Introduction to Norwegian Elkhounds
Norwegian elkhounds are friendly dogs and one among the oldest breeds in Europe. They are alert, agile, athletic, and eager. They can seem a bit reserved at first, but when you get to know them, they’re perpetually friends that you would be able to trust and depend on irrespective of what.
If you might be searching for a daring and energetic dog that is nice at keeping watch and affectionate with relations, a Norwegian elkhound is perhaps the right dog for you. This Healthy Paws breed guide covers the Norwegian elkhound’s size, temperament, training, grooming, general care, health, feeding, and more.
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Size of Norwegian Elkhounds
When fully grown, a Norwegian elkhound male will weigh about 55 kilos and stand 20.5 inches tall, while a female of this breed will weigh about 45 kilos and be 19.5 inches tall.
Here’s how big you’ll be able to expect your Norwegian elkhound to get because the dog grows from puppyhood to maturity:
| Weight Chart | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months |
| Male Norwegian elkhounds | 17.5 lbs. | 30 lbs. | 45 lbs. |
| Female Norwegian elkhounds | 15 lbs. | 27.5 lbs. | 40 lbs. |
Characteristics of Norwegian Elkhounds
Norwegian elkhounds are fairly adaptable dogs which are very tolerant of cold weather but not hot weather. In fact, they were bred to hunt big game and hold moose at bay while dodging attacks and tracking for a lot of hours in frigid conditions and over rough terrain. So, as you may expect, Norwegian elkhounds love outdoor adventures, even in the event that they are only on family trips on climbing trails and to local parks.
They are known to be barkers but may also learn good behaviors from basic obedience training. These dogs aren’t necessarily people-pleasing, nor are they very occupied with toys.
However, they love chasing balls, receiving praise, and occurring adventures with you. Norwegian elkhounds are also excellent watchdogs, thrive on attention. They are typically great with older kids but must be supervised closely around children.
As you get to know a Norwegian elkhound’s personality, here’s what you’ll be able to expect based on the breed characteristics:
| Breed Characteristic | Level (High, Medium, Low) |
| Affectionate with People | High |
| Good with Kids | Medium |
| Good with Pets | Medium |
| Need for Exercise | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence Level | Medium |
| Able to Be Trained | Low |
| Amount of Barking | High |
| Amount of Shedding | High |
History of Norwegian Elkhounds
The history of Norwegian elkhounds dates back to before the Viking era. Vikings used dogs to herd their flocks and defend them from bears and wolves. These Nordic dogs are the topic of many Norse myths and historical stories detailing epic conquests and adventures from precedent days. The name “elkhound” refers to an ancient giant moose. They are categorized as hounds due to their historic work of following scent trails to assist hunters of their quests.
This style of dog breed dates back as early as 5000 B.C. and has been used to hunt elk, bears, and other animals within the wild. They are a very important a part of Nordic culture but gained broader attention after the Norwegian Hunters Association’s dog show of 1877.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1913. Today, Norwegian elkhounds mostly live as family companions and excel at dog sports, agility training, obedience skills, and other competitions.
Norwegian Elkhound Standard Information
Norwegian elkhounds are judged at dog shows based on a set of standards that describe the breed’s general appearance. These dogs are hardy, gray, medium-sized, square in profile, and exhibit great endurance.
Here is an summary of the breed standard information for Norwegian elkhounds:
Head:
- Broad on the ears and wedge-shaped
- Keen and alert expression
- Very dark brown eyes which are medium in size
- Ears set high, erect, and firm
- Muzzle is the thickest at the bottom
- Teeth meet in a scissors bite
Neck, Topline, Body:
- Neck is medium length and muscular
- Back is straight and strong
- Chest is deep and moderately broad
- Tail is about high and tightly curled
Forequarters:
- Shoulders slope with elbows closely set on
- Single dewclaws are often present
- Pasterns are strong and barely bent
- Feet turn neither in nor out
Hindquarters:
- Hindquarters have moderate angulation at stifle and hock
- Thighs are broad and well-muscled
- Feet are similar to within the front
Coat:
- Thick, hard, and weather-resistant outercoat
- Soft, dense, and woolly undercoat
- No clipping, trimming, or artificial treatment
- Optional to trim the whiskers
Color:
- Preference is medium gray
- Undercoat, legs, stomach, buttocks, and underside of tail are clear-light-silver
Gait:
- Stride is even and effortless
- Agile and with great endurance
- Front and rear quarters are well-balanced in angulation and muscular development
Caring for Norwegian Elkhounds
Norwegian elkhounds are lively dogs that require about half-hour of exercise twice every day. These food-motivated dogs should be kept lively in order that they don’t grow to be chubby. They thrive in households with fenced yards and cold climates.
This breed is playful and high-energy, making them ready for adventure at any time. However, in the event that they grow to be bored attributable to lack of exercise or stimulation, the dogs can grow to be destructive and exhibit loud barking behaviors.
Here are some general suggestions for taking the very best care of a Norwegian elkhound
Best Living Environments:
- Homes with fenced yards
- Cold climates with snow
- Prone to overheating in hot climates
- Households with older children
Type of Exercise:
- Long every day walks
- Hikes in the outside
- About eight miles of walking per week
- 45 minutes of exercise every day
- Swimming
- Playing within the snow
Mental Enrichment:
- Chasing balls
- Agility courses
- Flyball
- Tracking
- Guarding
- Hunting
- Herding
- Sledding
- Search and rescue
Training Strategies:
- Training might be difficult for first-time pet parents
- Consider crate training for if you find yourself away
- Use positive reinforcement methods
- Be consistent with training from an early age
- Teach the dog to heel and walk on a leash
- Socialize to other pets and children from an early age
Grooming Tips:
- Expect a variety of shedding
- Seasonal blowouts
- Brush the coat every day, if possible
- Schedule de-shedding sessions with a groomer
- Brush teeth every day
- Check ears for wax, redness, debris, and odor
Common Health Problems of Norwegian Elkhounds
The Norwegian elkhound is a healthy and hearty breed with a median lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The most typical issues with these dogs are cancer and heart problems. The national breed club for Norwegian elkhounds recommends that breeders conduct hip and ophthalmologist evaluations.
These are a number of the most typical health issues that arise with Norwegian elkhounds:
- Fanconi syndrome (kidney disorder)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (eye disease)
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous cysts under the skin
- Obesity
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Chondrodysplasia (skeletal disease)
- Hereditary ataxia (neurologic disorder)
Diet and Nutrition for Norwegian Elkhounds
Fully grown Norwegian elkhounds need about 2.5 cups of dry pet food every day, divided into two meals. Talk to your vet about portion sizes, caloric intake, and activity level so your Norwegian elkhound doesn’t grow to be chubby. Switching to a weight-management formula and reducing treats could also be essential to assist your dog maintain a healthy weight.
The every day cost to feed a Norwegian elkhound is about $1.20 to $1.40, and the monthly cost is about $34 to $45.
Where to Adopt or Purchase Norwegian Elkhounds
The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America is the national breed club for any such dog and a resource for purchasing or adopting a pet. The organization offers breeder resources and contact information for connecting with dogs that should be rescued and rehomed.
Other organizations specializing in rescuing this specific breed include the Four Paws Elkhound Rescue and the John Nelsen Moosedog Rescue Fund.
If you’ve been loving what you’ve been learning concerning the Norwegian elkhound thus far, you is perhaps interested to know that other dog breeds share similar characteristics. Here are some examples of comparable breeds to the Norwegian elkhound:
- Karelian bear dog
- Norwegian buhund
- Finnish spitz
- Husky
- Akita
- Hede elkhound
- Swedish white elkhound
Pet Insurance for Norwegian Elkhounds
To best take care of your outdoorsy and adventurous pet, Healthy Paws offers pet insurance for Norwegian elkhounds. Our Norwegian elkhound insurance covers every little thing from accidents and illnesses to hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer, emergency hospitals, chronic conditions, and alternative care.
Pet health care costs are rising, making dog insurance more vital than ever to guard your pets and your funds.
Please visit our quote page today to supply a couple of basic details about your Norwegian elkhound in order that we will offer you a coverage rate. We stay up for helping you and your dog enjoy glad and healthy lives together from puppyhood through the senior years.