Norwegian Elkhound

Description: The Norwegian Elkhound has the courage, agility and stamina to hold big game at a distance and the endurance to track for hours in all types of weather and terrain. They are extremely versatile. Norwegian Elkhounds are straightforward, equable, friendly and gentle characters. They make a great family pet and home guardian as they are very loyal and protective. Norwegian Elkhound puppies are born black but turn gray in about a week as their fur develops.

Other Names: Elkhound, Norsk Elghund

Type: Northern Breed

Height: 19 – 21 inches Weight: 44 – 50 lbs.

Colors: Gray with black tipped hairs Coat: Dense, smooth lying, weather resistant, outer-coat is coarse and straight with an under-coat that is soft and wooly. Shedding is year-round. No doggie order.

Temperament: Norwegian Elkhounds are alert, friendly, dependable, trustworthy, independent, dominant With Children: Yes, if children do not pester them. With Pets: Yes, usually get along well with other dogs.  Special Skills: Hunting dog for large wild game.

Watch-dog: Very high, excellent watchdog with their piercing bark Guard-dog: High

Care and Exercise: Minimal grooming is required to keep the coat of the Norwegian Elkhound as their coat is both water and dirt resistant. Norwegian Elkhounds should be exercise at least one hour per day which can consist of a run or free play. Training: Early training is necessary especially in the area of barking. It is suggested you begin at about 12 weeks of age. Too much barking should be discouraged. Be firm with the Norwegian Elkhound as they have a mind of their own and are independent. Do not punish unfairly. Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience – Low, Problem Solving – High

Activity: Indoors – High, Outdoors – Medium Living Environment: House with a fenced yard is essential. The owner of a Norwegian Elkhound must be dominate as they can be a challenge to train.

Health Issues: Hot spots and shedding problems. Susceptible to subcutaneous cysts and tumors. Possibility to progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation glaucoma and congenital kidney disease.

Life Span: 10 – 12 years Litter Size: 7 – 14

Country of Origin: Norway History: Norwegian Elkhounds can trace their ancestors back 6000 years to the Viking days where they were used as a watchdog and guard against wolves and bears and as a hunter of elk and other large game.

First Registered by the AKC: 1913 AKC Group: Hound Group Class: Hound Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 5), KC (GB), UKC