The Norwegian Elkhound is thousands of years old and comes from Scandinavia. A skeleton of a dog very similar was found and has been dated to 4000 to 5000BC. When humans were living in caves and using slingshots to hunt with, the Elkhound’s ancestor was around. It was used by Vikings too later on as a guard dog and hunting dog. It was capable of helping to hunt large and small prey, moose, bear, elk, wolves, mountain lions to rabbits, deer, and badger. Its role was to track down the prey and hold it and bark to let the hunters know where it was so they could come and take it down. It was bred to have a lot of stamina and would jump around the prey and bark to keep it there.
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Norwegian Elkhounds as Watch Dogs?
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.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Aggressive?
Though the Norwegian Elkhound gets along well with multiple family members and even does well with children, they’re not the best with other pets. They can be aggressive with other large pets and may also give chase to smaller pets.
Norwegian Elkhounds Background
The Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mix dog is an unusual hybrid dog breed that brings together two parent dogs with surprisingly similar backgrounds yet very different degrees of visibility.
Family and Bonding
Obesity can be a significant health problem in Norwegian Elkhounds. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.
Friendly
The Norwegian Elkhound combines traits of hounds and spitz-like dogs, resulting in a breed that is bold, playful, independent, alert, boisterous and — unlike most hounds — even protective. This is a dog ready for adventure and happiest if that adventure takes place outdoors in cold weather. It needs daily exercise, lest it become frustrated or even destructive. It is friendly with strangers but may quarrel with strange dogs. It tends to pull when on leash unless trained, and it may bark a lot.
Norwegian Elkhound Nature
Believed by many to be one of the oldest dog breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound has been present in Scandinavia since the earliest known records of the area as a fearless and loyal hunter of big and dangerous game. It has even been said the this breed accompanied the Vikings on their raids and conquests. There is some dissent, however, concerning the true ancient nature of this breed, archaeological evidence tends to suggest that this breed has existed for thousands of years, although on the other hand, recent genetic evidence has suggested that the breed developed much more recently.
Intelligence
The independent spirit of the Norwegian Elkhound can also make training and socialization challenges. Yet these dogs need it to learn how to tell the difference between friends, neutral situations, and genuine threats.
Love
Norwegian Elkhounds as a Pack Animal
Vigilant watchdogs, the Norwegian Elkhound is always keeping his eyes and ears open. They are very protective of their families, though reserved around strangers until introductions are made. You can expect a loyal and alert companion in this breed.
Physical Traits
One of the big differences between the two parent dogs of the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mix dog is size.