The Norwegian Elkhound is captivating with their high degree of intelligence and impressive stamina . They ’re well - known for their hunt abilities , but will gladly stay home and loosen up with you if their exercise needs are take on .
Origin and History
The Norwegian Elkhound was originally grow in Norway to guard and hunt with the Vikings . scientist believe their bloodline could go back even far , as far back as 5000 B.C. , as they have found remains that resemble this strain .
Keen interest in this stock began after the Norwegian Hunters Association had their first dog show in 1877 . in brief after , in 1913 , the Norwegian Elkhound was recognize by theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC ) . Today , they ’re used in a salmagundi of domain , include herding , hunting - and - rescue , trailing , agility , guarding , and fellowship .
Breed Characteristics
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient strain who has long been utilized for their hunt abilities , but is gaining popularity as a family companion .
Appearance
Norwegian Elkhounds are grey-headed with black - tilted fuzz accentuate with hopeful silver . The saddleback is commonly a dark gray color , with black on the ear and tush . They often have a light gray chest and mane . The fanny curls over the back , like it does in other spitz - character dogs . The pinna move up erect above the skull , which is large and wedge - shaped . The eyes are deep brownness .
The Norwegian Elkhound is a average - sized dog , and males have an average height of 20.5 inches at the shoulder , while females stand approximately 20 inch tall at the berm . Males weigh 55 pounds on modal , whereas female weigh 45 to 50 pounds .
Temperament
Although Norwegian Elkhounds are reserved at first , they will offer you a life of honey and society once they begin to bond with you . They ’re generally not an aggressive breed and will adore anyone they get to hump . They ’re always down for an dangerous undertaking , so a highly active somebody or syndicate is advocate for this breed . This strain does particularly well with someone who enjoys being outdoors the majority of the time .
The Norwegian Elkhound have along with other pets , especially if they are evoke with them . There ’s only one area that may be an issue . They tend to be territorial and require to assert dominance , so they may become weenie - to - dog aggressive if there is a hotdog of the same gender in the household . If the other hot dog is slavish , this may not be an issue , but it ’s a tidbit to keep in mind if you already have other dogs and are plan to buy or acquire an grownup . If you do have other dogs that are the same sex , you may want to consider a puppy rather than an adult .
They will lief lounge with you to nest once their exercise needs are meet , but they do need someone who does n’t live a sedentary lifestyle . They also tend to be somewhat sovereign , but do n’t countenance that make you think they should be alone all the time . Although they are accept of a duo of hour alone , they still count on their proprietor to show them muckle of attention and affection .
Training
This stock was grow to take advantage of their hunting abilities , which encouraged them to be both independent and intelligent . This combination often results in a stubborn run , making them harder to train than others . They will demand firm , consistent training usingpositive reinforcementmethods .
Elkhounds benefit from earlysocializationand exposure to a variety of citizenry , view , noises , and experiences . socialising is important for your Norwegian Elkhound puppy to modernize into a well - round grownup dog .
Exercise Requirements
The Norwegian Elkhound requires 30 to 60 minute of vigorous daily exercise . They are food - lover , so exercising is not only skillful for their genial wellness , but helps maintain their physical wellness , as well . This natural action could includewalkingat the local park or play playfulness games .
Health
Norwegian elkhound are loosely sizeable , but they are susceptible to some health issue :
Lifespan
The Norwegian Elkhound has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 age .
Grooming
Norwegian Elkhounds do n’t shed much for the majority of the time , but every two or three months they will have a disgorge period . They require weekly brushing , but do n’t be afraid to brush them more frequently during shedding time of year . Their coat tend to stay clean clean , with debris falling off easy . Bathe only when necessary to avoid strip down the coat of natural oils . When they are bath , use a mellow - tone dog shampoo to maintain coating health .
Fun Facts About the Breed
The most well - recognise fact about the Norwegian Elkhound is that they were recrudesce for hunt , but did you know these other interesting tidbits ?
Purchasing or Adopting a Norwegian Elkhound
If you ’re looking for a Norwegian Elkhound pup , a good home to start is theNorwegian Elkhound Association of America . The cabaret has a breeder directory available as well as helpful tips on how to discover responsible for breeder with quality click . TheAKC PuppyFinderpage also has a breeder lookup . Expect to pay around $ 700 to $ 1,500 , although higher - end show dogs from adept lines can be as much as $ 5,000 .
Rescue Organizations
If you are more interested in a delivery heel , start your lookup onPetFinderandSave - a - Rescue . you may also get in touch with the following stock - specific rescues :
Is this the Right Breed for You?
If you are look for a heel that wo n’t leave pelt around the house , this is n’t the strain for you . Even though they do n’t exuviate an excessive amount compared to other breeds , the likelihood of you find fur around the house is high . They ’re also relatively high - energy , so be quick to discombobulate on your shoes and go for a walk or jog each day . If you do n’t mind a morsel of fur and exercise , and are prepared to maintain their needs , take your sentence wait for the right pup to bring home .
