

The Norwegian Elkhound is of high intelligence.

Image Credit: Maxim_ka, Shutterstock Temperament & Intelligence of the Norwegian Elkhound They are versatile and have also taken on roles as guard dogs and herding dogs. Norweigan Elkhounds are most famous for hunting down elk and moose but have even been used to hunt badgers, lynx, mountain lions, bears, wolves, caribou, and rabbits. Their Hunting Abilities Go Beyond Elk and Moose Archeologists have even found skeletons resembling the Norwegian Elkhound buried next to Viking remains and their weapons. Norwegian Elkhounds are estimated to have a history that dates to 5,000 B.C. They were officially recognized with the American Kennel Club in 1913. 3 Little-Known Facts About the Norwegian Elkhound 1. They do make excellent watchdogs, as they remain on high alert and can be territorial. Norwegian Elkhounds are not well-suited for apartment living due to their activity needs and barking tendencies. They also need a lot of exercises and would work best with an active outdoorsy owner or family. They are not the easiest to train and may not be the best choice for novice dog owners. These dogs are very independent, bold, and strong-willed. Those living in warmer climates need to keep this in mind and ensure they have a cool environment and are not overexposed to excessive heat. Norwegian Elkhounds are made for the cold, rugged outdoors of Norway and will be happiest in the colder climates they are naturally built for. Different dog breeds have different characteristics that may not be compatible with all owners. Finding the right dog for your lifestyle is essential. You need to ensure you are prepared for the financial commitment and have the time and patience to take proper care of a dog. Norwegian Elkhound Puppies – Before You Buy…īringing home a new dog is a serious commitment.


This breed will have a drive for adventure and need an active, outdoorsy family that can stimulate them both physically and mentally. Norwegian Elkhounds are affectionate and loyal with their owners but may be aloof with others. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and are generally healthy. When they are born, puppies will have black coats but as they develop, they will turn gray and silver with black tips on the outer coat while maintaining a light undercoat. The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 45 and 55 pounds and stands 19 to 21 inches in height. Originally bred for hunting large game and herding and protecting flocks of livestock this sturdy dog is built for cold temperatures and rough terrain. The bold, playful, strong-willed Norwegian Elkhound is a beautiful dog breed that is native to Norway. Many folks now realize the benefits of having a housebroken, trained dog that can more readily adjust to new situations.Loyal, strong-willed, playful, bold, affectionate One trend she's seeing in her rescue work is that more people are willing to adopt older dogs, which used to be harder to place. A third rescue dog, Jim, died several years ago. Stovall, a Westport resident, currently owns two rescued elkhounds, KoKoa and Loki. Only one was relinquished because of a temperament problem and that dog went on to have a serene, loving experience with its new family. Almost all were given up because of the family's financial situation or relocation. She estimates that she's placed more than 50 dogs in new homes. Plant first started rescue efforts for the Nordic breed in the early 1980s, under the auspices of the Norwegian Elkhound Minutemen Association. Honored as the First Lady of Elkhounds by the regional rescue group in 2001, Mrs. Females also shed after they have whelped a litter of puppies. She adds that elkhounds shed their gray double coat twice a year, usually in spring and fall. Plant says that elkhounds are easy to groom and require little more than a bath, regular brushing and combing. As a hunter, the elkhound is known for its courage, agility and stamina to hold wild game at bay while dodging attack, and has an ability to hunt in all types of weather over rugged terrain. The breed is known for its distinctive broad head with upright ears and a tightly curled tail that is carried over the back. The Norwegian elkhound is a typical medium-sized northern hunting dog, well-balanced and square in profile. The modern elkhound is much like its ancient ancestors - fearless and friendly, and devoted to man and the pursuit of prey. These dogs were later used in Norway to guard isolated farms, herd flocks and hunt large game. The Norwegian elkhound first appeared about 5,000 years ago and was a valued companion of the Vikings. "The person that owns an elkhound needs to be the alpha because the dog has to mind you," she says.
