The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the ancient dog breeds that originate from Scandinavia. This breed is a few thousand years old. This fact is proven by a dog skeleton dating from 4000/5000 BC that is very similar to the Elkhounds of our times.
The breed is part of the Spitz category and it is a medium-sized one. The dogs have a short body, which kind of looks like the body of a squirrel. They are outstandingly beautiful and, even if they seem to be a little fierce, they are actually very good dogs and you will certainly have no regrets if you try to discover them by yourself.
Height: dogs between 19 and 21 inches; bitches between 18 and 20 inches
Weight: dogs between 50 and 60 pounds; bitches between 40 and 50 pounds
Life expectancy: if properly taken care of, they will usually reach 12 to 15 years of age. However, there have been many cases of Elkhounds living even longer than this.
Temperamental characteristics:
These dogs love human companionship. Even though they may be reserved when it comes to strangers, they will always be noticeably happy when seeing family and friends.
They are very agile, which makes them good watchdogs.
They are extremely loyal.
They are also energetic and trustworthy, so they are ideal companions for children, who have plenty of advantages if they choose to spend a few hours a day with a good dog.
Even if they get attached to their adoptive family, these dogs are somehow independent and sometimes disobedient. Fortunately, obedience training can solve these small problems.
Here are some recommendations regarding the Norwegian Elkhound:
Do not let the dog alone with small animals (such as hamsters, for instance), because these dogs are hunters and the result may not be very pleasant.
It would be better not to have other dogs if you buy a Norwegian Elk, as it will become possessive or even aggressive towards the other dogs.
When walking such a dog, try to walk in front or beside him, never behind. It is important for his future personality.
Do not overfeed the dog, because it gains weight very easily and it can get dangerous for its health.
As far as the ideal living conditions are concerned, these dogs are usually alright in an apartment, provided that their owners train them every day. However, the perfect home for a dog of this breed should include a big courtyard as well.
When buying a dog of this breed, choose a puppy, not a mature male/female, because it is important to raise it by yourself, in order to discipline it as you want.
These dogs are a amazing companions, as long as their owners follow the abovementioned recommendations. The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the best choices when it comes to watchdogs or pets; you will have a lot of fun with it, but you will have time for yourself too, because such a dog is quite independent and it will be OK by itself too.
