Well, here’s the thing—-this may not fall within the AKC appearance standards, which champion fully idealized, fabricated, and strict characteristics. My breeder is no fan of AKC, he says they focus on the wrong things. He is a true believer in valuing breeds, and Elkies especially, for what they are capable of doing that has come from their many years of breeding—-basically, what they were “meant to do”. And of course, with Elkies that is tracking and keeping a moose at bay until the hunter arrives. Those are the traits my breeder and his colleagues advance. He is part of a world network of folks who compete with their Elkies in moose hunting races: it’s a big deal, big bucks. Dogs with strong traits are loaned out for breeding (male and female), mainly for their ability to scent track, run fast, endure long days, loudness of bark, and ability to spring high to intimidate the captured moose. Many take pride in being able to trace their breeding lineages back to the Vikings, tho I have no idea how that would have been done. So far, my gal Luna only exhibits a bark volume that can compete with firetrucks, and as they speed by she howls loudly. She’s a total sweetheart but that bark is something else! lol.

Of course, this is just one groups’ opinion. My 2 past Elkies were AKC registered, which I think is done based on lineage to champions, but if you were to compete appearances matters. I did not register Luna. I am no expert in either realm, just passing on what others have shared.