Norwegian Elkhound
USD $500-$700 Price Avg.
Hunting Dogs
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Large
Size
10-12 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Hunting Dogs |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 91 |
| Origin | Norway |
| Other Names | Elkhound, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Grå Norsk Elghund, Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira, Norsk Elghund, Norwegian Moose Dog, Small Grey Elk Dog |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $500-$700
How much does it cost to purchase a Norwegian Elkhound? The price of a Norwegian Elkhound will vary from breeder to breeder as well as from place to place. As a rough guide, you should expect to pay between $500 to $700 per Norwegian Elkhound if you purchase from a reputable breeder. Prices will be higher for show-quality dogs with a distinguished pedigree. Adult dogs who have already been trained may cost even more. It is usually less expensive to adopt a Norwegian Elkhound through a shelter. |
| Size | Large |
| Weight |
Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg),
Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) |
| Height |
Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm),
Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed. And FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section. |
| Purpose | hunting large game, herding, guarding |
| Date of Origin | 500 BC |
| Ancestry | Northern spitz |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Gray, Silver, White |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Brown |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Gray, Silver |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Dense |
| Coat Texture | Straight |
| Recommended Brushes | Comb, Deshedder, Nail Clipper, Slicker Brush |
| Brushing Frequency | Weekly |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Alert, Bold, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sportive, Strong, Vigilant, Willed |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers cold weather |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 8 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 45 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 2.5 cups |
| Daily Cost | $1.20 - $1.40 |
| Monthly Cost | $34.00 - $45.00 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Norwegian Elkhound have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 5-10 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Norway. It is a hardy, loyal, and friendly breed that has been used for centuries as a hunting and guard dog. The Norwegian Elkhound has a thick double coat of gray fur with white markings on the muzzle, chest, and legs. Its ears are erect and its tail is curled over its back.
The Norwegian Elkhound has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and can reach up to 20 inches in height at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 40 to 55 pounds when fully grown. The colors of the Norwegian Elkhound range from light gray to black with white markings on the muzzle, chest, and legs.
The personality of the Norwegian Elkhound is one of intelligence, loyalty, courage, and independence. They are alert dogs who make excellent watchdogs but can also be very affectionate with their family members. They are known for their strong bond with their owners which makes them great companions for those looking for an active pet that will stay by their side through thick or thin.
Norwegian Elkhounds are generally friendly towards other dogs as well as children and other animals if they have been properly socialized from an early age. However they may be wary of strangers so it’s important to introduce them slowly into new situations or environments in order to ensure they feel comfortable around new people or animals before allowing them off leash in public areas such as parks or beaches where there may be unfamiliar people or animals present.
The temperament of the Norwegian Elkhound is one of intelligence combined with independence which makes them great problem solvers but also means they need plenty of mental stimulation throughout their lives in order to stay happy and healthy both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise such as long walks or hikes but should not be over exercised due to their short snouts which can cause breathing difficulties if pushed too hard during physical activity sessions .
The health issues associated with this breed include hip dysplasia (a genetic condition affecting joints), eye problems (such as cataracts), ear infections (due to excessive wax build up) ,and skin allergies (which can cause itching). Regular vet check ups should help identify any potential health issues early on so that treatment can begin quickly if necessary .
When it comes to adaptability level ,the Norwegian Elkhounds do well in most environments provided they receive enough exercise each day .They do best when living indoors where they have access to plenty of space for running around outside when needed .They also enjoy spending time outdoors playing fetch or going on walks/hikes but should always be supervised while doing so due to their independent nature .
Overall ,the benefits of having a Norwegian Elkhound as a pet include its loyalty ,intelligence ,and affectionate nature towards its family members .It’s important however that owners understand this breeds needs including regular exercise ,mental stimulation ,and socialization from an early age in order for it thrive within its environment .
History
The Norwegian Elkhound is a dog breed that originates from Norway. It is a hunting dog that was used to hunt elk and other large game animals. The breed almost became extinct in the early 1900s due to a lack of interest in hunting. However, the breed became popular again in the mid-1900s, and it is now recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
The Norwegian Elkhound is believed to be descended from the Grey Wolf. It is thought that the first Norwegian Elkhounds were brought to Norway by the Vikings around 1000 AD. The breed was used by Norwegian hunters to track and hunt elk and other large game animals. The Norwegian Elkhound is an excellent tracker and has a keen sense of smell.
The breed almost became extinct in the early 1900s due to a lack of interest in hunting. However, the breed became popular again in the mid-1900s, and it is now recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. The Norwegian Elkhound is an intelligent, loyal, and friendly dog that makes an excellent companion for active families.
