The Norwegian Elkhound is an excellent dog to pet; but he is an independent and distinguished soul too. It is obvious from his breed that he was bred for taking down Elk, but he was bred even for hunting bear and similar large game. This job suits him perfectly because of his tremendous stamina. Though a Norwegian Elkhound can become fierce at the time of hunting, he becomes loving, gentle and kind too while dealing with his family and friends. Some people even believe that this adorable dog understands if you are in an off mood and tries everything to bring you back in mood. In any case, a Norwegian Elkhound is a fun dog and a great companion.
Food
Since Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic and athletic breed, his food should be of high quality, designed particularly for his energy level. You should take help of your vet or dog breeder to design his diet.
Size and Weight
A Norwegian Elkhound’s height is around 19 to 20 inches to the shoulder and weight is around 55 pounds.
Temperament
Norwegian Elkhounds are famous for their friendly temperament and sociable personality. They love to have people around; however, they also have a unique capability of knowing which guests are to be welcomed and which ones are not. They are very protective about their family and so, they are great watchdogs. They also love to bark and sometimes they bark just because they love their own voice. Therefore it is important to train them to be quiet on command.
Being a people-loving dog, a Norwegian Elkhound craves love. Separation anxiety occurs commonly in this breed, which can be even worsened to the extent of destroying your possessions. Ample amount of toys and exercise can reduce his anxiety. However, if left alone for pretty longer periods, a Norwegian Elkhound doesn’t fare well.
Life Expectancy
On an average, Norwegian Elkhounds live for around 12 to 15 years.
Health Issues
Norwegian Elkhounds are otherwise pretty healthy; however, they are prone to various health problems. Progressive Retinal Apathy or PRA which occurred commonly in this breed is fortunately decreasing, thanks to the diligent breeders taking care of removing the problem from their breeding stock. Other common health issues in Norwegian Elkhounds are Cataracts, Hypothyroidism, Fanconi Syndrome, Primary Glaucoma, Ectropion and Chondodysplasia. Remember to ask the breeder for a copy of the health clearances of the dog.
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