of publications and journals

The History of Year Books and Journals Published by Elkhound Clubs in the UK

A Chronicle of Community, Breed Legacy, and Canine Culture
The tradition of documenting the history, achievements, and progressive thought within the world of purebred dogs is a venerable one, with Year Books and Journals standing as proud artefacts of club life. Among these, the publications produced by Elkhound Clubs in the United Kingdom hold a special place—a testament to the enduring connection
between enthusiasts and the remarkable Norwegian Elkhound.

Origins of Elkhound Clubs in the UK

The Norwegian Elkhound, with its wolf-grey coat, curled tail, and storied history as a hunting companion in Scandinavia, captured the fascination of British dog lovers in the early twentieth century. As the breed gained popularity, the need for organised clubs to promote, protect, and improve breed standards became apparent. The earliest Elkhound club in the UK is widely credited as The Elkhound Club, founded in 1923, the second being the British Elkhound Society, founded in 1936. The clubs amalgamated in 1973, and the British Elkhound Club was established. However, it was re-named in 2003 when the name of the breed was changed to reflect the breed’s Country of origin. The Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain is a testament to the longevity of the breed and recognises the value of regular, formal publications to strengthen their community and document their journey.

The Birth of the Year Book Tradition

The concept of the Year Book—a comprehensive annual chronicle encapsulating the club’s activities, achievements, and significant events—emerged in the mid-20th century. Early editions were often modest, produced in black and white, with hand typed pages and carefully pasted photographs. Yet even in these humble beginnings, Year Books were imbued with a sense of pride and purpose.

Members eagerly awaited the arrival of each new edition, which served as both a record and a keepsake. The Year Book typically included:

• Reports from club o icers and committee members
• Show results, including photographs of Best in Show winners
• Lists of champions and notable dogs
• Litters born, pedigrees, and stud dog listings
• Obituaries and tributes to departed canine companions
• Articles on health, breeding, and care
• Membership directories

The first Year Books published by Elkhound clubs provided a new sense of unity and identity. Through their pages, the breed’s development in the UK was meticulously chronicled, and the rising and falling fortunes of kennels and bloodlines became part of a living history.

Growth and Evolution: The Golden Age of Breed Publications

By the 1960s and 70s, Elkhound clubs across Britain had adopted the Year Book tradition. As typewriters gave way to early word processors, the books became more polished. Clubs sometimes collaborated, sharing show reports and photographs to ensure comprehensive coverage. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of Scotland occasionally produced their own supplements or smaller newsletters, expanding the reach of club communications.

Year Books in this period also began to reflect the broader cultural context. They included more editorial content, such as essays reflecting on the breed’s role in modern society, interviews with prominent breeders and judges, and thoughtful analysis of health and conformation issues. Advertising from breeders, stud dog owners, and suppliers of canine products became an important means of funding these publications.

Content Highlights and Community Impact

The collective output of these publications has been immense. Through interviews with long-time members, one can map the evolution of the breed, the patterns of kennel success, and the emergence of influential sires and dams. The Year Books, especially, provide invaluable records of:

• Champion Elkhounds and their show careers
• Key breeding combinations and the influence of imported lines
• Pivotal moments in the club’s governance and policy
• Breed health challenges and responses—from early concerns about eye
• diseases and hip dysplasia to more recent discussions on genetic diversity
• Changing fashions in grooming, handling, and presentation

For members, these publications are much more than informational booklets: they are part of the fabric of club life. They confer status on winning kennels, preserve cherished memories, and foster a sense of belonging. For historians, breed researchers, and future generations of dog lovers, they are an irreplaceable resource, chronicling not only the dogs but the people who shaped the breed’s destiny on British soil.

The Digital Era: Transformation and Continuity

As the new millennium dawned, Elkhound clubs faced the familiar challenges of rising printing costs, declining membership, and the rapid advance of digital media. Early PDF newsletters, email digests, and, eventually, fully interactive club websites began to supplement—or, in some cases, replace—printed editions.

Notable Milestones and Unique Editions

Throughout their history, Year Books and Journals have marked milestones both poignant and celebratory. Anniversary editions, such as the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain’s 50th and 75th year commemorative books, have revisited the breed’s highlights and published rare archival photos. Special editions have celebrated:

• Centenary shows and the club’s role in major canine events
• Notable judges and their contributions to breed standards
• Reminiscences from founding members and legendary breeders

These special issues are highly prized by collectors and regarded as heirlooms within the Elkhound community.

Preserving the Legacy: Challenges and Opportunities

Maintaining the tradition of detailed, thoughtful breed documentation is not without its challenges. Privacy laws, consent for publication of images, and the vagaries of changing technology require clubs to be ever vigilant. Yet, the enduring interest in Elkhounds and the deep a ection owners hold for their dogs have ensured that Year Books and Journals remain a vibrant part of club culture.

There is also a growing recognition of the importance of archiving and digitising past publications. Several clubs are engaged in projects to scan and index their historical records, making them searchable and accessible for researchers and enthusiasts alike. Such e orts ensure that the wisdom and warmth captured in these pages will not be lost to time.

Conclusion: A Living Chronicle

The Year Books and Journals published by Elkhound Clubs in the UK are more than simple newsletters or annual summaries: they are a living chronicle of a passionate, dedicated community. Through world wars, social change, and technological revolution, these publications have recorded triumphs and losses, adapted to new realities, and celebrated the unique bond between people and their noble grey companions.

As Elkhound enthusiasts look to the future, the story of their breed in Britain will continue to be told—one edition at a time—by the ever-evolving, ever-resilient tradition of Year Books and Journals. Their pages, whether ink on paper or pixels on a screen, stand as a testament to the love of a breed and the spirit of those who champion its cause.

The first British Elkhound Society Year Book was published in 1924

The first British Elkhound Club Annual was published in 1973

The first Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain Journal was published in 2003