The AKC recognized the Elkhound around 1930.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a large dog with soitz-features and a curled tail. It was bred to hunt elks and that's why it's build for endurance and agility. It has a furry, thick coat with a wooly, undercoat and a coarse outer coat. It sheds a lot and needs frequent brushing and care.
Personality
The Norwegian Elkhond is very playful and active dog breed with lots of energy and needs plenty of daily exercise. It makes a good jogging companion, but long walks and vigorous play will also satisfy its needs. It's adventurous and independent and loves cold weather. It's friendly with children, but may be too boisterous for children. Its shy towards other dogs but friendly with strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spitz |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Hounds |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | The Norwegian Elkhound, The Norsk Elghund, The Gra Norsk Elghund, The Gray Norwegian Elkhound, The Small Grey Elk Dog, The Norwegian Moose Dog, The Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Norwegian Elkhound Build Information
The Norwegian Elkhound is a large dog with soitz-features and a curled tail. It was bred to hunt elks and that is why it is build for endurance and agility. It has a furry, thick coat with a wooly, undercoat and a coarse outer coat. It sheds a lot and needs frequent brushing and care.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 41 - 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 - 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Norwegian Elkhond is very playful and active dog breed with lots of energy and needs plenty of daily exercise. It makes a good jogging companion, but long walks and vigorous play will also satisfy its needs. It is adventurous and independent and loves cold weather. It is friendly with children, but may be too boisterous for children. Its shy towards other dogs but friendly with strangers.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The Elkhound sheds heavily and needs frequent grooming and brushing.
| Colors: | Black, Gray, Silver, White |
| Shedding: | Seasonal |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Norwegian Elkhound Common Health Conditions
Although this breed is generally healthy, the Elkhound is prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Fanconi Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, and Sebaceous Cysts.
Norwegian Elkhound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
This energetic dog breed is a very playful companion. It is shy to other dogs and pets, but friendly towards strangers. This dog breed is very protective and easy to train, and therefore used as watchdog. With its thick and double coat the Elkhound is cold weather-proof, but most happy living with its family.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Dog Sledding: | Yes |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Obedient: | Yes |