Norwegian Elkhound Characteristics: The noble and spirited Norwegian Elkhound is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1913). The Norwegian Elkhound, is characterized by its strong, compact appearance with a distinctive, spitz-type, richly plumed tail that curls up and over its back. The dog has a bold, alert expression; dark brown, medium sized, oval shaped eyes; small, high set, triangular ears and a springy, light gait. The temperament of the Norwegian Elkhound can be described as Hardy, Alert, Playful. The coat type of the Norwegian Elkhound is described as thick, smooth, hard coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Norwegian Elkhound demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and was known by its nick name the "Viking's Military Dog". The origin of the Norwegian Elkhound dog breed was in Norway where it was developed in Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Norwegian Elkhound: The following facts provide fast information about the Norwegian Elkhound breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1913) *** Nick name: "Vikings Military Dog" *** Origin: Norway *** Male Height: 19 - 21 inches (48 - 53 cm) *** Female Height: 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) *** Male Weight: 50 - 60 pounds (23 - 27 kg) *** Female Weight: 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, smooth, hard coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 5-10 puppies *** Health Problems: Dermatitis, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Norwegian Elkhound Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1913): The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1913). Other names for the Norwegian Elkhound: The Norwegian Elkhound is known by the nickname of the "Viking's Military Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Norsk Elghund, Dyrehund, Norwegian Moose Dog and Grey Elk Dog. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Norwegian Elkhound" derives from its country of origin in Norway and its use in assisting man as an elk hunter. Norwegian Elkhound - Scent hound: The Norwegian Elkhound is a Scent hound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for endurance, with deep, open nostrils that enable the canine to pick up scent particles and track small game, especially elk but also used to hunt bear and cougars. Norwegian Elkhound History and Origin: The country of origin of the Norwegian Elkhound breed was in Norway during the Ancient Times. The ancestors of the Norwegian Elkhound breed were the hardy spitz type dogs, known as the Asian or Nordic breeds, that were wolf-like types of dogs that shared a similar heritage and ancestry. The Norwegian Elkhound inherited the characteristics and physical attributes of the Spitz types of dogs including pointed ears and pointed muzzle, a thick, dense coat and a distinctive high carried tail that curled up and over the dog's back. The tough, hardy, Norwegian Elkhound was one of the dogs used by the Vikings for tracking game, hauling sleds as watch dogs and as hunting dogs that helped to hunt large animals such as elk, bear and wolf hunts. The Norwegian Elkhound earned its nickname the "Viking's Military Dog" as it was used in the role of sentries, on patrol duties and they were also taken into battle. The skills and ability of the Norwegian Elkhound was so valued that during the Middle Ages the dog was referred to as the Dyrehund meaning a precious possession and translated from Norwegian as "Precious Dog". The breed was introduced to the United States and England in the late 1800's and in 1901 the UK Kennel Club officially recognized the breed. The Norwegian Elkhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1913. Norwegian Elkhound Modern History: The modern history of the Norwegian Elkhound moved on and the breed still retains a strong hunting instinct and requires firm handling. Norwegian Elkhound Height: The Norwegian Elkhound breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 19 - 21 inches (48 - 53 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm). Norwegian Elkhound Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 50 - 60 pounds (23 - 27 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25 kg). Norwegian Elkhound Coat Type: The coat type is described as thick, smooth, hard coat. Norwegian Elkhound Coat Colors: The colors of the Norwegian Elkhound dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of gray, white and black. Norwegian Elkhound Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Norwegian Elkhound is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Norwegian Elkhound is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Norwegian Elkhound Litter Size: The litter size of the Norwegian Elkhound dog breed ranges from 5-10 puppies. Norwegian Elkhound puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Norwegian Elkhound puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Norwegian Elkhound Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Noble, Hardy, Alert, Playful and Spirited. Norwegian Elkhound Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Norwegian Elkhound requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a springy, light gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Norwegian Elkhound Diet: A fully grown Norwegian Elkhound should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Norwegian Elkhound Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Norwegian Elkhound breed include Dermatitis, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Norwegian Elkhound dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Norwegian Elkhound Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound breed is 10-12 years. Norwegian Elkhound Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Norwegian Elkhound breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Norwegian Elkhound names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Vye *** Odin *** Fawzi *** Halvor *** Ragnor *** Henrik *** Thor *** Brage *** Flokie *** Joakim. Norwegian Elkhound Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Norwegian Elkhound girl dog. Our top choice of good female Norwegian Elkhound names are Malin *** Hilde *** Frida *** Sigrid *** Marit *** Stine *** Wanya *** Mille *** Sofia *** Kari. Fast Facts about the Norwegian Elkhound: The following facts provide fast information about the Norwegian Elkhound breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1913) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Norway *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Norwegian Elkhound Height: 19 - 21 inches (48 - 53 cm) *** Male Norwegian Elkhound Weight: 50 - 60 pounds (23 - 27 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, smooth, hard coat *** Litter Size: 5-10 puppies *** Norwegian Elkhound Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Norwegian Elkhound Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 