Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound can be summed up as courageous, bold, independent, playful and with a boisterous attitude. These husky members of the Hound Group are a combination of spitz-like traits, mixed with that of the hound, and always looking for the next outdoor adventure. With its high energy levels and overly friendly personality, the Norwegian Elkhound makes an excellent house dog for any family that enjoys exploring the great outdoors.
A Brief History Of The Norwegian Elkhound
There is a bit of confusion over the history of the Norwegian Elkhound, mostly because its roots are tied to the spitz breed, yet is placed in the Hound Group. And anyone not familiar with the breed would immediately assume it was a spitz due to the Elkhound's physical appearance.
The Norwegian Elkhound has always been an excellent scenthound, used to track large game. They have also served as trustworthy guard dogs, herders, and protectors. The Elkhound has been a breed to survive and evolve to performing a variety of jobs during the coldest of climates, the roughest of terrain, and the deepest of ice-filled mountains.
Above all, its most revered usefulness is in hunting Elk, as the breed's names suggests. The job of the Norwegian Elkhound was not actually to kill the animal, but rather to locate the prey and keep it in place until the hunter arrived to make the kill. They made their way to England and the United States sometime during the late 1800s and recognized by the AKC in 1930.
Upkeep Requirements For The Norwegian Elkhound
This breed has an insatiable instinct to hunt, and was bred to do so during all types of harsh weather conditions. Therefore they need to live with a family that has access to the outside and with a passion for an active lifestyle. Running, hunting, jogging, and playing are all great ways to spend time with your Norwegian Elkhound. These dogs have endless amounts of energy and are not meant to be couped up inside the house.
Norwegian Elkhounds can live outside if need be, so long as the temperatures are not hot, as their heavy coat was made to withstand the cold. Like all loving companions they should be allowed to sleep inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about twice weekly. During shedding season a daily brushing will be necessary.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are CHD. Minor health issues include sebaceous cysts, hot spots, and renal dysplasia (kidney disease). Rarely seen is intracutaneous cornifying epithelioma, PRA, Fanconi syndrome, and patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that Norwegian Elkhounds get specifically tested for Fanconi, eye, and hip problems.
History
Evidence from archaeological digs show that the Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund) was domesticated around 5000-6000 years ago. Norse sagas talk about this breed. They helped their owners hunt large game like moose and elk. Elg is the name for moose in Norwegian. These dogs are superb moose hunters. Once the prey is tracked using scent, the Elkhound barks to keep the quarry at bay. These dogs are extremely agile and escape attack with this skill. They are also excellent sled dogs, as they can withstand cold weather very well.
The Norwegian Elkhound was introduced to Great Britain in the late 19th century. In 1877, a standard was drawn up and people started showing this breed. One became a member of the Royal Family in 1895. President Eisenhower owned one. The British Kennel Club gave the Norwegian Elkhound recognition in 1923. In 1930, the AKC gave them recognition.
General Looks
It is a medium sized dog with a square-like build. The tail curls compactly above the back's center. The ears and tapered muzzle have a black tip. The rest of the head is wide and overall it is wedge-like. The eyes are deep brown, oval, and of medium size. The ears set high; they are erect and pointed. The straight back is powerful. The chest is deep.
Is This Your Breed?
This breed likes kids, though when playing it may roughhouse too much for small kids. It is very independent, which makes it hard to handle sometimes, therefore, obedience training is highly recommended. It likes people very much and has a great need to be close to its family and doesn't do well kept away from its family a lot. It needs vigorous exercise each day such as running with its master or running while the owner is biking. Hiking is another good exercise for this breed. This breed might be destructive without sufficient exercise.
The coat needs brushing regularly. It sheds heavily. When shedding take away the clinging dead hair with a metal comb or rubber brush. It needs infrequent bathing. It doesn't have the doggy smell.
Coat
The outer-coat is coarse and straight. It stays smoothly against the body. The coat resists water and dirt.
The undercoat is dense and wool-like.
Color
A medium gray color is preferred. The shade variations are due to the black tip's length and the amount of guard hairs. The color of the undercoat is light silver.
Locomotion
This breed trots evenly with the back level. At a fast trot, they single track.
Personality
The Norwegian Elkhound needs a fenced yard. It likes to bark. Train your dog not to bark too much from an early age. The training should be fair, patient, firm, and consistent. When punished unjustly, this breed can kept a grudge. It is bold, friendly, adventurous, nimble, quick, courageous, playful, and independent. It normally likes strangers. It might not get on well with other pets.
Norwegian Elkhound video:
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