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Norwegian Elkhounds Make Great Pet Dogs
Excerpt : Norwegian Elkhounds are an old breed, dating back to Stone Age times in Scandinavia. Fossil dating confirms its long use as a domesticated hunting companion of man. They are only moderately popular
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Elkhounds stand 18-22 inches tall and generally run between 40-55 lbs. Pound for pound, they are one of the fiercest hunting dogs in existence and make excellent guard dogs for homes and businesses. They bark loudly and often, which is either a good or a bad thing, depending on where you live and what job you give the dog. From a health perspective, Elkhounds are prone to hip dysplasia, dermatitis, and Fanconi Syndrome (rare, but can lead to kidney failure). You should also be careful not to overfeed this 
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Temperament The Norwegian Elkhound is both friendly and fiercely loyal. This is a great trait in a pet dog, but care must be taken to properly socialize the animal to avoid aggression toward strangers (both other dogs and humans). Having only occasional visitors can bring out the 'guard dog' tendency. Early socialization, such as taking the pup to crowded parks or having lots of family and friends over on a regular basis, can instill a sense of ease around strange dogs and people that will last your dog's lifetime. The key is to help your pet Elkhound learn early on to associate your presence among others as a good thing - not a situation requiring his/her defensive posturing (barking, growling, aggressive movements). Like all arctic dog breeds, Elkhounds have a 
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The most common complaint about Norwegian Elkhound behavior is the barking. Understand that hunting dogs need to hold the prey at bay and alert their masters to their location at the same time. This means that the more boisterous dogs were better at helping their masters hunt, so they got bred more often. As a natural result, this breed now features loud barking almost universally. Don't get an 
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Elkhounds as Pets As you've probably discerned, Norwegians need a lot of activity. They are tireless runners and need to burn that energy off. Therefore, they are not good pets for apartment or condominium dwellers, unless you can provide ample outdoor space for regular exercise. Ideally, a big fenced yard or local park with a regularly active owner is the perfect setting for these dogs. Norwegian Elkhounds are also best suited for a cooler climate. They can overheat quickly in any region where the temperature exceeds 90 in the Summer. However, they do very well during cold winters, even when temps dip into sub-zero readings. Finally, always exercise caution when taking your Elkhound out for a walk or jog. Use a leash! They have an independent streak and are known to ignore their masters when they pick up an interesting scent. Even 
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Overall, the Norwegian Elkhound is an excellent dog to bring into your home as a pet. Loyal, friendly, intelligent and energetic, they make wonderful pets for active people or working dogs for those with property protection needs. © John Schwartz http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com (all rights reserved) About the author: John Schwartz is a freelance writer and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects like safe dog toys and supplies, pet health issues, and effective dog training practices. Visit his website at http://www.puppies-do gs-supplies.com for more information and useful tips.
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