CLUB HISTORY AND PURPOSE

The first gathering of an interested group of Norwegian Elkhound owners from the northern Illinois area took place in Wheeling, IL on Sunday, February 19, 1967 at Allison Woods. Fifteen flyers were sent out announcing the gathering. Seven interested people came with their Elkhounds and enjoyed "Elkie" talk and hot coffee. From the first gathering the famous "Sunday Romp" developed, and the group became known as the Great Lakes Norsk Elghund Association. The club enjoys a winter romp with the dogs, on a Saturday in February. A lunch and short meeting usually follows to complete the day. NEINEA offers other activities throughout the year. A Specialty Show and Obedience Trial, a fall Meander in the Marsh, and marching in the annual Norway Day Parade are just a few of the events.

NEINEA has grown from a group of interested Elkhound owners to an AKC licensed breed club, officially changing its name in the mid-1970’s to Northeastern Illinois Norwegian Elkhound Association, Inc. NEINEA is a not-for-profit corporation chartered under the laws of the State of Illinois, and operating under an AKC approved constitution. The membership of the NEINEA is geographically diverse, drawn mainly from northern Illinois. The club meets on the second Friday of every month, rotating the meetings among the active members’ homes. Education is one of the primary reasons for NEINEA’s existence. Through monthly meetings and programs, the club works to keep Elkhound owners, breeders, and fanciers current with medical and technical advancements in the canine field. The club also provides assistance and encouragement to new owners who want to know how to train an Elkhound.

NEINEA supports the Norwegian Elkhound breed standard established by the AKC and offers a group sympathetic to all interested people willing to work to maintain these standards through selective, conscientious breeding programs. The club financially helps many clinics, foundations, and animal welfare agencies, etc. The NEINEA was initiated for the betterment of the Elkhound breed and also as a family oriented club. Through the efforts of our members, many young people have shown their dogs. Through additional efforts of our members several rescue Norwegian Elkhounds have been adopted into new homes. Another purpose of the club is to encourage the breeding of pure-bred Norwegian Elkhounds, to develop and bring perfection to their natural high qualities, and to bring together people in the area who are Norwegian Elkhound enthusiasts.

The Northeastern Illinois Norwegian Elkhound Association, Inc. invites all non-members or dog enthusiasts interested in the betterment of Norwegian Elkhounds to attend either a business meeting or a club function. Contact the Corresponding Secretary for more information.

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Revised: September 07, 2004
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