So, What's It Like to Own a Norwegian Elkhound?
The Dog of the Vikings is a breed
that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 6,000 years, and his
many fans throughout the ages would have it no other way. Most Elkhound
owners end up keeping several Elkhounds over their lifetime because the breed
's many qualities inspire complete loyalty. They just wouldn't consider
owning anything but an Elkhound.
But there are some good reasons that the
Norwegian Elkhound has never risen above 35th in popularity in the United
States among AKC-recognized breeds. Before you consider becoming the owner
of an Elkhound, it's a good idea to see if it's traits and characteristics
match your idea of a dog.
The Norwegian Elkhound is an undeniably
beautiful breed of an ideal medium size, nether too big for house, car, or
boat nor too small to be an effective guardian or a companion to active
children. Like all dogs, each Elkhound has a unique personality. The breeding
background of each dog also affects its temperament. But there are certain
breed characteristics that you can expect in every Elkhound.
Originally, the Elkhound was probably an
all-around farm dog, with varied duties. He probably protected his owner's
farm animals from wild predators, acted as a companion and watchdog for the
family and pulled loads for his people. The Vikings took some of their dogs
to sea with them when they went out on their voyages. Similar breeds are used
by the native Lapp people to herd semi-domesticated reindeer herds.In the
last several centuries, however, the Elkhound had been bred primarily for his
hunting capabilities. The Elkhound doesn't hunt like a hound - or even look
like one. His American name is a mistranslation of Elghund or "Elg Dog." In
Norway, "Elg" is the word for the European moose. He hunted singly using his
superior air scenting ability to locate the moose and then hold it by
bouncing around in front of the moose to keep it's attention. An independent
hunter, he would bark to alert his owner to his whereabouts. He was not
supposed to be so aggressive with the moose's attention on himself. Elkhounds
are also used to hunt bear in Norway. They are not specialized as hunters and
have been used on everything from deer to pheasants.
In the is country, where dogs are not used on
big game, the Elkhound is not commonly used as a hunter. He has resumed his
earlier role as all-around family dog. But his carefully bred hunting traits
are still the key to his personality. Energetic, curious, agile and devoted
to his family, the Elkhound is generally outgoing and friendly. Because of
his observant nature and impressive bark and appearance, he can be an
excellent watch dog. However he is too friendly and insufficiently aggressive
to be a guard dog. He is possessed of a great deal of common sense and
considers himself quite self-reliant. He is hardy enough to keep outside,
but he is so interested in the goings on of the household that he would
prefer to be a housedog. He is a very food-motivated dog who is likely to
forget years of careful obedience training whenever he sees a hapless
picnicker biting into a sandwich. He is equally quick to take advantage of
any opportunity to beg, demand, or steal food around the house. Although it's
easy to fall for those soulful eyes, you have to watch his weight carefully.
His propensity to put on weight makes him an "easy keeper" who looks his best
with a modest amount of food.
Elkhounds are energetic, intelligent dogs.
Without careful obedience training, they may take over the role as
pack leader around your house and become quite dominant, especially towards
children, less strong-willed adults or other dogs. More often than not, this
is likely to take the form of taking over as the family's guardian and
training the family to do its bidding for food,treats and petting. They are
capable of great obedience accomplishments, but it requires and skill to
train them. Although they require firm consistency in everything you expect
from them, they do not take well to harsh training techniques. The type of
hunting they were bred for doesn't make them the best natural healers or
retrievers. You may have to control their tendency to bark to keep your
neighbors happy.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a naturally clean dog
with little doggy odor.His double coat is self-cleaning and requires only
moderate grooming 2-3 times a week with a rake or a comb to keep him looking
his best. But he sheds year-round and will blow coat about twice a year,
leaving tufts of fur everywhere he goes no matter how carefully you are
combing him. Many Elkhounds are prone to sebaceous cysts, benign skin growths
that you may have to open and clean out from time to time. Generally they are
quite healthy dogs, but as a breed can suffer from hip dysplasia. It is a
good idea to find out if the parents of the dog you purchase have been
x-rayed and certified clear of dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation of
America (OFA). There are other health tests that many breeders also perform
on their dogs.
Like all dogs, Elkhounds require exercise to
stay healthy and happy. An average-length walk is usually all it takes to
keep them healthy. Longer walks will them very happy and are a good way to
control unbridled adolescent energy, as well as getting you some fresh air
and exercise. Usually once they are passed their puppyhood, they would much
prefer a walk to chasing a ball or stick. They are not retrievers. They are
also not a breed to rough-house with. It will only make them loose respect
for you.
Although the Elkhound is not the least bit
aloof, he is a dignified, independent dog. A warm word, a few strokes with
your hand, a treat or (especially) a walk are usually the most display of
affections he wants from you. This is a breed that is capable of intense
loyalty, but is never cloying.
Norwegian Elkhounds tend to see people as a
co-existing life form, not as all-powerful masters. Once you have earned an
Elkhound's trust and proved yourself to be his equal (on his terms), you will
have an incredibly deep and strong bond of friendship that you will remember
for the rest of your life. But if you lack a strong will of your own, seek
adoration from a dog, or don't have the time to develop the strong, subtle
bond that the Elkhound is capable of, neither one of you will get as much out
of the relationship as you should.