Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe, perhaps in existence for thousands of years. They were used as hunting and guard dogs by the Vikings. Not a Hound, despite the name, they are part of the Spitz group. In Norwegian, “elg” means moose and “hund” means any dog. So they may have helped hunt elk, but they were more commonly used to hunt moose. They can smell game from over a mile away.

These dogs are agile, alert, and always ready for adventures with their families. In addition to being fun family companions, they are also accomplished watchdogs. Further, they are part of the Hound group and were favorite hunting companions for the Vikings.

These dogs are always ready to join any adventure. They are sensitive to their owners, yet strongly independent. The dogs are perfect for family activities and have a longer lifespan. Although there are no hybrid varieties of this breed, there are several color options from black to silver that help provide various looks.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

The Norwegian Elkhound is considered a medium-sized dog, with male height averaging 20 inches and female height averaging 19 inches. The average weight is 55 lbs. for males and 48 lbs. for females. The size is consistent with the average lifespan.

Common Health Issues

This breed has a few health issues that can come at a high price to treat. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues that these dogs live with, a painful condition affecting mobility. Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that can affect the eyes. Norwegian Elkhounds may also be susceptible to autoimmune hypothyroidism. Fanconi syndrome, a type of kidney disease, and skin cysts are also conditions that these dogs are vulnerable to. Getting a dog from a responsible breeder that screens for problems with the heart and eyes may help decrease the chances of your pet developing these problems. In short, the most common health issues that Norwegian Elkhounds face are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Autoimmune hypothyroidism
• Fanconi syndrome
• Skin cysts

Temperament

From the time they are puppies, this breed is naturally extroverted, independent, protective, and loyal. These dogs are always happy to be in on the action, with a temperament that embodies its fun-loving nature and a mischievous gleam in its eyes. This breed has a strong independent streak, which can make training a little bit tricky at times.

Norwegian Elkhounds are protective, not letting even perceived threats bother their families without a fight. Although not aggressive, they have a bark that is usually enough to encourage a would-be intruder to stay away. These dogs are loyal to their families, without question, and develop strong bonds with all family members.

Care

There are several important considerations for new Norwegian Elkhound owners to keep in mind, regardless of whether they have dogs from a breeder or rescue dogs. Breed-specific issues may range from maintaining an ideal weight to whether a black coat color requires special care to which conditions your vet should screen for in the dog during exams.

Best Dog Food

Norwegian Elkhounds, including puppies and adults of all lifespan stages, have unique needs because of their playful nature. The food that you pick will need to address the dog’s individual needs ranging from its teeth to its coat. At periodic appointments, collaborate with your vet to come up with the ideal diet for your dog. This breed can exhibit kidney disease, in which case, many vets recommend low-phosphorus dog food.

Puppy food: Puppies of this breed thrive on diets with a high ratio of amino acids for a stronger immune system. Foods rich in protein help their muscles grow strong. Lean meats, such as fish or chicken, can help easily meet growing puppies’ needs, especially for healthy teeth and bones.

Adult dog food: Foods high in amino acids and protein will be necessary for adults as well. Hybrid blends of freeze-dried meat and dry food are among some of the most popular food types. Any food that these dogs eat should have meat as the first ingredient.

At A-Z Animals, we feel the best dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds is Farmina Natural & Delicious Ocean Ancestral Grain Cod & Orange Adult Medium & Maxi Dog Food.

This recipe is a perfect match for this breed, not just because it contains Scandinavian herring, but because of its full nutritional profile. Using fish as a source of protein, the formula includes glucosamine for resilient joints, and taurine and beta-carotene, both of which promote healthy eyes.

Here’s where you can get Farmina N&D Ocean Ancestral Grain and Cod dog food on Chewy or Amazon.

Maintenance And Grooming

Norwegian Elkhounds do not shed much but blow their coats two or three times yearly, often leading to clumps of black or silver hair around the house. Brushing once or twice a week and bathing the dog every six months will help keep the coat clean. Dog brushes with stiff bristles will get through the dog’s hair quickly. Aside from skin cysts, these dogs generally have no significant coat or skin conditions.

Training

These dogs are very intelligent, with a strong independent streak. However, they are relatively easy to train when using reward-based methods. Treats are some of the most popular rewards.

Exercise

Norwegian Elkhounds require vigorous activity daily because of their natural energy level. Because of the breed’s activity level and loud bark, these dogs are better suited to houses with yards than to apartments. At least a walk a day is recommended. Running shorter distances in enclosed areas and playing fetch are examples of activities that are ideal for these dogs, including hybrid activities like combining fetch with a good long run.

Puppies

Although not as common in rescue as many other breeds, finding a Norwegian Elkhound puppy through a rescue is possible. Because these dogs are so high-energy, they are often a poor fit for people without the time to devote to the dog’s training. These puppies, in particular, love to get their teeth on anything within easy reach. Sometimes, owners who acquire one of these dogs are unwilling to devote the time to training or pay the price of a trainer.

Children

Although these are loyal family dogs, they are not necessarily suited to people of all ages. These dogs are often somewhat rough in their play, increasing the chances of injuring a small child. The breed does best with older children and teens.

Similar Dogs

Similar dog breeds to the Norwegian Elkhound include the Finnish Spitz, German Spitz, and Japanese Spitz.

• Finnish Spitz – Shares a love of elk hunting, a loud bark, and playful nature with the Norwegian Elkhound. This dog is somewhat smaller in size, however.
• German Spitz – A smaller alternative, the German Spitz shares the thick coat , watchdog traits, and thick coat with Norwegian Elkhounds, as well as a similar color.
• Japanese Spitz – Also a smaller alternative to the Norwegian Elkhound, the Japanese Spitz shares strong family loyalty, a fluffy coat, and an athletic build.

Famous

The most famous Norwegian Elkhound was President Herbert Hoover’s dog, Weeje, who lived with him at the White House during the 1930s. An “X-Files” episode mentions a Norwegian Elkhound that a character owns. The breed also appears in When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman and Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf.

Popular Names for Norwegian Elkhound

• Odin
• Thor
• Fenrir
• Freya
• Mist
• Grendel
• Pearl
• Spirit
• Wolf
• Moonlight