Wolf-like in appearance and friendly, fun, and confident in disposition, Norwegian Elkhounds are wonderful pets to have. If you are considering this dog breed, here’s some key information that will help you decide if a Norwegian Elkhound is right for your family and lifestyle.
The average Norwegian Elkhound is 19-20 inches tall and weighs 48-55 pounds. The lifespan of a Norwegian Elkhound is 12-15 years. These dogs adapt well to apartment living. They are a reasonably good choice for first-time pet owners. The thick coat makes Norwegian Elkhounds very tolerant to cold weather.
In terms of personality and family life, this is a bold, confident, and energetic breed with very strong protective instincts, which makes Norwegian Elkhounds very good guard dogs. They are devoted to their family members, affectionate, and adaptable, which makes them a great choice for families with kids. However, like with most breeds, supervision is necessary when the dog is around young kids, especially kids who haven’t had much exposure to dogs. Norwegian Elkhounds can get along well with other dogs provided they receive proper early socialization.
Norwegian Elkhounds are easy to train with firm and consistent guidance. These are high energy dogs that were bred as hunting dogs in Norway. They need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation on a daily basis to stay healthy and happy. A Norwegian Elkhound can easily keep up with you on a several mile hike. This breed has a wanderlust tendency, however, and should be kept on leash when out and about in the neighborhood and in parks. Prospective owners of Norwegian Elkhounds should be aware also that these dogs can be quite vocal and bark quite a bit.
Socially, Norwegian Elkhounds are playful and open to strangers, but they have a protective nature which makes them great watchdogs.
The Norwegian Elkhound’s medium length double coat requires daily back brushing. The coat sheds moderately throughout the year. During shedding season, you will find tumbleweeds of undercoat around the house. These dogs do not drool excessively.
In summary, Norwegian Elkhounds are muscular, sturdy, working dogs that make excellent watchdogs and devoted companions. They are especially suitable for active families. Norwegian Elkhounds are confident and have a streak of independence but are loyal and sensitive.
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