Norwegian Elkhound
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DreverThe Norwegian Elkhound is a typical Nordic dog that can safely survive in the harshest climatic conditions. Reliable, fearless, and loyal friend, always happy to see familiar people or family members. Strangers are shunned, from any suspicious noise begin to bark very loudly. Dogs of the northern type are famous for their independent character and desire to dominate the owner.
Table of Contents
Breed Information
| Another Name | Norsk elghund, Grå norsk elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, Harmaa norjanhirvikoira |
| Origin | Norway |
| Height | Males 49-52 cm Females 45-49 cm |
| Weight | 15-25 kg |
| Fur | Medium |
| Color | Gray |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| FCI Classification | Spitz and primitive types |
| Group | Hunting dogs |
| Price | From $900 |
Breed Photos
Origin History
The Norwegian Elkhound breed is considered one of the oldest in Europe; they accompanied the Vikings on their campaigns. Intended for hunting moose, even the name Elkhound is translated from Norwegian as moose dog. Viking dogs’ ancestors inhabited the Scandinavian Peninsula as far back as five thousand years ago, and they have been found in historical sagas and rock paintings. They have earned the respect of the Norwegian Ministry of Defense for their bravery. In the event of war, they can be mobilized to serve in the army. As guardians, guards, sled dogs, they are up to any task.
Appearance
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized, compact dog weighing about 20 kg and up to 50 cm high at the withers. The head is triangular with a wide muzzle and a rounded forehead. The back is short and straight, due to the voluminous ribs, it looks like a fat barrel, but it is not.
The small standing ears are very mobile, giving the Elkhound a wary and attentive look. The eyes are medium-sized and dark in color, and the fluffy tail is ringed behind the back. The husky fur is thick and dense; on a breast and around a neck is longer, it creates a puffy collar. The main color of the Norwegian gray Elkhound is naturally gray with all its possible shades.
Character
The Norwegian Elkhound is a typical Nordic dog that can safely survive in the harshest climatic conditions. Reliable, fearless, and loyal friend, always happy to see familiar people or family members. Strangers are shunned, from any suspicious noise begin to bark very loudly. Dogs of the northern type are famous for their independent character and desire to dominate the owner. It is desirable to correct such nuances during training and early socialization.
Care
The Norwegian Elkhound is not adapted to the city or to living in an apartment. A spacious yard on private property or a farm where many objects need guarding will best suit the dog. It can tolerate the bitter cold, but it cannot stand the heat. In the sultry heat, the dog needs a lot of water and staying in the shade; failure to follow simple recommendations is fraught with heat stroke or overheating. The dog is not suitable for lazy owners; it needs active and long training to educate it correctly and correctly.
The Norwegian Elkhound has a thick coat with an undercoat. The potential owner should be prepared for surprises in the form of loose hair scraps scattered all over the apartment. Daily brushing of the dog with a stiff brush will help to reduce their number.
Training
Early socialization of the Norwegian Elkhound is necessary as air. Obedience training must begin at an early age. The stubbornness of a dog can slow down the process of activity; for this, you need to act softly but firmly to increase repetitions. Interest in the pet is difficult but possible. He will gladly join in for a morning run; a bike ride will hike with the owner. Dog sports and competitions are all about him. Skijoring, agility, water pulling, he will excel in everything. Rude and oppressive training methods should be thrown out of your mind; you should act consistently and firmly, but fairly, during the training.
Common Diseases
The hardy Norwegian Elkhound is practically disease-free. From the lack of mobility, he can suffer from joint dysplasia and obesity. The Viking dog is a long-liver, more than 14 years can admire the northern lights.
Nutrition
The Norwegian Elkhound is unpretentious when it comes to food. It is possible to feed the dog with ready-made food containing meat additives or cooked itself. Natural food should have lean meat, by-products with fat and cartilage. A good complement would be boiled saltwater fish, nonfat dairy products. Fish and meat are mixed with vegetables and cereals.
