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Do
You Really Want To Own A Norwegian Elkhound
| Elkhounds
may seem like the ideal pet, but there are
disadvantages to every breed. Listed below are
areas you need to consider before you decide to share
your life with a Norwegian Elkhound. |
| Background: |
As
the name implies, this dog originated in Norway and
was used for hunting large game. A very rugged
and robust dog built for endurance, bred and trained
as a hunter and tracker, the Elkhound displays a keen
and very acute sense of smell and hearing. |
| Temperament: |
Temperament
will vary from one individual to another, but an
Elkhound is not normally aggressive by nature and can
be relied upon not to attack without VERY extreme
provocation. Normally friendly, even with
strangers, his wolf-like look, deep resounding bark,
and large white teeth can discourage most unwanted
visitors. An Elkhound can be protective, even
possessive, of his human family and his property
making him a commendable watch dog. |
| Exercise: |
Elkhounds
are very energetic and need to have consistent
exercise daily (20-30 minutes twice a day) or they may
have trouble adjusting to the calm house pet role
expected by most owners. |
| Coat: |
As
is common with most northern dogs, the breed is
double-coated -- long coarse outer hair to shed rain,
sleet and snow and soft wooly undercoat for insulation
against the elements of nature. The
undercoat sheds profusely twice a year, usually at six
month intervals; guard hairs are shed approximately
every other year. If you are a meticulous
housekeeper, an Elkhound is not for you. The
coat sheds most foreign substances with ease and the
dog seems by instinct to keep himself clean.
Regular grooming is advisable and an absolute
necessity when shedding. A most unusual physical
characteristic of the breed is the absence of
"doggy odor". |
| Training: |
The
Elkhound is a loving and good-natured dog, sensitive
to praise and reproof without the necessity of
physical punishment. It is amazing how much
communication is possible through expressions,
gestures, and voice. Remarkably intelligent, an
Elkhound is also headstrong and independent. For
this reason it is illogical to expect unquestioning
obedience from an Elkhound. Left to his own
devices, he can be prone to problematic behaviors.
To consider an Elkhound, you must understand the role
of training in the dog's life and the need for it to
be an ongoing process. |
| Health: |
As
it is not possible to produce genetically perfect
humans, nor is it possible to produce genetically
perfect dogs. The Elkhound is fortunate that it
does not have the number of health problems present in
many other breeds. Before you consider an
Elkhound, be knowledgeable about the genetic defects
that are most prevalent in the breed. Eye
disorders (blindness), skeletal anomalies (hip
dysplasia), urogenital conditions (renal disease), and
skin ailments (cysts) are known to occur in the breed.
It is possible to eliminate or reduce the incidence of
these genetic problems by carrying out screening tests
on all breeding stock. |
| Care
& Maintenance: |
Because
of his long association with man and his deep devotion
to his human family, an Elkhound thrives on love and
attention. Housing needs are simple as he will
prefer to live with you. Given a proper
diet, reasonable exercise (30 minutes twice a day),
and clean living conditions, the Elkhound is an
extraordinarily maintenance free dog. Strong and
vigorous, he will relish long walks or bicycling with
his master. An Elkhound's eyes rarely need care
and likewise, his prick ears are usually trouble free.
His feet require no special attention except regular
clipping of his claws about every six weeks.
The Elkhound, shown in his natural condition, requires
no trimming or stripping -- even for show purposes his
whiskers need not be trimmed. Consider your
lifestyle and household schedule -- do you travel, do
you work long hours, do children's activities keep you
busy? In other words, do you have the time to
give an Elkhound the love and attention he needs. |
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