How to Identify a Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian elkhound is bred for endurance and agility, as seen in te trot--effortless and showing off the balanced and angulated front and rear quarters. This dignified breed, while friendly, makes an effective guard dog. It is also very loyal to its family. This breed needs a job, even just daily exercise, and would do best in a home with a large yard or a farm. It can be challenging to train the Norwegian elkhound because of its independent streak and intelligence.

Instructions

1. Look at the general appearance of the Norwegian elkhound. It is a medium-sized northern dog with a square profile and a distinctive gray coat. This is a hunting breed, and has the build for chasing and holding large game, including moose.

2. Make sure the size and proportion of the dog is correct. The males are 20 ½ inches at the withers and weigh about 55 pounds. The females are 19 ½ inches at the withers and weigh 48 pounds. Since this breed has a square profile, the measurement from the forechest to the point of the rear is just about the same as the height measurement. It should have substantial, but not coarse bone structure.

3. Check the head and head furnishings. The Norwegian elkhound has a broad head that shapes into a wedge. There is no loose skin on the head area. The dark brown eyes, which are medium sized and oval, do not protrude and give this breed a keen and alert expression. The ears are high on the dog’s head and stand erect. They are somewhat small and have pointy tips. The ears will turn towards the front when the dog is alert, and when relaxed or showing affection, they turn back. The muzzle, thick at the base, tapers to the nose, giving the Norwegian elkhound its wedge-shaped face.

4. Look at the medium length neck as it arches slightly into the sloped shoulders. It is a muscular neck, and there is no loose skin on or around the neck. The front feet are rather small, oval in shape, leading to closed toes protected by thick pads. The broad thighs are very muscular, leading to a moderately angulated hock and small rear feet that are also oval shaped with closed toes protected by thick pads. The tail curls tightly and is carried over the center of the back.

5. Pet the thick, weather-resistant coat. It should lay smooth against the body and soft, dense undercoat. The outer hairs are coarse and straight. It is a medium gray color, and the hairs are black-tipped. The gray color is darker on the saddle. There is a band of longer outer hairs from the shoulder to the elbow; this is the harness mark. The hair on the harness mark and chest is a lighter gray. The muzzle starts out black at the tip, and fades to gray over the forehead.