Nankuri Norwegian Elkhounds

My Comments:  I have been owned by Norwegian Elkhounds since 1986, and have found them to be a very devoted and lovable dog, and easy to care for, however they do like their food and their weight needs to be watched to have a healthy dog.

They love to be a part of the family, greeting each member as they arrive home, so it can be a little noisy at times!  But its a wonderful feeling to know how they love you. The Norwegian Elkhound is not a dog for everyone, you need to be prepared to live with a lot of fur at molting times, their independence and their selective hearing! 

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium sized dog, powerfully built, but with training they are very easy to manage, I am just under 5foot and weight 90lbs and can walk 3 with ease....they are very gentle with children, but as with any dog both child and dog need to learn respect for each other.

Below is a general outline of the History and Origin of the Norwegian Elkhound. Please take time to read it. 

HISTORY and ORIGINS

The Norwegian Elkhound has been declared the National dog of Norway and has appeared on the reverse side of a coin in that country.

Dogs of this type have been found in the tombs of Viking warriors. The Norwegian Elkhound is a very natural dog. not man-made and has stood the test of time as a very hardy breed.

Norwegian Elkhounds were used to hunt bear, elk and other game and are still used today in Norway to hunt Elk, within the permitted season. When tracking they work silently until the quarry is found, then hold it at bay by barking until the hunter arrives, following the sound of the bark.

GENERAL APPEARANCE.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a handsome, upstanding dog with his distinctive black-tipped grey coat, gaily carried tightly curled tail and his prick ears which express his every mood.

When measured from the top of his shoulders to the ground he stands between 49-52cm (19½-20½ins) tall and weighs between 20-23kg (43-50lb).

When adult he will thrive best on a comparatively small amount of food and should be guarded against becoming overweight. Norwegian Elkhounds love exercise and need it regularly, but they can be kept quite happily in a normal sized suburban yard.

TRAINING:

The Norwegian Elkhound is quick to learn and eager to please, it has been said that he can be taught anything, yet he has plenty of spirit and independence of mind. Being intelligent and sensitive, a Norwegian Elkhound will respond well to proper training, and will then become a dog you will be proud to own. Basic training must start at a young age. Advanced obedience training will take a lot of patience and an understanding instructor. 'House Rules' must be laid down when you first take your puppy home.

CHARACTER and TEMPERAMENT:

The Norwegian Elkhound is exceptionally intelligent and affectionate, which makes him an ideal companion and family pet. In Norway he is valued for his abilities in hunting, but primarily it has been as a household companion that he has won the hearts of his owners and friends. People in close relationship with the breed learn that their barking always has a reason. He is an excellent watchdog, because he barks and looks fierce, but does no bite without extreme provocation. Once introduced, he is very friendly, a great lover of people. The Norwegian Elkhound likes to be part of the family.

GROOMING and CARE:

The Norwegian Elkhound coat is almost completely weatherproof and protects the breed from heat as well as cold. It consists of a harsh top coat of black-tipped guard hairs and a soft clear undercoat. The breed looses a lot of hair during shedding season. This can be hastened by regular brushing with a metal pin brush or slicker brush. Regular grooming keeps the coat clean and glossy and the Norwegian Elkhound very seldom needs a bath. Mud, if left to dry will just drop off leaving the coat clean. During the grass seed season period your dog should be quickly checked after walks, and any seeds in the coat or between the toes should be removed.

The Norwegian Elkhound is strong and hardy and remarkably clean and usually requires little house training. As with most Spitz breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound has very little 'doggy' odour.