Norwegian Elkhound: Breeder selection and lines
When choosing a Norwegian Elkhound, verify the named records and the issuing scheme before relying on a breeder's description. Treat the record as background information, not proof of how this individual dog will respond. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
What to verify before choosing
Norwegian Elkhound's recommended parent-club health tests is recorded as ['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']. Here, that matters because it identifies a record to verify, not a diagnosis of the dog in front of you.
Read the record, not the promise
- Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine.
- Keep the recommended parent-club health tests in view (['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
- Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
Walk away or pause if
Do not proceed on verbal assurances when required records are missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent.
References
Height: 20.5 inches (male), 19.5 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 55 pounds (male), 48 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Norwegian Elkhound has a 'two-ply' coat, with a top coat and an undercoat. Elkhound breeders warn potential puppy buyers of the inevitable'that during shedding season they will have 'tumbleweeds' of silver undercoat rolling around their house. The outer coat will shed as well, but not to the degree that the undercoat will. A slicker brush will…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: These are hunting dogs in their native Norway. They track and follow moose, ranging far ahead of the hunter, and they must be able to trot many miles for several days if necessary. Because they must make their own decisions when hunting, and by virtue of the way they hunt, they are independent and lovers of the woods and their freedom. For that reason, when…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: This breed does not tend to be a star performer in the obedience ring. The Elkhound learns very quickly, being highly intelligent, but after this learning process it becomes, 'Didn't we already do this 12 times?' The other difficulty in training this breed for activities is their independent nature, inspired by their hunting traits. As far as simple house…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust spitz type known for his lush silver-gray coat and dignified but friendly demeanor. The durable Elkhound is among Europe's oldest dogs. They sailed with the Vikings and figure in Norse art and legend.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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