Norsk Elghund Gray, The Moose Hunter
The gray Norsk elghund may look like a breed somewhere between the sheepdog and Nordic wolves. It is a very special and very ancient animal . For thousands of years it has been the faithful companion of Norwegian hunters. If you want to know everything about this fascinating dog breed, don’t miss the following article.
History of the Norsk gray elghund
The Norwegian elkhound is a primitive breed of which archaeological remains have been found dating back as far as 40,000 BC . C. . This makes it one of the oldest breeds still existing today. Its history goes on thanks to the fact that it has accompanied Scandinavian hunters for more than 1,000 years. It was used to pull sleds but also, and above all, to hunt moose and bears.
He is a stout dog with a bold character and a great hunting specialist. Thanks to its infallible nose it can find traces of prey from miles away. After spotting and chasing an animal, it begins barking, alerting men to its location.
Polar explorers introduced him to the American continent, where he was very successful as a companion dog. Its good character, its beauty and its adaptability make it an excellent pet.
Characteristics
It has a body very similar to the rest of the spitz-type dogs: square, compact and short. It also maintains one of the most typical characteristics of that dog breed: the tail curled backwards.
The gray Norsk elghund’s head is broad, with triangular ears raised high, while the nose ( rinario ) is usually black. The eyes are also dark. At first glance, the sharing of many physical elements with the wolf is evident . To be precise, however, the muzzle is shorter and the distance between the skull and the nose is more marked. The neck is also more powerful.
As for size, he is a medium-sized dog . Adult specimens can measure up to 50 centimeters in height, at the withers, and weigh between 20 and 25 kilos. However, due to its very thick and quite long coat, it looks like a bigger and heavier dog than it really is.
The color of the coat, on the other hand, varies according to the different shades of gray and black. A lighter gradation is appreciated on the belly and in the lower part of the tail. The ears and nose, on the other hand, are darker in color, almost black.
Behavior
The gray Norsk elghund is a breed predominantly used for hunting, grazing or border protection. He is a versatile dog with a great adaptability, who can be happy both hunting and just living indoors with his family.
Due to his past, he is a courageous and tenacious dog, but he also proves to be agile and energetic. If you want to adopt a dog with these characteristics, it is important to stimulate him every day, both from a physical and mental point of view . He is an intelligent dog and you will need to do everything possible to make him feel involved and appreciated.
Keep the character of the primitive races. Adult males can be stubborn but also loyal and affectionate. He is sociable and complacent with his human family, more wary of strangers, human or animal. Unlike other types of Nordic dogs, the gray Norsk elghund tends to bark frequently and will alert you to any danger.
This stubbornness, together with its great intelligence, makes it impossible to train this dog breed by force, according to the theory of domination or by applying punishments, even worse if corporal.
However, they are very receptive when educated using positive reinforcement. They have great determination when collaborating with humans, so using treats (petting, treats, or toys) will make training faster and more effective.
Caring for the gray Norsk elghund
The gray Norsk elkhound’s fur needs proper care. It is a thick coat designed for cold climates. We advise you to brush it regularly to help the animal get rid of excess hair and dead cells.
The fact that they are a Nordic breed shouldn’t scare you if you live in temperate areas. The gray Norsk elghund is able to adapt to life in warmer countries. In this sense, its coat consists of a layer of surface hair and a lower layer that helps create an insulation that protects it from both cold and heat. Of course, it must never be clipped.
As for his health, there are no genetic diseases associated with the breed. However, like all large dogs, it is possible that you develop hip or elbow dysplasia. Therefore, it is important to visit the vet frequently and to adhere to the review schedule to prevent problems.
The gray Norsk elghund is truly exceptional, as evidenced by its very long history. It is an animal that has accompanied man since the dawn of time . If you are looking for a dog with a gentle, versatile and charming character like a real wolf, what are you waiting for to adopt one?
