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Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world.
They can be great household pets and also work well as sled dogs or hunting dogs.
But not every home or owner is right for a Norwegian Elkhound.
In this article, we will discuss the best households and owners for these wonderful dogs.
Table of Contents
What Households Are Norwegian Elkhound Good & Bad In?
In this section, I’m going to answer the most common questions about the Norwegian Elkhound and how well they do in different environments and households.
Whether you have a family with kids, are a first time dog owner, live in an apartment, or live an active lifestyle, you’ll learn if the Norwegian Elkhound is the perfect dog for you!
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good For First Time Owners?
This is an intelligent breed, to be sure.
They might pick things up swiftly, but elkhounds are stubborn and independent, which can cause some problems in your training sessions.
This is not the sort of dog that will obediently comply with orders without question. Prepare to encounter some minor pushback.
For these reasons, first time dog owners may find some challenge but not much.
They’re not the most difficult to train but they certainly aren’t the easiest either.
I would recommend another breed for first time dog owners.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good Family Dogs?
Norwegian Elkhounds make great family dogs.
They’re very good with children and get along well with other pets in the household.
Norwegian Elkhounds are also very protective of their families, so you can rest assured that your family will be safe with one of these dogs around.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good Guard Dogs?
Norwegian Elkhounds make excellent guard dogs.
They are very protective of their families and will bark at strangers or any perceived threat.
Norwegian Elkhounds are medium-sized dogs, but they can still be intimidating to potential burglars or intruders.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good Apartment Dogs?
Norwegian Elkhounds can do well in apartments if they are given enough exercise.
A daily walk or run is necessary, as Norwegian Elkhounds are very active dogs.
If you live in an apartment and cannot provide your dog with enough exercise, I would not recommend this breed.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Hypoallergenic?
Norwegian Elkhounds are not hypoallergenic.
They shed a lot, so if you are allergic to dogs, this is not the breed for you.
Can Norwegian Elkhounds Live In Florida?
Norwegian Elkhounds can live in Florida, but they do not tolerate heat very well.
They would prefer a winter climate with lots of snow to play in.
If you live in a warm climate and are considering a Norwegian Elkhound, be prepared to give your dog lots of shade and water to prevent heat stroke.
Can Norwegian Elkhounds Live Outside?
Norwegian Elkhounds are bred to live outside.
They have a thick coat that protects them from the cold and they are very active, so they need a lot of space to run around.
If you live in a climate that is too hot for them, I would not recommend keeping your Norwegian Elkhound outside.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds Like To Swim?
Norwegian Elkhounds love to swim.
They are excellent swimmers and will enjoy any opportunity to cool off in the water.
If you live near a body of water or have a pool, a Norwegian Elkhound will be in heaven.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good Living Around Other Animals?
If you’re wondering if Norwegian Elkhounds can live in households with other pets this section has you covered.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good With Cats?
Norwegian Elkhounds can get along well with cats.
Norwegian Elkhounds are still dogs though and may try to herd your cats if they’re not properly trained.
So long as they’re socialized with your cat from a young age this should not be a problem.
At first they may love chasing the cat around and might treat them as prey but once taught the difference between friend and foe, they’ll get along fine.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Good With Other Dogs?
Norwegian Elkhounds are good with other dogs, but they may try to assert their dominance.
This is especially true if the other dog is smaller in size.
It’s important to socialize your Norwegian Elkhound with other dogs from an early age to prevent any problems.
They naturally want to protect their pack, so they may be a little standoffish with strange dogs at first.
Once they get to know them, they’ll be fine.
Will Norwegian Elkhound Fit With Your Personality & Lifestyle?
So you may still be wondering if the Norwegian Elkhound is right for you.
The best way to answer this is to determine if your personality and lifestyle would fit with this breed.
To help you determine if this breed is the right fit for you and your lifestyle, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about their personality, behaviors and needs.
How Big Is A Norwegian Elkhounds?
Norwegian Elkhounds are medium-sized dogs.
They weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Cuddly?
Some Norwegian Elkhounds can be cuddly. They tend to be affectionate dogs but they also have independent tendencies.
This means that they will want to cuddle on their own terms and not when you want them too.
Forcing a Norwegian Elkhound to cuddle will never work. They have to want to do it on their own.
What’s A Norwegian Elkhounds Temperament like?
Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal, independent and playful dogs.
They are also very protective of their family and home.
This breed is not for everyone though.
If you’re looking for a cuddly lap dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is not the right breed for you.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for an energetic and playful dog that will be a loyal companion, the Norwegian Elkhound may be the perfect breed for you.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Protective?
Norwegian Elkhounds can be protective of their family. They are bred to be hunting dogs and guardians, so it’s in their nature to protect those they love.
If you’re looking for a dog that will alert you to strangers and make a good watchdog, the Norwegian Elkhound is a good choice.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Smart?
Norwegian Elkhounds are very smart. They’re quick learners and have a great memory.
This means that they can be easily trained but it also means they can be stubborn at times.
Can Norwegian Elkhounds Be Left Alone?
Norwegian Elkhounds can be left alone, but they don’t like it.
A good rule of thumb is that you should never leave your Norwegian Elkhound alone for more than four hours at a time.
This breed needs companionship and if left alone for too long, they can become destructive.
If you’re gone for long periods of time, I would not recommend getting a Norwegian Elkhound.
Do Norwegian Elkhound Shed?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a heavy shedder. This is the sacrifice you must pay to have a soft and fluffy pup.
You can expect to find hair all over your home and regular grooming sessions needed to minimize the amount of shedding.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds Need A Lot of Grooming?
Norwegian Elkhounds need a lot of grooming. They have a thick double coat that needs to be brushed at least once a week.
I would also recommend taking them to a professional groomer every few months to keep their coat in good condition.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds Smell?
All dogs have some sort of odor, but Norwegian Elkhounds are not known for being smelly dogs.
If you take good care of their coat and keep them clean, they shouldn’t have an issue with smells.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds Need A Lot of Exercise?
Norwegian Elkhounds are a high energy breed.
They need about 60 minutes of exercise per day, depending on their age and activity level.
This makes them a great choice for families who live an active lifestyle or have kids that they can play with.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds Bark A Lot?
Norwegian Elkhounds are known to bark quite a bit. They were bred as hunting dogs and their barking was used to signal their owners when they found game.
While they can be trained not to bark excessively, it’s something you should be aware of before getting one of these dogs.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds Easy To Train?
Norwegian Elkhounds are intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn at times.
This means that they can be easy to train if you’re consistent and use high value rewards.
They key here is finding a reward that they deem worthy for the work you’re asking them to do.
Once you find this reward, training becomes easy, especially for breeds as intelligent as Norwegian Elkhounds.
In conclusion
If you can provide your Norwegian Elkhound with the exercise, training, and socialization it needs, this breed can be a great addition to your family.
These dogs are loyal and protective, but they need to be with a family that can provide them with the attention they crave.
Norwegian Elkhounds are not for everyone, but if you think you can provide them with what they need, they make wonderful companions.
I hope this article has helped you decide if a Norwegian Elkhound is the right for you!
