Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound Personality
Paw Print Bullet This striking Spitz was developed to hunt Elk in Norway and is an intelligent, independent dog that has retained his strong will and fierce hunting drive
Fine watchdog who is also charming, sociable, lively and good-natured
Known for his excellent disposition with children
One of the more independent breeds, they can be difficult to engage in training and discipline
Paw Print Bullet Known as the National Dog of Norway where his original name “Norsk Elghund” translates to “moose dog”

Norwegian Elkhound Size
Paw Print Bullet 45-55 pounds
19-21 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Norwegian Elkhound Family and Home
Paw Print Bullet An energetic, active and confident owner is best-suited for this breed
Owner must not be intimidated by the strong nature of this breed and be ready to provide firm but gentle discipline
Not a good match for extremely busy people or those looking for a perfectly trained/behaved dog
Paw Print Bullet Known for his superb disposition with children; he is tolerant, relaxed and naturally protective of the children he is raised with
Compatible with dogs of the opposite sex but far too prey driven to be trusted with other small pets like guinea pigs or hamsters

Norwegian Elkhound Bark
Paw Print Bullet An intelligent watchdog who will use his bark when he deems it necessary; known to be a “barker” so warn the neighbors

Norwegian Elkhound Training
Paw Print Bullet Elkhounds are above average in terms of being difficult to train as they are intelligent but extremely independent by nature
Training must start early on with the owner establishing himself as leader immediately
While Elkhounds have a short attention span fast, upbeat, reward-based training is the best approach

Norwegian Elkhound Exercise
Paw Print Bullet High energy dog that requires one hour of on-leash walking and one hour of off-leash play in a dog run or secured park
Off-leash play must be supervised given his fervent hunting sense

Norwegian Elkhound Coat
Paw Print Bullet Norwegian Elkhounds have a coat that is gray with black and darker shades of gray; a lighter coat on their underbelly and chest
Thick coat but low-maintenance that requires weekly brushing to aid shedding — which this coat does yearly
Daily brushing suggested during bi-annual molt

Norwegian Elkhound Care
Paw Print Bullet Elkhounds require above average exercise, weekly brushing and a confident owner who will establish himself as leader early on
Extra grooming is suggested in the warm spring/summer months to abet overheating from their dense coat
Elkhounds can gain weight easily so monitor their diet and prevent overfeeding

Norwegian Elkhound Health
Paw Print Bullet Norwegian Elkhounds can are a generally healthy breed but can be prone to hip dysplasia, kidney disease, eye problems and an inclination to cysts

Norwegian Elkhound Lifespan
Paw Print Bullet 10-12 years

Visit the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America to find rescued dogs available for adoption at www.neaa.net

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