Norwegian elkhound

Norwegian elkhound with a protruding, abundant fur of wolf coat with a black mask, pointed ears, densely hairy tail. Helper of hunters hunting big game, brave, very independent, balanced, with strong hunting drive.

Nature

Gray elkhound is one of the old Scandinavian breeds. Vikings have used these dogs for ages for hunting and guarding.

Elkhund is outgoing, he doesn’t like to be isolated from his pack. He is patient and tolerant of children. In relation to foreign dogs, cats and pets it is usually mild, although some adult males may not tolerate other males.

Not suitable for defense, but will work as a vigilant watchman who barking to let you know that a stranger is approaching or something disturbing is happening. At home calm, almost phlegmatic, no caregivers are imposed. However, you need to remember that it requires a lot of traffic.

Norwegian elkhound. Skills

Elkhundy (mainly in Scandinavia, but not only there) is still used for hunting elks and bears. Their task is to track down and then trample the animal and hold it until the hunter arrives. The dog saves the victim and jumps to her from one side to the other, not letting her escape. This way of working requires courage but also caution.

To maintain agility, elkhound cannot have a heavy build. Short, thick coat perfectly protects him from bad weather. This tough quadruped is able to track game for hours in any terrain.

Training and education

The character of elkhound combines contrasting features. On the one hand, it belongs to primitive races, which involves some independence (the way he works requires a lot of independence).

On the other hand, elkhound is strongly focused on cooperation with people. He is intelligent and relatively susceptible to training, but his upbringing requires perseverance and consistency.

Who is this race for?

Elkhunda can, of course, be recommended to hunters, but also to people who provide this dog with enough movement and do not expect absolute obedience from the dog.

Norwegian elkhound. Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

• sometimes stubborn and independent
• has a strong hunting instinct
• needs a lot of traffic
• molts abundantly

Advantages

• balanced
• nice to his family
• rather quiet at home
• alert but not exceedingly aggressive watchman
• does not require complicated care

Health

Dogs of this breed are generally healthy, but tend to gain weight. In the event of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), hip dysplasia, kidney problems and cysts (especially later in life), as well as thyroid problems.

Feeding

Elkhound has no particular nutritional requirements compared to other dogs. However, it should be remembered that a working dog must receive sufficient energy.

Care

The elkhound coat is easy to care for, but it is worth remembering that the elkhound molts twice a year with plenty of molting and then requires more frequent brushing.

History

These medium-sized, robust quadrupeds have not changed for centuries. They represent the original spitz type typical of these areas of Europe.

Outside Scandinavia, the breed enjoys considerable popularity in America, where elkhounds are bred mainly as show dogs. They arrived here at the beginning of the 20th century. The dog named Weejie had an American president Herbert Hoover (1874-1964).

Template

Elkhund gray – Norwegian elkhound – group V FCI, section 2, reference number 242

• Country of origin:  Norway
• Character:  brave, friendly, balanced, intelligent dog, dedicated to the owner, independent
• Size:  Dogs approx. 52 cm, bitches approx. 49 cm
• Weight:  dogs approx. 25 kg, bitches approx. 22 kg
• Coat:  dense, weather-resistant; the shortest on the head and front of the limbs, the longest on the chest, neck (forms a ruff), croup and tail; longer and hard ground coat; soft and woolly undercoat
• Color:  gray in various shades, topcoat with black tips; black mask on the mouth
• Lifespan:  12-13 years
• Vulnerability to training:  average
• Activity:  requires movement, but at home is calm
• Resistance / susceptibility to diseases:  resistant

Interesting facts

In addition to the gray elkhound, there is also a black elkhound – smaller, finer, with a shorter, shiny coat. This breed, however, is very rare, practically unknown outside Scandinavia.

Jämthund is the Swedish equivalent of the Norwegian elkhound. Dogs of this breed are slightly larger than the gray elkhund and slightly differ in color (they have a light mask and lighter markings on the paws).