Norwegian Elkhound

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Often alone
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

As it's name suggests, the Norwegian Elkhound was bred predominantly to hunt big game such as the elk and to survive harsh conditions of deep snow and dense forest.

Although its roots lie in Spitz-type breeds (as its appearance demonstrates), it is categorised as a Hound due to its superior hunting ability and is well known for its endurance and agility.

The Elkhound's history has resulted in a breed that is hardy, intelligent and often protective. More recently, the Elkhound has become a precious family addition. It has a long history by man's side and therefore makes a loyal comrade.

Temperament

Bringing together aspects of both the Hound and Spitz-type breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound proves an interesting mix. It is a friendly and playful breed that is also naturally independent and extremely intelligent. It would make an ideal family companion provided it is well exercised and disciplined.

Due to its long history as a loyal hunting partner, the Elkhound was born for adventure. It will thrive best if allowed to exercise and explore outdoors. Some of its abilities include tracking, herding, hunting and sledding. The Elkhound would also make for a vigilant watchdog.

Appearance

The Elkhound's physical features can all be attributed to the expression of a need.

Demonstrating a powerful appearance, it is a compact breed with a square outline and proud carriage. The robustness of this breed developed through hunts, often lasting days, where its stamina was more important than speed. Its ears are upstanding and its tail is carried over its back.

Its eyes give the Norwegian Elkhound a friendly appearance, not unlike its nature. Elkhounds come in greys of various shades with black tips on the outer coat; lighter areas appear on the chest, stomach, legs, underside of tail, buttocks and in a harness mark. Males should be 52cm at the withers while females should be approximately 49cm.

Maintenance

The Elkhound's coat is dense, naturally weather resistant and relatively easy to groom. It should be brushed regularly; brushing twice a week normally and then daily during shedding season should be sufficient. Built to hunt all day, the Elkhound needs daily exercise to keep healthy and happy. Taking it for a long walk or varied play session will ensure it doesn't get bored or, worse still, destructive.

Health

According to Australian breeders, careful breeding has ensured that Elkhounds in Australia don't suffer from many health problems. Some breeders may test for problems. Probably the most common problem is hip displaysia (HD). Hip scoring is voluntary but may give indication of whether the condition is likely to develop. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) has been seen in the Norwegian Elkhound as has Fanconi syndrome, however neither have surfaced in the breed in Australia.

Suitability

Although the Elkhound was bred to hunt, it is essentially a friendly and loyal breed that makes it an ideal family addition. It is also ideal for activities such as obedience, tracking or showing, however it should be a family member foremost.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Norwegian Elkhound you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the N and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Image: worlddogshow2018

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 23 Jan 2015)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Powerful; compact body; square outline and proud carriage; coat close and abundant but not open; upstanding pointed ears; tail tightly curled over back.

Characteristics

A hardy hunting Spitz with a bold energetic disposition.

Temperament

Friendly, intelligent and independent without any sign of nervousness.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Wedge shaped, comparatively broad between ears; stop, not large; forehead and back of head slightly arched; foreface broad at root (not pinched in), evenly tapering whether seen from above or side, never pointed; bridge of nose straight and approximately the length of forehead; tight fitting skin on head, no wrinkle.
Eyes	Not prominent, slightly oval, medium size, dark brown, giving frank, fearless and friendly expression.
Ears	Set high, small, firm and erect, pointed and very mobile; slightly taller than width at base; when alert, outer edge should be vertical.
Mouth	Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Medium length, powerful, carrying the head high; a rich ruff on close fitting skin but no dewlap.
Forequarters	Legs straight with good, not coarse, bone and strong pasterns; shoulders sloping; elbows closely set in.
Body	Powerful; short, strong back; loin short and wide with very little tuck-up; chest deep and broad; well curved ribs; topline straight and level; distance from brisket to ground not less than half the height at withers.
Hindquarters	Legs firm, strong and powerful; little but definite bend at stifle and hock; straight when viewed from behind.
Feet	Comparatively small, slightly oval; tightly closed, well arched toes with protective hair between thick pads; turning neither in nor out. Nails firm and strong.
Tail	Strong, set on high; thickly coated without plume; tightly curled, preferably over the centre line of back.
Gait/Movement	Demonstrates agility and endurance; stride at the trot even and effortless, back remaining level; as speed of trot increased, front and rear legs converge equally in straight lines towards a centre line beneath body.
Coat	Close, abundant, weather resistant; soft, dense, woolly undercoat and coarse, straight outer coat; short and smooth on head and front of legs, slightly longer on back of front legs, longest on neck, back of thighs and tail; not trimmed.
Colour	Grey of various shades, with black tips to out coat; lighter on chest, stomach, legs, underside of tail, buttocks and in a harness mark; ears and foreface dark; a dark line from eye to ear desirable; undercoat pure pale grey. Any pronounced variation from the grey colour, sooty colour on lower legs, spectacles or white markings undesirable.
Size	Ideal height:Dogs 52 cm (20.5 ins) at shoulderBitches 49 cm (19.5 ins) at shoulderWeight:Dogs approx. 23 kg (51 lbs)Bitches approx. 20 kg (44 lbs)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.