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.