Description

The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy, medium-sized Spitz-type dog, sturdy and squarely built with the stamina to hunt all day long for days at a time. The stand-off double coat has a distinctive gray color with a lighter undercoat and undersides. The muzzle, ears and tail tip are black. The head is broad and wedge- shaped with a defined stop. It has strong jaws. The pointed prick ears are very mobile. The eyes are dark brown and friendly with a keen, friendly expression. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The tail is rolled tightly over its back. The body is relatively short and most of the length should be in the ribcage. The chest should be deep and relatively wide. The forelegs are straight and parallel to each other. The paws are small and tight with thick pads. The Norwegian Elkhound has no doggie odor. (There is also a black Elkhound that is recognized as a separate breed, but little is known about this dog outside of its native Norway.)

Origin

One of the most ancient breeds, it is thousands of years old. These dogs have been by man's side since the time he hunted with slingshots. A skeleton similar to today's Norwegian Elkhound has been found dating from 4000 to 5000 BC. Historically, the dog was used in Scandinavia as a hunter of big game, especially moose ("Elg" in Norwegian) and elk. The dog can scent game from a distance of several Kilometers. He tracks the quarry and attracts its attention by barking. Then he holds the animal at bay until the hunter arrives to make the kill. Over the centuries, Elkhounds have also successfully hunted badger, lynx, mountain lion, bear, wolf, reindeer, elk and even rabbit. The Elkhounds is particularly well-suited to badger hunting since he works better at night than in the daytime. It is also highly prized as a sled dog. In case of war, the Norwegian Defense Minister has the power to mobilize all privately owned Elkhounds. In more recent times, the friendly and reliable character of the Elkhound has helped win him a place in many homes as a cherished family pet. The breed was first exhibited in 1877 when the Norwegian Hunters Association began holding shows. In 1923, the Elkhound Club was formed and the breed was officially recognized by the British Kennel Club. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America was recognized by the AKC in about 1930. Some of the Elkhound's talents include: hunting, tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, sledding, and agility.

Temperament

The Norwegian Elkhound is fearless and friendly. Although some may be somewhat reserved with strangers, it will greet family and friends it knows with enthusiasm. They are reliable, energetic and alert companions for children and make sensible guard dogs. It is clean and docile with an outstanding character. They are affectionate and loyal, engaging and sensitive. Like other Arctic dogs, the Norwegian Elkhound has a mind of its own and is fairly independent. It may be somewhat resistant to obedience training. It is important to be firm with this dog but show affection as well. Puppies need firm but gentle discipline. Be fair when training this breed. You can upset the dog for a long time by punishing it unfairly, and it will let you know how it feels. They have been bred to hold prey at bay, barking constantly until the hunter arrives. Some Norwegian Elkhounds bark a great deal. They also have a tendency to roam. It is best to pair sled dogs in teams of one male and one female, as males have a tendency to fight if harnessed together. They may also be aggressive with same sex dogs in the household, but this tends to be the exception rather then the rule. Some sources say Elkhounds are usually good with non-canine pets, others say they shouldn't be trusted so use caution.

Height

Height: Dogs 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.) Bitches 18-20 inches (46-51 cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg.) Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Prone to hip dysplasia, pyotraumatic dermatitis and PRA. Occasionally seen is Fanconi syndrome. Do not over feed this breed as it tends to gain weight quickly.

Conditions for Living

The Norwegian Elkhound will be okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is fairly active indoors and does best with at least a large yard. Elkhounds prefer cool climates.

Exercise Requirments

The Norwegian Elkhound is a very energetic dog that thrives on strenuous activity. They need to be taken on a daily, long, brisk will enjoy a running beside your bike or a really good run in the woods, but remember that these dogs like to roam. If it picks up an interesting scent, it may ignore you when you call it.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Grooming

The hard, coarse, weatherproof coat is easy to groom. It should be brushed regularly, with extra care given while the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. When the dog is shedding, the dead hair clings to the new hair. The dead hair should be removed with a rubber brush or a wooden comb with a double row of metal teeth. Brushes and combs just for this purpose are sold in pet stores. Bathe only when necessary, as it removes the natural oils in the skin. Like other Arctic dogs, they do not have the usual smell of dog hair. The coat is both water and dirt resistant. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.

Group

Northern, AKC Hound