Norwegian Elkhound: temperament, size, care and health

About the Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a compact, square, medium-sized dog of the spitz type, with a broad head, pricked ears, a tail curled tightly over the back and a thick coat in shades of gray. The hair is darker along the saddle and lighter on the chest and legs, with black tips on the guard hairs. Adults stand about nineteen to twenty-one inches tall and are strongly built.

The name is a little misleading: the dog was not made to kill an elk, called a moose in North America, but to find one and keep it at bay by barking until the hunter arrived. The work was carried out in cold, rough country, and the Elkhound has the coat, strength and stamina for it. Today the breed is a hardy, alert companion with a loud voice and a fondness for outdoor life.

Temperament and family life

The Elkhound is bold and loyal, devoted to its family and cautious with strangers. It is an excellent watchdog and will bark at almost anything that moves, which can annoy neighbors. Most are friendly once they know a visitor, but they are independent and not eager to please.

The breed can be a good family dog and is usually playful and sturdy with children, though it may be too boisterous for toddlers. It is usually fine with other dogs, though some males challenge dogs of the same sex. Prey drive is moderate to high, so cats and small animals outside the family can be at risk. Like many spitz breeds, it tends to wander if it gets the chance, so fences matter.

Exercise and training

An Elkhound needs substantial daily exercise: long walks, hiking, jogging or other vigorous play. It has stamina and a love of the outdoors, and cold weather perks it up. A bored dog makes up its own entertainment, which can include digging, barking and escaping. A securely fenced yard is helpful, and the dog should be on a leash anywhere that has wildlife to chase.

Training works best when it is consistent and fair. The breed is smart but has a mind of its own, and it responds poorly to repeated drills or harsh methods. Reward-based sessions with plenty of variety do better. Socialization from puppyhood is needed to tame its suspicion of strangers. Teach early that barking can be stopped on cue, since the voice is a deep part of the breed's character.

Grooming and shedding

The double coat is weather-resistant and has a dense undercoat. It sheds heavily, and twice a year the undercoat comes out in large amounts during a blow. Brushing two or three times a week is useful in general, and daily during a shed. Baths are needed only occasionally, because the coat resists dirt and has little odor. Do not shave the coat, as it protects against both cold and heat.

Nails should be trimmed, ears checked and teeth brushed. An Elkhound that lives indoors in warm weather may be uncomfortable and should have shade and water outdoors in summer.

Health

The Norwegian Elkhound is generally hardy. Conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye diseases, hypothyroidism, kidney problems including Fanconi syndrome and skin cysts. Obesity can be an issue in an inactive dog. Responsible breeders usually screen hips and eyes and may test for kidney disease. These notes on the Norwegian Elkhound are general, so a veterinarian should be consulted about the health of a specific dog.

History

Spitz-type hunting dogs have lived in Scandinavia for a very long time, and the Elkhound was used to hunt large game and guard property. It was presented at a Norwegian dog show in 1877, and The Kennel Club in Britain recognized it in 1901. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1913.

Is the Norwegian Elkhound right for you?

An Elkhound suits an active owner who enjoys the outdoors, can handle a loud dog and has a secure yard. It is not a good fit for people in hot climates, in apartments, or who want a quiet or highly obedient companion.

For a smaller Scandinavian spitz, consider the Norwegian Buhund. The Finnish Spitz is another vocal hunting dog, and the Keeshond offers a similar gray coat in a mellower companion.