How to Identify a Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a spitz-type breed from Norway and a member of the hound group. [1] As the breed's name suggests, they were used to trail giant elk, or moose. [2] Though their appearance may not resemble that of other hound-classified breeds, Elkhounds share similar traits with other spitz-type dogs. This wikiHow will help you distinguish them by recognizing the key traits of the Norwegian Elkhound.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Considering the Structure

  1. Norwegian Elkhounds are medium-sized dogs. Males stand at 20.5 inches (52 cm) in height and weigh roughly 55 pounds (25 kg), while females are slightly smaller, being 19.5 inches (50 cm) tall with a weight of around 48 pounds (22 kg). [3]
  2. The head of an Elkhound is wedge-shaped, broad at the ears, and strong and dry, with a keen, alert, courageous expression. The muzzle is thick at the base and tapers evenly without being pointed, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The bridge of the nose is about the same length as and parallel to the head. [4]
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  3. An Elkhound's eyes are very dark brown in color. They are medium in size, oval-shaped, and not protruding. [5]
  4. Norwegian Elkhounds have erect, high-set ears that are firm yet very mobile. The ears are comparatively small, being slightly taller than their width at the base, and having pointed tips. The orifices turn forward and the outer edges are vertical when the dog is alert, while the ears go back when the dog is relaxed or showing affection. [6]
  5. The paws of an Elkhound are comparatively small and slightly oval in shape, with thick pads and tightly closed toes. The feet turn neither in nor out and typically include dewclaws on the front two legs. [7]
  6. Elkhounds have high-set tails that curl tightly and are carried over the centerline of the back. The tail is closely and thickly haired. [8]
  7. Overall, Elkhounds are of medium substance, proportionately balanced, and square in profile. Elkhounds have a slightly arched neck, sloping shoulders, a straight back, a deep chest, and straight and parallel legs. When moving, Elkhounds trot with an even, effortless stride, and as the speed increases, the legs cover equally toward the centerline of the body in straight lines so that the pads of the front and back legs seem to follow the same single tracks. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. Norwegian Elkhounds have double coats that are made up of a thick, hard, smooth-lying outer coat which is weather-resistant and a woolly, dense, soft undercoat. The coarse, straight-covering hairs are short and even on the head, ears, and front of the legs and longest on the back of the neck, rump, and underside of the tail. [10]
  2. Elkhounds have gray coats, preferably of a medium shade. The coat may be covered in other gray markings of various shades other than this base shade, however. [11]
  3. The base shade of a Norwegian Elkhound's coat is typically a medium gray, but the coat is covered in darker and lighter gray shadings. The undercoat, legs, stomach, rump, and underside of the tail are a clear light silver; the saddle on the back is the darkest grey part of the body; the chest, mane, and harness mark (from the shoulders to the elbows) are lighter; and the muzzle, ears, and tail tip are black, though the black on the muzzle shades to a lighter grey over the forehead. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking the Temperament

  1. Norwegian Elkhounds are very bold bundles of energy. They enjoy playing and exercising outside, especially in cold weather. [13]
  2. Elkhounds are strong-willed and dominant. They are intelligent and have the ability to learn many things, but due to their independent minds, they require a confident, consistent trainer. [14]
  3. As hunting dogs, Elkhounds are very vocal. They will alert their owner of anything new or unfamiliar and benefit from training to prevent frequent barking. [15]

    Did you know? Norwegian Elkhounds may not resemble hounds bred in warmer climates, but they were bred to trail and hold warm-blooded quarry and are nonetheless a member of the hound group. They needed to bark loudly and frequently to alert their hunting partner of their location once the prey was in position. [16]

  4. Norwegian Elkhounds are all-around friendly dogs. They are friendly toward strangers and typically get along well with other pets, though they may sometimes chase cats or display aggression toward other dogs. [17]
  5. Norwegian Elkhounds make excellent watchdogs because they are alert and bark at anything unusual. They have a watchful attitude and keen senses. [18]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify the breed of your dog, consider using a DNA test. DNA testing will confirm if your dog is a Norwegian Elkhound.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/norwegianelkhounds.html
      5. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/norwegianelkhounds.html
      6. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/norwegianelkhounds.html
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/norwegian-elkhound-facts/
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/norwegianelkhounds.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/norwegianelkhounds.html

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