Norwegian Elkhound - Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound Temperament

The Norwegian Elkhound is a gentle and friendly dog, and is also very versatile, displaying great courage and determination. This is a dog that puts one hundred percent into everything that he does, and is confident and dignified. He can be very independent and strong willed, and is therefore best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. The Norwegian Elkhound has high energy levels, and needs plenty of exercise. Regular walks or a safe, secured area in which to play and exercise are important. Although these dogs are intelligent and quick to learn, they are also very headstrong, and need an assertive and confident owner in order to respond well to training. The Norwegian Elkhound makes a good watchdog, as he will bark to raise the alarm - in fact, he will often bark a lot anyway, and is not well suited to those looking for a quiet pet.

The Norwegian Elkhound loves the attention of his family and likes to get involved in activities, so this is not the breed for those with little time for their pets. These dogs need families that are active, attentive, and loving. In order to reduce the risk of boredom, both mental and physical stimulation is required. The Norwegian Elkhound tends to get along well with children, particularly when brought up with them. They can be dog aggressive with dogs of the same sex, and should also be socialized early with cats. When it comes to strangers, some Norwegian Elkhounds can be friendly, and others may be more reserved. The Norwegian Elkhound is a protective and loyal dog, and makes a good family pet for the right family.
Norwegian Elkhound Appearance

The Norwegian Elkhound is medium in size, and has an athletic and sturdy build. He is a handsome dog that carries himself with dignity. His expression is keen and alert, and his erect ears add to his alert appearance. The coat of the Norwegian Elkhound is dense, straight, and coarse, with a softer undercoat. The outer coat is weather resistant, and the coloring is gray and silver, with black tips. The weight of the Norwegian Elkhound is around 35-50 pounds for females and 50-60 pounds for males. These dogs stand at around 19-21 inches in height.
Norwegian Elkhound Grooming

In terms of grooming the Norwegian Elkhound is a pretty low maintenance dog, and his coat needs to be brushed twice weekly under normal circumstances. However, during heavier shedding you will need to brush on a daily basis. These dogs are high shedders, and shed to some degree all year round. They are therefore not the best choice for allergy sufferers.
Norwegian Elkhound Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Norwegian Elkhound is around 10-15 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes: cataracts, thyroid problems, PRA, HD, cysts, cancer, and kidney problems. The parents of the Norwegian Elkhound puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Norwegian Elkhound History

The Norwegian Elkhound originates from Norway, and has an ancestry that dates back thousands of years. These dogs were used by the Vikings as guard dogs and watchdogs, and were also used for hunting elk. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1913.

# AKAElkhound, Norsk Elghund
# SizeMedium
# Ease of trainingLow/Medium
# GroomingLow
# SheddingHigh
# Exercise neededDaily walks
# Energy levelMedium/High
# ProtectionMakes an effective watchdog
# Good with childrenYes, particularly when brought up with them
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity92/155