Introduction
The Norwegian Elkhound Dog is the national dog of Norway and one of the Northern Spitz-type dog breeds. Elkhounds have served as hunters, watchdogs, herders, and warriors. Elk and other large creatures, such as bears or wolves, are known for being chased after and hunted by them.
Algoid is a renowned gentleman and astute sentinel. Competitions in agility and herring can best display their inherent athleticism and passion. Until introductions are established, an elkhound is a reliable friend. These strong, self-assured dogs have sensitive spirits and are true freedom fighters
Table of Content
- History of the Norwegian Elkhound
- Norwegian Elkhound Appearance
- Norwegian Elkhound’s overall characteristics
- Norwegian Elkhound Temperament and Personality
- Norwegian Elkhound Health and Care
- Norwegian Elkhound Grooming
- Norwegian Elkhound Food and Diet
- Norwegian Elkhound Feeding
- Norwegian Elkhound Training
- Norwegian Elkhound Exercise
History
One of the world’s oldest domesticated breeds, Norwegian elkhounds are descended from the 4,000–6,000-year-old Northern Spitz family group of dogs found in Russia and Scandinavia.
These marvels of the North gained their spirit of adventure while traversing rough seas and rugged terrain with fearsome Viking warriors.
They were cherished protectors and friends, and they were crucial for locating huge game like moose, bears, wolves, and lynx.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), elkhound remains have been found in Viking owner burials alongside shields and swords, providing evidence of their significant contributions to the Scandinavian way of life.
According to the AKC, the term “Norse Elkhound” for the Norwegian Elkhound is a little misleading. Elk in Norway are really moose, a separate species from elk in the United States.
Leg and hand are the Norwegian words for moose and dog, respectively. He is sometimes referred to as the Norwegian moose dog for this reason, which is a correct translation.
The Norwegian Elkhound Association was founded in the US in 1930, and the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1953.
Norwegian Elkhound Appearance
The Norwegian elkhound is a square-shaped, powerful, medium-sized dog that weighs on average between 48 and 55 pounds. Its tail folds over its back and generally has a black tip.
With a short, silky top coat that stands out from his body and a thick, soft undercoat, he has a double coat that is both water- and dirt-resistant and keeps him warm in the coldest weather.
This breed’s dogs have an undercoat of lighter silver and medium grey. Although not very fast, this kind of dog has the power and stamina to hunt for long periods of time without being exhausted.
The Norwegian elkhound’s ears are trapezoidal in form, have considerable movement, and often have black tips.
Build:
Medium-sized, strong, and square-built
Weight:
20–23 kg (44–51 pounds).
Height:
50–52 cm/19.5-20.5 inches
Coat:
A straight, coarse coat with a soft undercoat
Color:
Black and white hues that are frequently described as grey or silver
Head:
Wide, wedge-shaped, with a clear stop
Teeth:
Scissor bite
Eyes:
Brown eyes with a sharp, amiable smile.
Ears:
Erect and pointed
Tail:
Tightly rolled over back
Limbs:
Straight and parallel limbs
Norwegian Elkhound’s overall characteristics
The character of Norwegian elkhounds is often one of loyalty and dependability. They may be quite noisy and protective watchdogs. However, with the right instruction and socialization, they usually have amiable personalities.
- High Level of Affection and Friendliness High Kid-Friendly Medium
- Pet-Friendly Medium
- High Exercise Needs
- Playfulness Medium
- High Energy Level
- Trainability Medium
- Intelligence High
- High Propensity to Bark
- High Shedding Rates
Norwegian Elkhound Temperament and Personality
Norwegian Elkhounds are affectionate, kind, sociable, and amusing. They may make wonderful family dogs since they are loyal to their “pack” and have an unbreakable tie with their owners.
They can make ideal child companions since they are dependable and loving with their family members, but they can also be loud and should, like all dogs, be watched closely around small children.
Elkhounds need to live inside the home since they are social, people-oriented canines. They can be prone to undesirable habits if left to their own ways and confined to the garden with little to no human connection.
The Elkhound will always welcome relatives and friends with enthusiasm, but once properly acquainted, he may act differently towards strangers, varying from friendly to slightly reserved.
Despite his kindness, the majority of undesirable guests should be put off by his bear-like appearance, loud, piercing bark, and huge, white fangs. He
May be a devoted guardian and watchdog for his human family and his possessions, even becoming possessive of them.
Norwegian Elkhound Health and Care
Health
Elkhounds are typically in good health, although, like all breeds, they are susceptible to some illnesses. Not every Elkhound will contract one or more of these illnesses, but if you’re thinking about getting one, you should be aware of them.
If you are buying a puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder that will provide you with the health certificates for both of your dog’s parents. Health certificates prove that a dog has completed testing and been found to be free of a certain condition.
Clearances from Auburn University for thrombophilia and normal for hip dysplasia (with a fair or higher score), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease in Elkhounds.
Eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF), you should expect to see health clearances.
To verify health certifications, go to the OFA website (offa.org).
Franconia Syndrome:
The kidneys and the tubules that reabsorb chemicals are both impacted by this devastating hereditary condition. As a result, the amounts of amino acids, calcium, glucose, phosphate, and sodium are off.
Symptoms can appear between the ages of one and seven years old, and they often start with excessive urine and thirst. Weight loss, muscle atrophy, muscular soreness, fatigue, appetite loss, and vomiting are signs of renal failure as the condition worsens.
The sickness is lethal if left untreated. Affected dogs can recover if identified early and managed properly. Medication, dietary changes, and a steady supply of fresh water are all part of management.
Hypothyroidism:
This is a thyroid gland condition. Epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin diseases are considered to be caused by it. It can be treated with both diet and medication.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
This group of eye conditions causes the retina’s progressive degeneration. Infected dogs initially have night blindness; as the condition advances, they start to lose their ability to see during the day.
Many afflicted dogs adjust well to their diminished or lost vision, as long as their environment doesn’t change.
Sebaceous Cysts:
Under the dog’s skin, follicular cysts develop in this manner. They can be as little as a seed or as big as a walnut, and they periodically break open, spewing out a lump of thick, white cheese. The typical course of action is surgical removal.
Care
The Norwegian elkhound has to be physically active every day (breeders advise 30 minutes twice a day), which will not only help him burn off energy but also keep his weight in check.
Extremely motivated by food, he can grow fat (watch out for those enormous, deep brown eyes staring into your supper), and throughout his life, regular nutrition and activity are essential.
He manages to get by in flats but keep in mind that he is a barker. A house with a garden that is fenced-in is better. He is so tough that he could survive outside, but he would much rather be with you inside.
Every dog benefits from crate training, and it’s a considerate approach to make sure your Elkhound doesn’t soil the house or get into inappropriate situations.
He can even find refuge in a kennel for a snooze. When your Elkhound is young, crate training will help him learn to tolerate confinement should he ever need to be boarded or hospitalized.
But never confine your Elkhound to a kennel all day. Except for when he sleeps at night (if that’s where he sleeps, he’ll prefer to be in your bed with you), he shouldn’t spend more than a few hours there at a time.
Elkhounds are companion animals, not animals destined to live confined lives in kennels or crates.
Norwegian Elkhound Grooming
All it takes to properly groom Norwegian elkhound dogs and puppies is time, consideration, and patience. The breed and size of the dog will determine the level of grooming and the amount of time required.
The grooming needs of a Norwegian elkhound pup or dog are briefly summarized in the following chart:
Norwegian Elkhound Coat Length: A Norwegian Elkhound coat is short to medium in length; therefore, it will need frequent maintenance.
Species of Coat: This breed’s coat is typically defined as being firm and smooth.
Time: It will take 15 to 20 minutes to groom a Norwegian elkhound.
Regularity of Grooming: Daily when shedding, twice weekly
Coat / Hair:
Your puppy or dog should have their coat brushed twice a week, more frequently if they are shedding.
Nails / Paws:
Every day, remove muck from the paws, and once a week, measure the length of the nails.
Teeth:
Teeth should be cleaned as needed, and dental hygiene should be checked frequently.
Bathing:
This breed only needs to be bathed when absolutely necessary since it might dry up the skin. When your dog or puppy becomes dirty or smells, wash them!
Gather bathing supplies and position them close to the bathing area, along with shampoo.
Next to the bath, place a mat and a towel.
Verify the bath’s water temperature and use only a small amount of water.
Place the dog in the bath gradually; keep in mind that your pet can become anxious.
Shampoo your pet gently, being mindful of any delicate parts like the eyes and ears.
After shampooing, towel off. Next, brush your hair.
Shedding:
The Norwegian Elkhound sheds a lot at certain times of the year.
Eyes:
Every day, check your eyes and clean any dirt from the corners of your eyes.
Ears:
Regularly check for extra wax, obstructions, redness, or lumps in the ears.
Brushing:
The double coat of the Norwegian elkhound the outer layer is smooth and firm. Regular, twice-weekly grooming is necessary for this breed to keep its coat healthy.
Seasonally, the Norwegian elkhound sheds a lot. This breed needs regular grooming during these seasons to cut down on the number of loose or dead hairs.
Use a brush with short, soft, medium-length bristles.
Groom the puppy or dog through the coat, starting at the head.
Observe the coat’s natural hair growth pattern.
When combing or brushing around delicate regions, be gentle and take care.
Trimming Nails:
Your veterinarian can guide you in your initial attempts by demonstrating how to clip your dog’s nails.
To familiarize your dog with this sensation, spend some time caressing their paws and gently pressing the region surrounding the nails.
Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best nail clippers for your pet.
Norwegian Elkhound Food and Diet
A healthy diet is essential to your Norwegian elkhound’s well-being and may aid in the fight against illnesses that could shorten his life expectancy and, in some circumstances, reduce his quality of life. A lifetime of health and pleasure may be achieved with the appropriate diet.
Therefore, you should carefully examine your Norwegian elkhound’s diet and what we’re feeding them to guarantee that they are only receiving the best options available in order to secure their health and welfare. The health of your Norwegian elkhound should always come first.
The motivation to eat drives Norwegian Elkhounds, who tend to overeat. The breed responds well to incentives when trained.
Based on the dog’s typical weight and activity level, a diet consisting of 2 to 2.5 cups of premium dry food per day is advised for the majority of Elkhounds. This quantity can be provided in a puzzle toy that dispenses food or should be divided between two meals.
The best approach to promoting your Norwegian elkhound’s health and pleasure is to provide them with fresh food, coupled with plenty of daily activity, consistent veterinary treatment, and a commitment to grooming their thick coats.
Norwegian Elkhound Feeding
The future health of your dog will significantly improve if you provide him with real, fresh, whole food. That is why a large number of veterinarians endorse this wholeheartedly. Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, a well-known veterinarian, states:
It is advised to have two meals every day, each of which should contain two to five cups of high-quality dry food. Your adult dog’s size, age, build, metabolism, and level of exercise all have an impact on his appetite.
Like people, each dog is unique, so they don’t all require the same quantity of food. A dog that is really active will require more than a dog that likes to lounge about the house, which should practically go without saying.
It also matters what sort of dog food you buy; the better the food, the better it will nourish your dog, and the less frequently you will need to shake it into the bowl.
Norwegian Elkhound Training
The Norwegian Elkhound has to realize that you are in charge of the situation and the training. Some elkhounds can be very sensitive during training. Remember that they were developed to pursue games in the Norwegian woodlands without the assistance of the hunter.
They need an owner who can take command since they are independent and strong-willed.
With this dog, owners must be forceful and exhibit strong pack leadership. Puppies require early, costly socialization as well as tough yet kind guidance.
They demand an intense workout. Without sufficient mental and/or physical activity, people may develop high blood pressure. To reaffirm that the human is the dominant animal when walking this breed, you should make the dog heel next to or behind you, never in front.
Elkhounds need daily brushing, especially when they molt, to prevent clogged oil glands and to keep them cool in the summer.
How Can I Potty Train My Newborn Norwegian Elkhound?
One of the first tasks you will have to complete when introducing a new Norwegian Elkhound into the house is toilet training them. It will take some time and be difficult, but with our advice on how to toilet-train a young Norwegian Elkhound puppy, you’ll get there sooner rather than later.
1. Regularly take your young Norwegian Elkhound puppy on walks:
As soon as you can, take your Norwegian Elkhound outdoors and wait there with them for a few minutes to check whether they need to relieve themselves. This will reduce their likelihood of using the restroom indoors and show them where they should be using the restroom.
When they properly use the restroom outside, be sure to congratulate them or even give them food. They will eventually understand that they must use the restroom outside. Increase the intervals between outside visits as they get better.
2. Learn the signs that your Norwegian Elkhound needs to leave:
Norwegian Elkhounds and all dogs frequently exhibit the following behaviors when they need to use the restroom: sniffing the floor, crouching, circling, barking, and waiting at the entrance that goes outside.
3. Always go to the same location as your Norwegian Elkhound:
When bringing your Norwegian Elkhound pup to the potty, it’s crucial to try to take them to the same location through the same exit every time. This can let you clean up after them much more easily and train them to just enter that one area.
The exit should be located somewhere that is clearly visible so that you can see when someone is approaching it or waiting there to use the lavatory.
How Can a Norwegian Elkhound Be Trained to Not Bite?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 4.5 million individuals are bitten by dogs each year. This large number could seem a little stressful, but with our advice on how to teach a Norwegian Elkhound not to bite, you can make sure it doesn’t get worse with your dog.
1. Introduce your young Norwegian Elkhound to social situations:
The best thing you can do for your Norwegian Elkhound is to expose them to as many different people, places, and situations as you can.
A young Norwegian Elkhound puppy who has had a lot of socialization is far less likely to become anxious in unfamiliar circumstances, which will reduce its likelihood of becoming aggressive.
2. Vaccinate your Norway Terrier:
According to some evidence, sterilized animals are often less aggressive and less likely to bite.
3. Take part in obedience instruction:
It is much easier to govern a Norwegian Elkhound that is submissive. Your dog is less likely to be aggressive and bite if you can regulate its tendencies.
4. Recognise the Norwegian Elkhound’s body language:
It is well known that a Norwegian Elkhound may get violent and bite if it feels that its territory is being invaded. Raised heckles, showing fangs, and lowering the head are all signs of anxiety in a Norwegian Elkhound. If you see your Norwegian Elkhound dog acting in this way, try to reassure them and remove them from the situation when it is safe.
How Can a Norwegian Elkhound Be Taught to Quiet Barking?
Putting an end to your Norwegian Elkhound’s barking requires patience, practice, and persistence. Our advice on how to get a Norwegian Elkhound to stop barking won’t work overnight, but it will be very helpful.
Your Norwegian Elkhound will bark more as a result of your screaming because they believe you are joining in. Speak calmly and firmly; do not yell.
In order to stop your Norwegian Elkhound from barking, simply say “Quiet” in a strong, composed voice. When they finally stop barking, give them praise and a treat.
Take your Norwegian Elkhound out for more frequent playtime or exercise if they bark a lot when left alone They are less likely to bark when they are tired.
Norwegian Elkhound Exercise
Energy Level:
Dogs with lots of energy are constantly ready for action. They were originally developed to do a specific canine activity, such as herding cattle or retrieving game for hunters, so they have the endurance to work all day.
They require a lot of physical activity and cerebral stimulation, and they are more inclined to bounce about, play, and explore any new sounds or odors.
Dogs with low energy levels are the canine version of couch potatoes, happy to doze off all day. Consider your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, as well as whether you’ll find a boisterous, active dog energizing or unpleasant.
Intensity:
A dog that is vigorous may or may not be energetic, but they do everything they do with vigor: they pull on the leash (unless you teach them not to), attempt to push past barriers, and even take huge gulps of food and liquid.
These dynamos require extensive training to develop decent manners; therefore, they might not be the best choice for a household with small children or an elderly or fragile person. On the other side, a dog with limited energy has a more sober attitude toward life.
Exercise Needs:
Some breeds can do quite well with a leisurely evening stroll. Others, particularly those who were trained to do physically demanding professions like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
These breeds may gain weight if they don’t get enough exercise and may release their pent-up energy through undesirable behaviors like barking, chewing, and digging.
For folks who enjoy being outside and active or who want to teach their dog to compete in a high-intensity canine sport like agility, breeds that require a lot of activity are a wonderful choice.
Potential For Playfulness:
Some dogs never grow up and are constantly gagging for a game, while others are more sober and reserved. Even if an active puppy sounds adorable, think about how often you want to play fetch or tag and whether you have children or other dogs that the dog can play with instead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norwegian Elkhounds are extraordinary dogs who provide their owners with devotion, intelligence, and variety. They are excellent in a variety of capacities, whether as devoted working partners or cherished household pets.
However, to ensure a Norwegian Elkhound’s health and pleasure, ownership calls for dedication, appropriate training, and an active way of life. The Norwegian Elkhound can be the ideal breed for you if you’re seeking a dog that personifies toughness, resiliency, and steadfast loyalty.