Norwegian Elkhound

One of the oldest dog breeds, Norwegian Elkhounds could date back almost 7,000 years. The dogs were held in high regard by the Vikings as described in ancient sagas. Their remains were often buried with their owners, showing their high level of admiration and respect. They have served as hunters, trackers, guardians, herders, and defenders. The dogs migrated from Sweden and Norway to England and America. President Hoover was given a Norwegian Elkhound dog as a gift from Norway, showing appreciation for his help in World War I.

Norwegian Elkhounds are energetic dogs that possess great stamina. Owners should also exhibit these qualities to keep pace with the dog. You’ll need to be able to indulge them with long walks regardless of the weather and live an active lifestyle centered around outdoor activities. It’s preferable that owners have experience with Spitz-type dogs and live in colder climates.

Norwegian Elkhound dogs need daily exercise: long walks, free runs, plenty of sniffing, and tracking games. They have endurance for days and will want to be outdoors as much as possible, regardless of rain, snow, or other inclement weather, so get your coats ready. Norwegian Elkhounds can become noisy and destructive if they do not get their energy expended.

While the Norwegian Elkhound does not need a large home, they do need plenty of outdoor space. Owners should have a large, secure yard and have easy access to various walking routes where they can roam off-leash safely. Elkhounds are best suited for rural areas or spaced-out suburbs as they can be vocal. Their watchdog instincts also can be intensified in close quarters, leading to anxiety for them and any nearby neighbors who might hear them.

Norwegian Elkhounds have thick double coats that significantly shed. This will result in a lot of excess hair around your house. Five minutes of “back brushing” can help give your vacuum some much-needed rest! These dogs generally do not smell and don’t need frequent bathing.

The Norwegian Elkhound breed is intelligent and easy to work with but their independent nature can sometimes make training frustrating. Positive reinforcement is helpful, as are treats for this food-motivated dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound breed makes an excellent family pet for active and outdoorsy families. They need an ample amount of exercise, making them a slightly better fit for households with children who are old enough to help their Elkhound expend energy. Elkhounds do not do well being left alone for long periods, so families that are home for most of the day are recommended.

The cost of a Norwegian Elkhound from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.