The elkhound is a type of northern dog that has existed in Scandinavia
since the Stone Age. They are known for their ability to hunt bear and moose,
herding and as sled dogs. There are three types of elkhounds recognized
by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, the registry of predominately
European breeds. These types are the Black Elkhound of Norway, the Grey
Norwegian Elkhound, and the Jamthund of Sweden. The breed recognized by
the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, the Kennel Club of Great
Britain, and the Canadian Kennel Club is the Grey Norwegian Elkhound.
The Norwegian Elkhound is bold and energetic. He is normally friendly with
great dignity but is also an effective guardian.
The skull of the Norwegian Elkhound is broad at the ears and then wedge
shaped to the nose. The forehead and back of the skull are slightly domed.
The ears are set high, firm and erect. They are taller than wide at the
base with pointed tips. The eyes are very dark, oval and medium in size.
The drop off between skull and muzzle (stop) is not large but is clearly
defined. The bridge of the nose is straight. It is parallel to and about
the same length as the skull. The lips fit tightly closed and the bite is
scissors. The neck is of medium length and muscular. The body is short,
causing the dog to look square in profile. The topline is straight and strong.
The chest is deep and moderately broad. The legs are of medium length and
substantial without being too heavily boned. The feet are small and slightly
oval. The tail is set high, tightly curled and carried over the centerline
of the back. The coat is a double coat with a soft, dense woolly undercoat
and a thick, hard, weather resistant, smooth lying outercoat. The undercoat
is a light silver as is the outercoat on the legs, stomach, buttocks, and
underside of the tail. The outercoat, other than previously specified is
gray, medium preferred. The gray body color is darkest on the saddle and
lighter on the chest, mane and distinctive harness mark which is a band
of longer guard hairs from shoulder to elbow. The muzzle, ears and tip of
the tail are black. Average height is twenty inches. Average weight is between
forty-five and fifty pounds.
hrkal7@yahoo.com of Minnesota writes:
My best friend.
I grew up with Elkhounds in my family, and will always have an Elkhound
in my family. This is my favorite breed of dog, by far. Elkhounds are usually
very expressive dogs, very vivacious. They are dynamic in their emotional
and physical lives. The bark is piercing, and may need to be curtailed a
bit, but remember that the bark is used to communicate something to you
as well (I think my Elkhound has about fifteen distinct types of bark).
Elkhounds are intelligent problem-solvers. They like to figure things out.
Be sure there are toys available in the house. Be sure to include yourself
in your Elkhound's play. These dogs are not ball chasers; they like to chase
and be chased. They need to be involved in their family's daily routine
and social life. Exercise is of utmost importance p; my Elkhound helps
keep me going! Watch food intake p; both amount and type of food. Elkhounds
are prone to obesity if they aren't getting the exercise they need and a
proper diet. My current Elkhound buddy thrives on a homemade diet (found
in a holistic animal health care book) that's supplemented with a quality
kibble. Elkhounds are also very sensitive souls. Give them lots of love
and discipline them only when needed. With enough exercise, a warm house,
a lot of pets and love, daily brushing, good food, and a cozy spot on the
bed, an Elkhound is a divine, furry companion. Wah-woo, woof!
Cherokeedreams@woh.rr.com of Ohio writes:
Best dog one could ever own.
I own a four-year-old female Norwegian Elkhound. She is the best dog
I have ever owned; most loyal and best trained dog. Fast learner and at
four years I can still teach her a new trick. She is a protective dog with
my three children, which she sees as hers. One flaw: unless you raise them
with another dog or cat as a puppy they are a one-dog show. Cleanest dog
I know; needs a bath once a year but needs frequent brushings. Worst part
is they tend to shed severly at springtime, but after a few brushes the
coat is shiny and clean. I highly recommend them as a companion and family
dog!
Mouse4429@aol.com of Hilliard, OH writes:
Elkhounds are awesome!
I now am the proud owner of two Norwegian Elkhounds. And let me tell
you, you could never find a better family addition! I have a ten-year-old
and a four-month-old, and they are the best dogs ever. They have more love
and sweetness than any other breed I have ever owned. I feel like I hit
the lottery when I get home and they happily greet me at the door. They
are great around children, other dogs, and are very easy to train. The shedding
is a challenge, but well worth the trouble. These loyal, loving and beautiful
dogs bring so much joy to my family. Everywhere we go they get so many compliments
on their beauty. And they love the attention! I would highly recommend this
breed to everyone.
drew@shadowearth.com of Portland, OR writes on 12/31/00:
Intelligent, sturdy, loyal and handsome.
We have 2 Elkhounds. One we acquired as a puppy and the other was adopted
at age 4. The breed has many positive qualities. They are sturdy enough
to enjoy a good tussle, but not so large that my coffee table is in danger.
My two are quite intelligent, both readily sit, stay, down, shake, and eat
upon command. Now, by eat, I mean I can put their food in front of them
and they will wait patiently until told to go to it, which they do with
gusto. One, whom we had as a puppy, also pee's
on command - quite a handy trait when going on trips. The other shows off
the breed's endurance - he is a wonderdog in the woods, charging up steep
trails and bounding over logs. He will stop and wait every 100 yards, so
I trust him off leash, which I think is rare for this breed. While handsome
is in the eye of the beholder, I am regularly stopped while on walks and
the conversation generally
follows this pattern: "Hey what kind of dog is that, a Husky?"
"No, it's a Norwegian Elkhound." "Huh.... Good-lookin' dog."
"Thanks."
These dogs are good around kids, around other dogs, and around the house.
They love attention and are eager to please. They need regular exercise
or they'll get chunky. While any dog will stink if they roll enough mud
and manure, these don't have an inherent stink, like Terriers or Beagles.
The Elkhound doesn't have many drawbacks, but the prospective owner should
consider the following. These dogs need exercise and attention, or they
will get fat and mischievous. Barking can be a problem if not firmly discouraged
as a puppy - case in point, one of our dogs rarely barks without good reason,
The other barks at any stray cat, person, or shadow. Be prepared for hair
- either brush or vacuum regularly, probably both. Overall we are very happy
with our boys and recommend the breed without hestitation.
Weaselbob1@homail.com of Pennyslvania writes on 12/27/00:
Under all that hair...
Under all that hair lies truly an incredible dog! A Norwegian Elkhound is
a kind, stubborn, energetic, and of all things very intellegent friend to
have around. These dogs normally have incredible problem-solving skills
- they can figure out how doors, crate latches, refigerator ice dispensers,
and most of all how people work. They require a lot of physical and mental
stimulation, plenty of grooming during the heavy shedding seasons and a
very firm hand in training sice they will take advantage of you whenever
they can manage - a strict pack order must be established with these dogs.
Elkhounds respond very well to attention - they love to be spoken to and
often learn what you are saying - I have an Elkhound who knows all of his
vegetables by name! Elkhounds are by all means not for everyone, but if
you want an active, playful, intellegent, fun-to-have-around kind of dog,
and you don't mind vacuming up scathes of blown coat every other day - then
consider an Elkhound!
Name withheld by request of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan writes on 11/25/00:
Great pet.
We recently acquired a 4 year old Norwegian Elkhound. He is a fantastic
dog. I had heard that there could be problems with barking, however, our
dog rarely barks (except at cats and German Sheperds). He is very friendly
and outgoing. He absolutely loves children. He needs lots of exercise and
seems to have unending stamina for running and walking (we take him for
at least 2 hours per day, but he would gladly go for longer!) . We are currently
in the process of completing some obedience classes. He is quite stubborn,
but does want to please. Hard correction does not work well-praise and lots
of petting seem to be the best motivators. He throves outdoors and our dog
shows very little interest in being indoors. In the spring and fall, he
does blow out his fur and the result, is a lot of large clumps of fur lying
around. When wet, he does not have a "doggy" smell.
Name withheld by request of Lima, OH writes on 4/27/00:
Great family dog!
I was hesitant about getting a 4 month old Elkhound from the local humane
society last summer for our family, but he has turned out to be a wonderful
family addition. Loves the kids (teenagers), loves the cats, loves to be
outside, loves attention, and loves to dig holes in the yard! He is happy
to play in his large fenced area during the day while we're all at school
or at work. He's content to lay beside us in the evenings while we read
or do homework as long as he gets his walk in the nearby woods (he has lots
of energy!). I had heard that barking was a problem with this breed but
he rarely barks unless a stranger comes on the property. Very friendly with
all our guests and is perfectly behaved inside the house. Was very easily
housebroken and seems very sensitive to criticism (very rarely given!) Did
not do well in obedience training with 25 other dogs but will sit, stay,
come when called, and heel when at home and at the park (where we always
get lots of comments about how beautiful he is!) . He has just been wonderful!
The only drawback......the fluff balls. If you are an immaculate housekeeper
this is NOT your housepet!! The constant shedding of silvery fluff drives
me crazy and I'm not the world's most finicky housecleaner. Other than this,
I would definitely recommend this breed IF you have the time for daily walks,
don't mind fluff balls (big ones) or never wearing black clothes again,
and are willing to spend some time in basic training. A very loving, sensitive,
loyal, energetic, and smart dog!
tuper@mailexcite.com of Texas writes on 2/23/00:
The best breed I've owned.
I have owned many breeds of dogs: Dalmations, Dobermans, Rotts, Poodles,
Beagles, I could go on forever!! Many of these breeds I owned more than
once. I would definately have to say that the Elkhound is my absolute favorite
of them all. My Elkhounds were and are always trusted around my children
(even when the dogs were bigger than the kids.) They are loyal, happy dogs
that want nothing more in this world than a hand on their heads. They are
a bit stubborn, but with good consistant training (which every dog needs)
they can be loyal and well-mannered. Grooming can be a problem because they
shed quite a bit, but a quick brush several times a day can turn them into
wonderful housedogs. My Elkhounds were very easy to house train also, and
I personally beleive they are one of the smartest breeds. For anyone lookin
into this breed I highly recommend the Elkhound after you do your research,
of coarse!