Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a magnificent spitz-type dog that's been walking alongside humans since the Viking era - now that's what I call a pedigree! These medium-sized beauties are instantly recognisable with their thick silver-grey coat, perky triangular ears, and that characteristic curled tail that sits jauntily over their back.

Don't let their fluffy appearance fool you - these dogs are built for serious work. Standing around 48-51 cm tall and weighing 20-26 kg, they're perfectly proportioned for endurance and strength. Their deep chest and sturdy legs tell the story of a breed designed for tracking elk through Norwegian forests for hours on end.

What really sets Norwegian Elkhounds apart is their personality. They're the perfect blend of independence and devotion - they'll happily make their own decisions when needed, but they're absolutely devoted to their families. This makes them fantastic companions for active Australian families who appreciate a dog with both brains and loyalty.

Their thick double coat means they're happiest in cooler climates, which makes them particularly well-suited to Melbourne, Canberra, or Tasmania. However, with proper care and timing of exercise, they can adapt to most Australian conditions. Just remember - if you're in Darwin or northern Queensland, you'll need to be extra careful about keeping them cool during the warmer months.

Health

Here's some great news - Norwegian Elkhounds are generally a robust and healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years, which is excellent for a medium-sized dog. Most Australian owners find their Elkies live full, active lives with relatively few health concerns.

That said, there are a few conditions to keep on your radar. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is probably the most significant concern - it's a genetic condition that gradually causes blindness, starting with night vision problems. The good news is that dogs adapt remarkably well to vision loss, and many blind Elkies continue to live happy, active lives. When choosing a puppy, ensure your breeder has tested the parents' eyes.

Hip dysplasia can occur, though it's less common than in many other breeds. Watch for signs like difficulty getting up, limping, or that distinctive "bunny hop" gait. Regular vet checks and maintaining a healthy weight go a long way toward prevention.

Under all that gorgeous fur, Norwegian Elkhounds can develop sebaceous cysts - small, usually harmless lumps under the skin. While most resolve on their own, it's worth having any new lumps checked by your vet.

Perhaps most importantly for Australian owners, these food-loving dogs gain weight easily. Our laid-back lifestyle and love of treats can quickly lead to chubby Elkies, which puts extra strain on joints and organs. The key is portion control and ensuring they get their daily hour of exercise, even when it's hot - early morning beach walks or evening hikes work perfectly.

Feeding

Norwegian Elkhounds are what we'd politely call "food enthusiasts" - they absolutely love their tucker and aren't picky about what goes in the bowl. This enthusiasm, combined with their tendency to put on weight easily, means you'll need to be the responsible one when it comes to portion control.

A high-quality commercial dog food that meets Australian standards will provide everything your Elkie needs. Adult dogs do best with two meals a day - morning and evening - rather than free-feeding, which can lead to overeating. If you've got a puppy, they'll need three to four smaller meals throughout the day.

Here's a tip from experience: if your Elkie wolfs down their food like they haven't eaten in weeks (even though it's been three hours), invest in a slow-feeder bowl. It'll help prevent bloat and make mealtimes more enjoyable.

Portion sizes depend on your dog's age, activity level, and metabolism, but a good rule of thumb is to watch their waist. You should be able to see a slight tuck behind their ribcage when they're eating, and feel their ribs without pressing hard. If you're seeing a rolling motion when they trot, it's time to cut back on portions and increase exercise.

Australian owners should be particularly mindful during winter months when exercise might decrease, or during holiday periods when everyone's feeling generous with the treats. Remember, those pleading eyes are just good acting - they're not actually starving!

Grooming

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - or should I say, the tumbleweeds of silver fur rolling around your house! Norwegian Elkhounds have a stunning double coat that's practically weatherproof, but it comes with a commitment to daily grooming.

During most of the year, five minutes of daily brushing will keep things manageable. The trick is "back-brushing" - brushing against the direction the coat naturally lies. This helps remove loose undercoat before it decorates your furniture. A good slicker brush is your best friend here.

But twice a year, usually spring and autumn, you'll experience what Elkhound owners call "the great shed." During these times, you'll want to brush daily and consider booking a professional deshedding session with a groomer. Trust me, it's worth every dollar - your vacuum cleaner will thank you!

The good news is that their coat is naturally clean and doesn't have that typical "doggy" smell. Most Elkies only need a bath two or three times a year unless they've found something particularly interesting to roll in during your weekend camping trip to the Grampians.

Their upright "prick" ears are less prone to infections than floppy ears, but still check them regularly for debris or redness, especially after bush walks or beach adventures. Keep an eye on their eyes too, given their predisposition to PRA - any cloudiness or changes in vision should be checked by your vet promptly.

For Australian owners, summer grooming is particularly important. While you should never shave their double coat (it actually helps regulate temperature), regular brushing helps air circulation and prevents matting that can trap heat.

Training and Exercise

Norwegian Elkhounds are intelligent dogs, but they're also independent thinkers - a trait that served them well when making split-second decisions while hunting elk, but can be a bit challenging when you're trying to teach basic obedience in your local park!

These dogs learn quickly, but once they've mastered something, they might give you a look that says, "Didn't we already do this twelve times?" The key is keeping training sessions short, fun, and varied. Positive reinforcement works brilliantly - they're food motivated, so high-value treats are your secret weapon.

Exercise is non-negotiable with this breed. They need a solid hour of activity daily, and I'm not talking about a gentle stroll around the block. Think hiking in the Blue Mountains, long beach walks along the Gold Coast, or energetic games of fetch in your backyard. Many Australian Elkhounds love swimming, which is perfect for our climate and provides excellent low-impact exercise.

Here's something crucial for Australian owners: these dogs have strong hunting instincts and will follow their nose wherever it leads. Always keep them on lead or in a securely fenced area. That interesting scent trail could lead them kilometres away from home, and their independent nature means they won't necessarily come when called if they're on a mission.

Activities like agility, dock diving, or even herding trials can provide both mental and physical stimulation. Many Australian dog sports clubs welcome Norwegian Elkhounds, and it's a great way to channel their natural abilities constructively.

Ideal Owner

The perfect Norwegian Elkhound owner is someone who appreciates both independence and loyalty in their four-legged companion. If you're looking for a dog that will shadow your every move and hang on your every word, this might not be your breed. But if you want a confident, capable companion who's devoted to family life while maintaining their own personality, you've found your match.

Active individuals or families suit this breed perfectly. Whether you're weekend warriors who love camping in national parks, regular beach walkers, or suburban families who enjoy daily adventures, Norwegian Elkhounds thrive with people who can match their energy levels. They're particularly popular with families who have older children - kids who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs and can participate in exercise routines.

These dogs adapt well to various Australian living situations, from suburban homes with yards to rural properties, though apartment living requires extra commitment to daily exercise. They're excellent for people who work from home or have flexible schedules, as they appreciate having their humans around.

First-time dog owners can succeed with Norwegian Elkhounds, but it helps to have realistic expectations about training timelines and grooming commitments. If you're house-proud and can't handle daily fur management, this isn't the breed for you. But if you don't mind investing in a good vacuum and enjoy the grooming routine as bonding time, you'll love the results.

Retirees often make excellent Elkhound owners, particularly those who enjoy daily walks and have time for the grooming routine. The breed's moderate size and generally good health make them manageable for older owners who remain active.

Interesting Facts

- Archaeological evidence shows Norwegian Elkhounds have been virtually unchanged for over 6,000 years, with remains found alongside Viking artifacts

- Despite their name, they don't actually hunt elk in the traditional sense - they track and bay at moose (called elk in Norway) to hold them until hunters arrive

- The breed sailed with Vikings on their expeditions and appears in Norse art and legends as symbols of courage and loyalty

- Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the few spitz breeds that hunt large game rather than being used for sledding or herding

- Their distinctive bark was specifically developed to carry long distances through Norwegian forests to alert hunters

- The breed is relatively rare even in their native Scandinavia, making them quite special in Australia

- Their double coat is so effective that they can sleep comfortably in snow, with their body heat creating an insulating air pocket

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Norwegian Elkhounds good family dogs?

Absolutely! When properly socialised as puppies and trained early, Norwegian Elkhounds make wonderful family companions. They're naturally friendly and love being around both adults and children, though supervision is always important with any dog-child interaction.

How much do Norwegian Elkhounds shed?

Be prepared for significant shedding, especially during spring and autumn. Daily brushing is essential, and you'll definitely notice silver tumbleweeds around your home during shedding season. If you can't commit to daily grooming, this breed might not be the best fit.

Can Norwegian Elkhounds live in Australian apartments?

While possible, apartment living requires serious commitment to daily exercise. These dogs need at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, so you'd need to provide multiple walks, trips to dog parks, and mental stimulation. A house with a yard is definitely preferable.

How do Norwegian Elkhounds handle hot Australian weather?

Their thick double coat makes them better suited to cooler climates like Melbourne or Canberra. In warmer areas, you'll need to exercise them during cooler parts of the day, provide plenty of shade and water, and consider air conditioning during summer. They can overheat easily in hot, humid conditions.

Are Norwegian Elkhounds difficult to train?

They're intelligent but independent, which can make training more challenging than with eager-to-please breeds. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key. They learn quickly but may question why they need to repeat something they've already mastered!

Do Norwegian Elkhounds get along with other pets?

With proper socialisation, they generally do well with other dogs. However, their strong hunting instincts mean they may chase smaller animals like cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs. Early socialisation and training are crucial for multi-pet households.