| Norwegian Elkhounds: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Norwegian Elkhound personality and behavior. |
|
|
My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Norwegian Elkhound, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard says, "Bold and energetic, an effective guardian yet normally friendly, with great dignity and independence of character."
Definitely this is a capable, confident dog with a strong presence, whose self-reliance requires supervision and leadership.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a bundle of energy just waiting for the signal to go, yet when well trained he can control himself. This rugged breed plays hard and enjoys vigorous exercise -- on-lead or in a safe enclosed area, for many have strong hunting and chasing instincts.
Most Norwegian Elkhounds are friendly with strangers and must be taught not to jump up into their faces, while others are more restrained, but even the friendly ones are great watchdogs and can be protective when necessary. They seldom bite, however, preferring to corner intruders by barking nonstop and feinting to and fro, as they do when holding game animals at bay.
Norwegian Elkhounds can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex and may be cat chasers unless raised with the family cat.
Training can be a challenge, as this breed is dominant and headstrong and may use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes. Yet owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable.
Norwegian Elkhounds bark a LOT -- and some individuals have extremely high-pitched, piercing voices."
History
This ancient comrade to the Vikings hunted bear and moose. His name comes from the Norwegian elg (moose or elk) hund (dog). Americans anglicized the hund into "hound," but this Nordic (spitz) breed bears no resemblance to typical hound dogs.
Size
20-21 inches and 50-55 lbs |
|
Norwegian Elkhounds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Elkhounds, and placid Elkhounds.
- Hard-headed Elkhounds, and sweet-natured Elkhounds.
- Serious Elkhounds, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Elkhounds, and Elkhounds who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Norwegian Elkhound puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is medium-sized and spitz-like, with a wolfish face, prick ears, thick coat, and curled tail
- Is sturdy and rugged, yet athletic and agile
- Plays vigorously and likes a lot of outdoor exercise, especially in cold weather
- Is capable and confident, a bold, self-assured dog with a strong presence
- Is polite with strangers, yet with his keen senses and watchful attitude, makes a dependable alarm dog
A Norwegian Elkhound may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Suspiciousness toward strangers when not socialized enough
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Lots of barking
- Heavy shedding
A Norwegian Elkhound may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Norwegian Elkhound... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Norwegian Elkhounds MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Trying to suppress their desire to work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, can be difficult. |
- Bounciness. Young Norwegian Elkhounds (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Norwegian Elkhound puppies. The temptation to play roughly is too strong in many young Norwegian Elkhounds. |
- Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Norwegian Elkhounds need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become suspiciousness, which is difficult to live with.
- Mind of their own. Norwegian Elkhounds are not Golden Retrievers. They are capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They are often manipulative, and some are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Barking. Norwegian Elkhounds are extremely vocal dogs, quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. Norwegian Elkhounds should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. To make matters worse, many Norwegian Elkhounds have intense, high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge.
- Heavy shedding. Norwegian Elkhounds shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
| If you're considering an adult Norwegian Elkhound... |
There are plenty of adult Norwegian Elkhounds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
|
Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
|
