Norwegian Elkhound Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Norwegian Elkhound?

The origin of Norwegian Elkhounds, sometimes known as the Norwegian moose dog, is ancient and, according to two canine skeletons found in a cave in Norway, could date back as far as 8000 years.

These dogs made perfect hunting companions for tracking some of the animals native to the area, such as seals, moose, and boars. Vikings were known to prize this dog for its invaluable assistance while on a hunt with their keen sense of smell and energetic, playful, but focused spirit.

These dogs also fulfilled sheepdog tasks and were good for both herding and for guarding livestock.

While they have been around for many thousands of years, it wasn't until 1913 that this pooch was recognised by the American Kennel Club.

These dogs are now kept widely as charming yet independent companions and are often still used as hunting dogs in Scandinavia.

Who are Norwegian Elkhound dogs best for?

The Norwegian Elkhound is bred to be outdoors and is perfect for anyone looking for a competent companion for long days or for families with lots of time to spare to help drain this dog's plentiful energy stores with long interesting walks and mental stimulation.

This breed is also agreeable and loyal, making them well suited to families.

Elkies tend to form strong bonds with their family members, so they could also do with being in a home where someone is often around.

How much grooming does a Norwegian Elkhound need?

The Norwegian Elkhound has a rough, thick outer coat protecting a fluffy, thick undercoat. You can imagine that this combination is a recipe for a big mess on your carpet, particularly when they are due their seasonal shed.

Make sure to give them a decent brush, using the back brush technique, once a day to maintain their coat and the state of your carpet.

Besides that, they are hygienic dogs that don't carry a typical doggy smell and generally only require a few baths a year.

Do Norwegian Elkhound bark much?

As a hunting dog, this breed is bred to bark loudly when it notices wild animals. As it knows this behaviour can be rewarded, the Norwegian Elkhound can't be a little too talkative.

It's important to curtail their noisy outbursts when they're young; that being said, some owners report never being able to entirely get their Elkhound to stop barking unnecessarily. Mental stimulation is key to curbing problems like barking. If they are under-exercised, they will express that extra energy undesirably, so keeping them occupied and exercised can also help if barking is an issue.

On the plus side, the combination of this shrill bark and their attentiveness makes them great guard dogs.

Do Norwegian Elkhound bite?

These purebred dogs are playful and energetic by nature, but with proper training in early life, they are unlikely to threaten anything beyond a playful nip.

As they are used to herding livestock, a little too much excitement might lead them to nip at heels or show aggressive behaviour like barking. This, however, is just their herding instinct kicking in while they are overexcited.

As mentioned before, a good way to curb any enthusiasm with their teeth is to keep them well engaged and occupied with vigorous exercise.

A solid outlet for their energy will leave them with less undesirable behaviours.

All dogs will behave differently depending on how well they are socialised and their personality.

What is the temperament & personality of a Norwegian Elkhound?

As the breed name suggests, this dog got by on its intelligence, work ethic, and it's team spirit while on a hunt, all behaviours we can still notice today.

They enjoy freedom and independence and are more than capable of entertaining themselves; that being said, they aren't great at being alone. They can be prone to separation anxiety and could do with having someone around, so their anxious energy doesn't manifest destructively around your home.

They can take a little time to warm up to strangers but will remember new friends for life. They are tolerant and enjoy rough play and a competitive game of chase.

What is the weight & size of a Norwegian Elkhound?

Both male and female Elkhounds will grow to be between 49-52cm tall and weigh between 22-25kg - they're fairly average of the dog breeds.

They have the compact, stocky build of a medium-sized dog with powerful hindquarters and strong, muscular back legs.

How much training does a Norwegian Elkhound need?

In terms of dog training, this breed requires an above-average amount of obedience training early in life. When arriving in a new home, a puppy will need to be shown the boundaries early, though this discipline must be consistent as even a more mature Elkhound may attempt to test its owner's limits.

Like most breeds of hounds, Elkhounds can be sensitive, so it's important to be gentle but firm while you're conditioning them. Training them in short, playful bursts will see better returns than repetitive, drawn-out sessions, which would soon bore them, leaving them disinterested and harder to train.

This is part of the reason why this breed is not perfect for new owners, especially if they are considering a puppy. Elkhound puppies are especially cute and easy to spoil, making firm ground rules difficult to lay out and stick to. It is always important to establish the pecking order with your new dog as quickly and clearly as possible.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Norwegian Elkhound?

Like most ancient breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound enjoys good health. However, they are known to suffer from some hereditary issues.

The most common issues that seem to affect Elkhounds are -

• Hip dysplasia

• Progressive retinal atrophy – dogs must be eye tested through the BVA/KC eye scheme

• Renal dysplasia – dogs should be tested through the National Breed Club

• Patellar luxation

• Fanconi syndrome

• Early retinal degeneration (ERD)

• Intracutaneous cornifying epithelioma

• Sebaceous cysts

• Hypothyroidism

What is the lifespan of a Norwegian Elkhound?

When properly fed and cared for, an Elkhound can enjoy an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, though there have been many instances of this breed enjoying an active lifestyle for as long as 18 years.

How much should you feed a Norwegian Elkhound?

If you buy a Norwegian Elkhound puppy from a breeder, it is important to stick to the feeding schedule they will give you. You can change a puppy's feeding routine, but it needs to be done gradually to avoid any upset stomachs.

They are not fussy dogs, but you should still feed them a high-quality diet that matches their nutritional requirements. They should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once at night once they are an adult dog.

What is the price of a Norwegian Elkhound in Australia?

While the final price will boil down to quality, age, gender, parentage, and breeder, you can expect to pay $500 for this breed, sometimes even reaching as high as $1200.