Another spitz-type breed known for its fascinating ancestry and incredibly characteristics: the Norwegian Elkhound. Similar to the Norwegian Buhund, this breed once sailed the vast oceans alongside the Vikings, helping them with various tasks.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a breed with obvious origins. This dog quickly gained recognition, mainly because of its substantial body and versatile skillset. It is known to work in various types of canine tasks, wherein it excels mostly as a watchdog. Other than its interesting features, the Norwegian Elkhound is regarded as one of Europe’s oldest breeds.
If you are looking for a highly intelligent breed that is also equipped with finesse and exceptional looks, the Norwegian Elkhound is surely a breed you should consider. Just by looking at this dog, it is evident in its appearance that it could withstand the extreme temperatures of the north. In this article, we are going to look into the characteristics and origins of the Norwegian Elkhound.
Origins of the Norwegian Elkhound
Interestingly, the Norwegian Elkhound had built its reputation throughout history as a strong and versatile working dog. It was well-known for its voyages alongside the Vikings; furthermore, it also built a solid reputation in other fields as well. We can trace back the origins of this breed to thousands of years ago, wherein it was employed in various types of canine tasks: herding, guarding, hunting, and so on. A true companion: the Norwegian Elkhound is a dog lover’s delight, showcasing its expertise in the field ever since its early existence.
However, the Norwegian Elkhound does not have any concrete record in history. Some people introduce this breed as a part of the Nordic myths. It is widely known that this dog once sailed across the freezing oceans of the north and dominated along with the Vikings. Many stories are believed to be associated with the existence of the Norwegian Elkhound. In addition to this, remains of the breed were found inside a cave in Norway, which could be dated back to roughly 5,000 BC. The skeleton discovered in the cave serves as a solid evidence of the breed’s origins.
Besides the various myths and stories related to the breed, the Norwegian Elkhound’s name also has an exciting history of its own. Apparently, this breed is a native dog from Norway; the name Elkhound is derived from its early employment in the field as a hunter of the giant beast: the giant elk. This breed does not face against the mighty beast; instead, it uses its exceptional sense of smell to track and follow the scent trail of this magnificent creature. For many years, the Norwegian Elkhound helped huntsmen in capturing elks, which was not a simple task, especially during the early times.
Characteristics of the Norwegian Elkhound
Height: 19.5 – 20.5 inches
Weight: 48 – 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Even the Norwegian Elkhound was employed to hunt massive mammals, such as the giant elk, it is only a medium-sized breed that could stand up to more than twenty inches tall and weighs up to fifty-five pounds. This size of the Norwegian Elkhound proved perfect to complete its task of tracking down the giant beast.
In terms of its appearance, it showcases a close resemblance to its spitz cousins. This dog flaunts its dense silver-gray coat, along with a tail curling over its back: features that are common for a spitz-type breed. Furthermore, the breed has a deep chest and athletic body; this allows it to excel in the field. Its face displays a fox-like appearance that expresses a friendly and confident nature. Just by looking at it, it is apparent that this dog is an ideal companion in the cold-weathered region.
Moreover, the Norwegian Elkhound boasts its versatile skillset. This dog may be known to be the trusted companion of the Vikings and an independent big-game hunter, but it still has a lot to offer. It is a robust dog that is capable of working in various types of canine tasks; it could be an effect herder, guardian, and watch dog. Besides all of these jobs available for the Norwegian Elkhound, many people own the breed merely as an adorable family companion.