There are many impressive things about the majestic Norwegian Elkhound Dog, however, none of them matches the actual idea that these dogs have been with humans for more than seven thousand years. Of course, the land from which this dog is native is Northern Europe and there it has always been used as a magical and marvelous companion, hunter, sled dog and many other things thanks to its efficiency and uniqueness. Through history, this breed has proven itself to be fantastic as hunter of incredible animals that doubled these dogs in size. Nowadays, luckily, the Norwegian Elkhound is much more than a hunter dog but a fabulous companion chosen by devoted families. The breed features recognition from many top dogs associations including the AKC.
The Norwegian Elkhound usually features the following measurements: 19 to 21 inches tall and 50 to 60 pounds of weight. They are mid sized dogs that display a sturdy and compact, square shaped body with a long tail. The legs are short and muscular as so is the neck. The head is triangular, becoming narrower to the muzzle and ending up on the top with V shaped ears which are normally erected. The nose is always black and the eyes are dark with a mystic expression. As for the coat, this dog is fully covered in an abundant and dense coat which was obviously meant to protect it from the cold weathers. It becomes especially thick and dense on the neck, the tail and on the chest. A normal color for this color is gray in several different shades.
The temperament of this incredible dog is quite peculiar and unique. As most dogs that were originally bred in extreme weather conditions and in regions of solitude, the Norwegian Elkhound combines attitudes of deep devotion and affection towards their masters as well as a wild and mystic spirit that can be easily seen through its eyes. They are brave and corageous dogs that will not doubt when protection of its family is needed. They are also quite loyal and will stick to its loved ones. However, they are also independent dogs that enjoy their privacy and that will sometimes be hard to train as any other dog. We believe that this ambivalence in temperament is one of the things that makes the Norwegian Elkhound such a precious animal.
Regarding the energy level of this animal, it is widely known that these type of dogs are always quite energetic, lively and playful. The Norwegian Elkhound will be fine inside an apartment since it is not that big but you will have to be sure to provide it with a daily exercise routine to keep it relaxed, healthy and also to avoid overweight. The Norwegian Elkhound may be prone to suffer from certain inherited diseases and this is why it is always recommendable to keep early visits to the veterinarian. Life expectancy for the Norwegian Elkhound is between twelve and fifteen years and this will obviously depend on the life quality it receives from its owners.