can be a litter or two apart, as long as the genetic is the same in my opinion. Even if the genetic is different the residing genetic instinct value is so strong that you can still get these incredible bonds between the dogs. Truly is amazing. I have so many pairs of Elkhounds out there with clients as well as personally witnessing it, and Michael and Sarah now see it.
They have many matched pairs and getting more as our preservation aspects increase. Renee has the famous matched pair of Ari and Riatta. You can not get a better genetic line than those for matched pairs. The famous MANE and Luna siblings, I am certain there have been no closer siblings, Luna is the mother of Ari and Riatta.
Look at the stunning Dajr and Syn. They are different litters but same genetic, you literally can’t tell they are not same litter they are so bonded. This is an incredible set of siblings, truly amazing working Elkhounds.
The illustrations of this concept are endless. We have seen it in Norwegian Elkhounds, Swedish Elkhounds and will see it full force in the Full Bloods as we are witnessing it live right now. Michael and Sarah have Full Blood matched pairs right now. Working them, they are so flawless.
The two big boys in that ancient photo above are Full Bloods. It’s only fitting that with the return of the Full Bloods matched pairs are highlighted.
Check them out at Golden Ring Elkhounds and Our Main Kamia Kennels Elkhounds. and Texas Elkies, the Phenoms Ari and Riatta Norwegian Elkhounds.
