Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Elkhound, Norsk Elghund
  • Size:Medium
  • Ease of Training:Low/Medium
  • Grooming:Low
  • Shedding:High
  • Exercise Needed:Daily Walk
  • Energy Level:Medium/ High
  • Protection:Makes an effective watchdog
  • Good with Children:Yes, particularly when brought up with them
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:Male: 55; Female: 48 lbs
  • Height:Male: 20.5; Female: 19.5 inches
  • Coat Colour:Gray outer coat, silver under coat, black muzzle

Norwegian Elkhound Coat

The Norwegian Elkhound is a double coat breed. The outer coat is weather-resistant, hard, thick, and smooth. The under coat is dense, soft, and woolly in texture. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Norwegian Elkhound Character

The Norwegian Elkhound is hardy, well-built, and possesses great strength and endurance. This is a breed of great dignity, adaptability, and dependability.

Norwegian Elkhound Temperament

The Norwegian Elkhound breed is sensitive, affectionate, and loyal. They are friendly with those they know but are aloof and wary of strangers. They bark incessantly to alert their family to any type of danger or suspicious activity. The Norwegian Elkhound is reliable and good with children, although caution should be taken with small children as this breed will attempt to herd them. They have a tendency to be aggressive toward dogs of the same gender and are not recommended for homes with cats or other household pets.

Norwegian Elkhound Care

Norwegian Elkhound's require weekly brushing with a comb or rake to minimize loose and dead hair. Special attention should be given to the coat during their seasonal heavy shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary as their coat is naturally self-cleaning. The Norwegian Elkhound is prone to sebaceous cysts and hip dysplasia. It is important to not over-feed as they have a tendency to gain weight. This breed prefers cooler climates.

Norwegian Elkhound Activity

The Norwegian Elkhound breed is not recommended for apartment living. They require an inordinate amount of exercise. They do best in a large securely fenced yard or a rural setting with a job to do. They thrive on family interaction, biking, running, and hiking. The Norwegian Elkhound excels at agility, guarding, sledding, herding, and watch dogging.

Norwegian Elkhound Health and Life Expectancy

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