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Norwegian Elkhound
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Medium Breed |
 
See your Norwegian Elkhound's photograph or illustration here |
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Hound or Spitz Group |
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Country of Origin
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Norway centuries ago.
The Norwegian Elkhound was established as a breed in Norway in
1877. |
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Ancestry |
The origin of the Norwegian
Elkhound is ancient. Dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound can be found
with the Vikings of 4,000 to 5,000 BC and even in the cave paintings
from the Stone Age. |
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Original Function |
The Norwegian Elkhound was
used for tracking and holding large game including moose, deer and bear.
The Norwegian Elkhound was also used as an all purpose herder, watchdog
and guardian. |
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Height at Shoulder |
Female 19.5" Male 20.5" |
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Weight |
Female 48 lbs, Male 55 lbs |
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Lifespan |
12 years |
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Coat |
The Norwegian Elkhound has a
heavy and thick double coat consisting of straight guard hairs and a
wooly undercoat. The Norwegian Elkhounds coat consists of shades
of gray on top with a lighter undercoat, undersides and legs.
The muzzle, ears and tip of the tail are distinctively black. The
FCI recognizes
gray and black as distinct breeds. Its coat protects the
Norwegian Elkhound from the rigors of the snow, ice and rain of its
native home. |
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Tail |
The Norwegian Elkhounds tail
is strong, curly and bushy. It is carried curled above the back. |
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Head |
Broad, sturdy head that
tapers into a wedge at the muzzle with distinctive black muzzle. |
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Ears |
Black, medium-sized, prick
ears |
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Related Breeds |
Spitz, Swedish Vallhund,
Norwegian Buhund, Norwegian Lundehund |
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Alternative Names |
Elkhound, Norsk Elghund |
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Nicknames |
Moosedog, Dog of the Vikings,
Viking Dog |
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Famous Norwegian Elkhounds |
President Herbert Hoover's pet |
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Grooming: |
The thick and heavy double coat requires consistent
brushing. The Norwegian Elkhound can shed a great deal during
warmer weather. It generally 'blows' or sheds its undercoat twice
a year and biannually sheds its top coat. During the year the
Norwegian Elkhound can leave its stray hairs on the furniture, the
clothing and in every corner of the house. You may have to vacuum
and pick up hairs and hair 'bunnies' on a daily basis. |
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Exercise requirements: |
High. The Norwegian Elkhound is a tough, sturdy, working
dog that is designed for tracking large game over long distances in cold
weather. Without sufficient, vigorous exercise of at least an hour
a day, the Norwegian Elkhound can be uncomfortable in the role of
suburban house pet. As an all around hunting dog, the Norwegian
Elkhound may or may not retrieve but is not a natural retriever.
Exercise, therefore, will usually consist of fast, vigorous walks and
hikes with the family.
As is the case with many working dogs bred to travel long distances
in a day, a short romp in the dog park may be insufficient. If you
adopt such a dog, look for a variety of trails and long neighborhood
walks to provide both you and your dog uninterrupted hikes. |
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Aggression: |
Although generally friendly, the Norwegian Elkhound can
be aggressive towards strange people and other dogs primarily in its
watchdog capacity. Norwegian Elkhounds will bark at strange noises
but are not considered to be protection dogs as they tend to be friendly
towards strange humans and are easily distracted with food. |
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Temperament: |
The Norwegian Elkhound is a tough, robust, working dog
that requires plenty of daily exercise and consistent training in order to be a good
home companion. They can bark a great deal and can be destructive if not provided with
outlets for their energy. Norwegian Elkhounds become strongly
bonded with people and require time and attention from the family to be
happy. Norwegian Elkhounds can become aloof and rather serious as
adults. Although they are strongly bonded, they may not be as overtly affectionate or playful as some
people prefer. |
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Owner requirement: |
Firm, consistent and energetic. The owners must be
willing to provide the Norwegian Elkhound with plenty of daily exercise,
a cool to cold living environment, training and socialization with other
dogs. |
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Trainability |
Low. The Norwegian Elkhound can become distracted
by food and scents. Without a dedicated and skilled trainer, the
Norwegian Elkhound can become domineering particularly with children and
seniors. |
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Health concerns |
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), progressive retinal atrophy
(PRA), Fanconi syndrome, pyotraumatic dermatitis, skin cysts, renal
failure. Infundibular keratinizing acanthoma a form of skin cancer. |
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Environmental requirements: |
Given its origins, the Norwegian Elkhound has excellent
tolerance for cold, even arctic temperatures. On the other hand,
the Norwegian Elkhound has very low tolerance for heat. As hunting
dogs, Norwegian Elkhounds may track and follow game so good, strong
fencing is required. |
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Feeding requirements: |
The Norwegian Elkhound requires a nutritious, moderate diet to
prevent obesity particularly in warmer climates or when exercise is
limited. The Norwegian Elkhound can be a food hound and can easily
snack, beg and steal his way into obesity. |
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AKC: American Kennel Club USA: Hound Group since 1935
UKC: United Kennel Club USA: Northern Breeds
CKC: Canadian Kennel Club: Group 2 Hounds
FCI: Fédération
Cynologique Internationale: Spitz and Primitive Types
Group 5/Section 2:
The Gray Norwegian Elkhound is breed 242
The Black Norwegian Elkhound is breed 268
ANKC: Australian National Kennel Council: Group 4 Hound
KCUK: Kennel Club United Kingdom: Hounds
NZKC: New Zealand Kennel Club: Hounds |
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The Norwegian Elkhound is the national dog of Norway. Although referred to as a hound, the Norwegian Elkhound does
not look like a hound. The name could be an English misinterpretation of the
name Elghund which means Moose (elg) Dog (hund). Some people think
that the Norwegian Elkhound does indeed hunt like a scent hound while looking like a spitz
type dog. Others do not see any hound-like qualities in the Norwegian
Elkhound.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized, heavy coated,
square and sturdy dog designed for working all day in icy cold temperatures
tracking large game over very long distances and rough country. The
Norwegian Elkhound has also been used for herding,
guarding and watching property. The Norwegian Elkhound has been bred for
toughness and endurance rather than
speed. As is true with many working breeds, unless the high energy of
the Norwegian Elkhound is put to good use, it can become
destructive, can bark a great deal and become a problem.
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Buy Norwegian Elkhound Clothing and Accessories for People
Buy Norwegian Elkhound Jewelry
Buy Norwegian Elkhound Home Accessories
Buy Norwegian Elkhound Books and Printed Materials
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