The Norwegian Elkhound is a Spitz-type breed of dog, specifically a member of the scent hound family. The dog is the national dog breed of Norway.
History: One of the most ancient breeds, it is thousands of years old. At the end of the 19th century the breed came to England. The Norwegian elkhound is the perfect combination of hound and spitz breeds. Although originally used to hunt big game such as moose and elk, the breed has held many roles including guardian, defender, and ever herder. The breed was first exhibited in 1877 when the Norwegian Hunters Association began holding shows. In 1923, the Elkhound Club was formed and the breed was officially recognized by the British Kennel Club. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America was recognized by the AKC in about 1930.
Appearance: The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy gray hunting dog. It is a typical northern dog of medium size and substance, square in profile, close coupled and balanced in proportions. The head is broad and wedge- shaped with a defined stop. The eyes are dark brown and friendly with a keen, friendly expression. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. It has triangular pointed ears that are quite mobile. The tail is curled tightly over its back and has a black tip along with its ears and muzzle. The coat is thick, hard, weather resisting and smooth lying; made up of soft, dense, woolly undercoat and coarse, straight covering hairs. Permissible colors are any shade of gray with black-tipped outer hairs. Muzzle, tail tip and ears are black.
Size: Height: dogs - 19-21 inches (48-53 cm); bitches 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Weight: dogs - 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg); bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Temperament: The Norwegian Elkhound is fearless and friendly. It is playful and protective and loves the outdoors, especially in cold temperatures. It will greet its family enthusiastically, yet is sufficiently wary of strangers to make a great guard dog. They are reliable, energetic and alert companions for children. Norwegian Elkhounds can be challenging to train because of their intelligence and deep independent streak. However, they can make good obedience, agility, and particularly tracking dogs, and they are good natured in their disobedience.
Health: on the whole, Norwegian Elkhounds are a hearty breed with few health problems.Nevertheless, they are prone to hip dysplasia, pyotraumatic dermatitis, PRA, Fanconi syndrome, patellar luxation.
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Grooming: The double coat of the Norwegian elkhound requires regular brushing, especially during its shedding season. When shedding, a rubber brush or metal tooth comb should be used to remove the dead hair that clings to the new growth of hair. Bathe only when necessary, as it removes the natural oils in the skin. Like other Arctic dogs, they do not have the usual smell of dog hair.
Puppy price: $450.00 - $1.000.00