Animals: First Puppy

A small, saucy two-month-old dog with large brown eyes and tail curled up behind arrived in Manhattan last week on the steamer Stavangerfjord. It was one of Norway's best elkhounds, on its way to Washington to be First Puppy of the Land. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, which met the dog at the boat, had purchased it from Dr. Dyrlage T. Hemsen, one of Norway's most famed dog breeders. They planned to present it to President Hoover to take the place of the late German shepherd King Tut (TIME, June 13). Pedigree papers were sent at once to the Department of Agriculture to be certified. Dugal Guy Campbell, secretary of the Norwegian Elkhound Association, informed President Hoover that he had something for him, was received at the White House. Norwegian elkhounds are scarce in U. S., common in northern Europe. Originating in Scandinavia, they were companions to the Vikings. They are used to hunt elk, bear, wolf, to herd reindeer, to draw carts and sledges as do the Eskimo dogs which they resemble. A full grown Norwegian elkhound weighs about 50 lb., stands 19 in. high, has a large square head, strong stocky body. The Hoover Elkhound will receive what ever name Granddaughter Peggy Anne Hoover thinks best.