Norwegian Elkhound

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Size: Large
Other Names: Elkhound, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Gray Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, Norsk Elghund, Norsk Elghund Grå
Country of Origin: Norway
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

The Elkhound is a medium-sized, extremely hardy, sturdy, squarely-built dog, with straight and parallel limbs. His head is broad and wedge-shaped, with a defined stop. His eyes are dark brown, with a keen, friendly expression. His ears are pointed and erect. His gray, white, and black coat is made up of two layers: an underlying dense smooth coat ranging from black at the muzzle, ears, and tip of its tail; to silvery gray on its legs, tail, and underbody; and an overlying black-tipped protective guard coat along its back. An ideal Elkhound has a tightly curled tail.

A gray hunting spitz for a house and cool climate; a heavy seasonal coat, a hunt voice, and stamina that wants more than a short apartment loop.

The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the ancient Northern Spitz-type breed of dog and is the National Dog of Norway. The Elkhound has served as a hunter, guardian, herder, and defender. Despite its name in America, it is not a hound dog; the Elkhound does not hunt like a hound dog nor is it directly related to hounds. The Norwegian Elkhound can be wonderful in agility, and are particularly good tracking dogs. Because their coat is so thick, they molt twice a year, producing large amounts of fur. Some owners save the hair from the brushes and combs, spin it into yarn, and crochet or knot with it. The resulting fabric is soft and warm.

Height: 18-21 inches
Weight: 45-60 pounds
Color: Black and white coloring, often noted as gray or silver
Coat: Coarse, straight, with soft undercoat
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 4–8 puppies

Temperament

Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal to their "pack" and make excellent family dogs if given proper attention. They typically have an inseparable bond with their masters and are quite loyal. It is an exceptionally friendly breed. All Elkhounds have a sharp loud bark which makes them suitable as watch dogs. They are bold, playful, independent, alert, extremely intelligent, and, at times, a bit boisterous. This is a dog ready for adventure, and is happiest if that adventure takes place outdoors in cold weather.

Training

Norwegian Elkhounds can be challenging to train because of their high intelligence and their deep independent streak. However, they are good obedience dogs, and will understand commands. Elkhounds require an owner with confidence, who has the ability to establish clear dominance in the owner-pet relationship (pack leader).

Care and grooming

Elkhounds are very powerful animals, bred to hunt all day in cold climates. They require plenty of exercise to feel satisfied and to stay healthy. A 20-30 minute walk, twice a day, is recommended by many breeders. Elkhounds are prone to rapid weight gain, and must not be overfed. Although Elkhounds tend to remain clean because their coat sheds most dirt and because they seem to keep themselves clean instinctively, they require regular brushing, especially when they molt, to avoid their oil glands becoming plugged and to help them stay cool in summer.

Shedding

Seasonal and heavy when the northern undercoat blows.

Health

Norwegian Elkhounds may develop hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and Fanconi-like kidney disease in some lines. Ask breeders about hip, eye, and kidney testing.

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