Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits

 

The high energy Norwegian elkhound needs plenty of strenuous exercise to thrive. This intelligent, independent yet affectionate dog does best in a family with well-behaved older children or no children at all.

 

Norwegian Elkhound At a glance
The Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed

Norway’s Defence Minister is empowered to mobilise all privately owned Norwegian elkhounds in the country’s defence.

Features:

Upright ears (naturally)

Expectations:

Energy Level: Very energetic.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Low. Tendency to Snore: Low.
Tendency to Bark: High.
Tendency to Dig: Moderate. Social/Attention Needs: Low.

Bred For:

Hunting elk.

Coat:

Length: Medium.
Characteristics: Double coat, straight.
Colours: Gray.
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate.

Club Recognition:

AKC Classification: Hound.
UKC Classification: Northern Breeds.
Prevalence: Moderate numbers.

The Norwegian elkhound is a medium-sized, hardy and squarely-built dog designed to withstand cold weather and hunt for days at a time.

Male dogs range in size from 45-55cm at the shoulders and weigh 23-27kg. The height of female dogs ranges from 45-50cm, with a corresponding weight range of 18-25kg.

The double coat is grey on top with a lighter undercoat and undersides. A heavy seasonal shed is standard. The ears, muzzle and tail are black. Like other northern-type dogs, the tail curls over the back. The head is broad and wedge-shaped and the ears stand erect atop the head. The eyes are dark brown.

Personality:

The Norwegian elkhound is a fearless, reliable, energetic and extremely loyal companion. These dogs may be a little reserved around strangers, but they will greet family members and other people they know with gusto.

Like other northern-type dogs, the Norwegian elkhound is a relatively independent animal. This independence is necessary when holding an elk at bay until the human hunter arrives for the kill, but this can pose a challenge when it comes to modern obedience training. The elkhound's watchdog talents are evident in their tendency to be territorial and bark more than some other breeds do.

This proud, intelligent, independent yet affectionate animal does best in a family with well-behaved older children or no children at all. Caution is in order with respect to adding a Norwegian elkhound to a family that already has smaller pets; this dog may view the smaller animals as prey.

Living With:

Norwegian elkhounds are high-energy animals that need a relatively high amount of strenuous exercise — at least an hour a day — if they are to thrive. At the same time, the dog's independence may cause them to be more likely to roam than other breeds. The dog's excellent sense of smell, while important for tracking game, may prove to be a distraction during training.

A Norwegian elkhound needs owners who have the time, knowledge and dedication to bring out the dog's intelligence, loyalty and talent. First-time dog guardians might want to think twice before taking on this challenging animal. However, for the experienced guardian who can give the attention and exercise needed, life with a Norwegian elkhound can prove very rewarding. The average lifespan of a Norwegian elkhound is 13 to 14 years.

History:

The Norwegian elkhound's history reaches back thousands of years to perhaps as long ago as 5000 BC. Since then, these hardy dogs have served their human companions as hunters of big game, including the elk from which the breed derives their name.

However, the Norwegian elkhound's hunting skills are not limited to elk. These dogs can hunt badgers, lynx, mountain lions, bears, wolves, reindeer and rabbits. They also are prized flock guardians, watchdogs and sled dogs.

Their courage has earned them a special place in their native country's defence efforts; in times of war, the Norwegian Defence Minister has the authority to mobilise all privately owned Norwegian elkhounds.

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