Norwegian Elkhound Profile

overview

The Norwegian Elkhound was originally used to hunt moose and other big game. The name of this ancient breed is a complete misnomer; they weren't meant to hunt elk, and they aren't hounds. In Norwegian, Norsk Elghund means "moose dog," and in German, elch means "moose"--probably part of the reason for the confusion in English.

Linguistic history aside, the Elkhound has phenomenal stamina. While hunting, he would jump forward and back and around the moose, bear, or wolf, keeping it in one place and barking nonstop until the hunter arrived.

While most people who live with a Norwegian Elkhound today don't hunt outside the refrigerator, think about his fearless and active noisemaking strategy before you choose to bring an Elkhound into your life. Norwegian Elkhounds are known for barking, and although the trait can be trained out of some, you can't bet on it.

What this background means to the average dog owner is that exacting obedience work just isn't in the picture. He'll be fine in basic obedience and he makes a great family dog, but understand clearly that pleasing you is not the highest item on his to-do list. This is no Golden Retriever, so go get your own slippers. Toys are generally of no interest. He loves chasing balls, but you can forget about him bringing them back to you.

That's what happens when you share your heart and home with an independent thinker. He'll want something in return for obedience work--which he sees as pointless--and you can forget a pat on the head as his reward. If you want to motivate your Elkhound in training and form a partnership, you'd better have a steady supply of treats on hand. Once an Elkhound bonds to you, though, you'll be an inseparable pair as far as he's concerned.

Norwegian Elkhounds are strong-willed enough that they can take over a home if they're allowed half a chance. They love the dominant role, and without proper training and socialization, this can become a problem. Training can be difficult, and they need a firm and consistent owner.

Naturally, they prefer a winter climate with lots of snow to play in. A true adventurer, the Elkhound wants his adventure to occur outdoors. Long daily exercise is a necessity, so if you're not ready to turn your couch potato ways into those of an outdoorsman, think twice--if you can't keep up, you'll soon be met with a house full of destroyed belongings that met their fates as he found ways to expend his endless energy. Not surprisingly, the Elkhound excels at fast-moving performance events such as agility.

Once he's outside, the Elkhound may see game he just has to track, and he'll likely choose to ignore your calls for his return. Thanks to their strong prey drive, Elkhounds may even chase their quarry through plate-glass windows; and while they were bred to track but not attack game, they have been known to kill game on their own.

That said, Norwegian Elkhounds are affectionate dogs who make devoted, wonderful family members. They're excellent with children and are terrific watch dogs, treating strangers with natural suspicion. They thrive on attention, and it's hard to find a more loyal companion.

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