אלקהאונד נורווגי

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized spitz-type dog that originated in Norway. It was bred to track and hold large game, including moose (called elk in Europe), which gives the breed its name. The dog works by scent and by holding game at bay with persistent barking until the hunter arrives.

The breed has a square, compact build, a tightly curled tail carried over the back, and a thick double coat in shades of gray with black tipping. The expression is keen and friendly. Adults usually weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms and stand about 49 to 52 centimeters at the shoulder.

Norwegian Elkhounds are friendly with their families and tend to bond closely with the household. They are alert and vocal, which makes them effective watchdogs, and they carry themselves with a steady confidence. Their energy and stamina reflect generations of work in rough terrain.

Who it suits

This breed fits an active owner who can provide daily exercise and consistent handling. The Elkhound does well in cool climates and tolerates outdoor activity in cold weather. It is vocal by nature, so it suits homes where regular barking is manageable. People who enjoy hiking, long walks, and an independent-minded dog will find the breed a good match.

The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest spitz-type breeds in Scandinavia. Dogs of similar type have lived alongside people in the region for a very long time, and skeletal remains of spitz dogs have been found at Nordic archaeological sites that date back thousands of years. The breed developed in Norway as a hunting and guarding companion in a harsh northern climate.

The primary job was hunting moose. The dog ranged ahead of the hunter, located game by scent, and then held it in place with sustained barking until the hunter could approach. This style of work required stamina, courage, and an independent head, all traits the breed still shows today. The Elkhound was also used on other large game and served as a farm and homestead guardian.

Formal interest in standardizing the breed grew in the late 19th century. Norway held its first dog shows in the 1870s, and the Elkhound was among the breeds presented. Breed clubs and written standards followed, which helped fix the type that is recognized now.

The breed later spread beyond Norway to other parts of Europe and to North America, where it was registered by major kennel clubs in the early 20th century. It remains a national breed of Norway and is still valued both as a working hound and as a family dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound has a square, balanced outline, with body length roughly equal to height at the shoulder. The build is sturdy rather than heavy, with good bone and a deep chest that supports endurance. The head is wedge-shaped with erect, pointed ears and a clean muzzle. The tail is set high, thickly coated, and curled tightly over the back.

Coat and colors

The coat is the defining feature. A coarse, weather-resistant outer layer sits over a thick, woolly undercoat that insulates against cold. The standard color is gray, produced by black-tipped guard hairs over a lighter base. The shade is usually darker along the saddle and back and lighter on the underside, chest, legs, and the underside of the tail. A black mask and dark ears are common. The undercoat sheds heavily during seasonal molts, which calls for extra grooming at those times.

The Norwegian Elkhound is bold, friendly, and confident. With its own family it is affectionate and steady, and it tends to attach strongly to the household rather than to a single person. The breed is loyal and enjoys being part of daily activity.

With strangers the Elkhound is alert and watchful. It announces visitors readily, which makes it a capable watchdog, though it is usually more vocal than aggressive. Early and ongoing socialization helps it greet new people and situations calmly.

With other pets the breed can live well alongside dogs it is raised with. Its strong hunting drive means small animals may trigger chasing, so introductions and supervision matter. The Elkhound is intelligent and independent, a combination that can read as stubbornness, so it responds best to firm, fair, and consistent guidance.

Grooming

• Brush the coat once or twice a week to remove loose hair and keep the undercoat clean.
• During the spring and autumn molts, brush daily because the undercoat sheds in large amounts.
• Bathe only as needed, since the coat repels dirt well and frequent washing strips natural oils.
• Trim nails regularly and check the ears for debris or moisture.
• Brush the teeth several times a week to support dental health.

Exercise

• Provide at least 60 minutes of activity per day, split across walks and free running where safe.
• Offer hikes and long walks, which suit the breed's stamina and working background.
• Use scent games and puzzle toys to engage the dog mentally.
• Keep the dog on a lead or in a secure area, because the hunting drive can pull it after wildlife scents.

Environment

The Norwegian Elkhound is built for cold and tolerates outdoor activity in cool and freezing weather. It can struggle in heat, so exercise should shift to cooler parts of the day in warm climates and shade and water must always be available. The breed adapts to family homes with a yard and prefers to be near its people rather than left alone for long stretches.

The Norwegian Elkhound needs a complete, balanced diet matched to its age, weight, and activity level. The breed has a hearty appetite and puts on weight easily, so portions should be measured rather than free-fed. Maintaining a lean body condition protects the joints and supports a long, active life. Fresh water should always be available.

Treats and supplements

Treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories, and the main meal portion should be reduced when extra treats are given. Most Elkhounds on a complete commercial diet do not need supplements. Any addition, such as a joint supplement for an older dog, should be discussed with a veterinarian first.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust, hardy breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Good breeding, sensible feeding, and regular exercise go a long way toward a healthy life. As with many breeds, there are a few inherited and lifestyle-related conditions worth watching.

Preventive care

• Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date.
• Schedule yearly veterinary checkups, with more frequent visits for senior dogs.
• Maintain a lean body condition to protect the hips and joints.
• Brush the teeth regularly and arrange dental cleanings as advised.
• Ask about hip and eye screening when choosing a breeder.

The Norwegian Elkhound is smart and capable, but it was bred to work at a distance from the hunter and to make its own decisions. That independence means it does not always obey simply because it is asked. Training works best when it is consistent, short, and motivating, and when the dog sees a reason to cooperate. Harsh methods tend to backfire with this breed and can make it more stubborn.

Early socialization is important. Exposing the puppy to a range of people, dogs, places, and sounds builds a confident, settled adult. Because the breed is naturally vocal, teaching a reliable quiet cue early helps manage barking.

Basics

1. Start with name recognition and reliable recall in a secure area.
2. Teach sit, down, and stay using small food rewards.
3. Introduce loose-lead walking, since the breed likes to pull toward scents.
4. Add a quiet cue to manage barking once basic obedience is in place.
5. Practice short sessions daily and end on a success.

Responsible breeding of Norwegian Elkhounds begins with health-tested parents and a clear understanding of the breed. Dogs reach physical maturity around one to two years of age, and most breeders wait until the second year before a first litter so the dam is fully grown. Health screening for hip and eye conditions before mating helps reduce inherited problems.

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days. Litters average around six puppies, though the number varies. The dam usually whelps without difficulty, but a quiet, warm space and veterinary support on standby are wise.

Newborn puppies are blind and deaf at birth and depend fully on the mother for warmth and milk. Eyes open at around two weeks. Weaning begins near three to four weeks, and structured socialization should start in the following weeks. Puppies are typically ready to leave for new homes at about eight weeks, once eating solid food and showing steady early development.

איך רושמים כלב מגזע אלקהאונד נורווגי בישראל

סריקה במרפאה שווה בדיוק כמו הרשומה שמאחורי המספר. תנו לכלב מגזע אלקהאונד נורווגי רשומה שתמיד עונה: כרטיס חינמי עם תמונה, פרטים ומספר הטלפון שלכם, זמין מכל מקום, לכל חיי הכלב. הרישום נעשה פעם אחת ונשאר.

חמש עשרה ספרות מתחת לעור של כלב מגזע אלקהאונד נורווגי מצביעות עליכם רק כשמאגר אומר את זה. תנו ל-United Pet Club להגיד את זה בחינם: הרשומה לא פגה, מקבלת כל יצרן שבב, וכל שינוי פרטים חינם. רישום השבב קודם, החשבון מיד אחריו.