Norwegian or Elkhound Hunter - Discover every aspect of this breed
Energy, loyalty and tenacity is what define one of the best known dogs within the canine world, the Elkhound Norwegian. The hunter skills and excellent athletic skills have positioned this canine as one of the favorites by society, beyond their country of origin.
- Size: Medium.
- Weight: Up to 27kg.
- Hair type: First soft layer and the second dense.
- Character: Loyal, loving and excellent companions
- Health: Healthy and strong.
- Life expectancy: Between 10 and 12 years.
The history of these dogs has interesting aspects, one of the most highlights is the accompaniment to the Vikings in different vessels. In addition to its growth as an increasingly coveted hunting dog.
But that is not all, the temperament and physical characteristics of the Norwegian Alces hunter has been another of the remarkable attributes among other races. A loyal, energetic and fun dog, Ideal as an excellent pet. Combined with its imposing and striking appearance.
Do you want to learn more about this canine? Do not stop reading the article we present below. Discover why it is one of the most interesting races of today.
Origin of Norwegian Alces Hunter
Also known as Elkhound, these Spitz type dogs They are originally from Norway, where it is presumed to have its first steps in the practice of the hunt. In fact, The name of these dogs refers to the country of origin and their specialty, the big hunt, which in this country refers to the alces.
The mountains of Norway were the home of the canines of this race, whose history is believed to be much older than is known. Different archaeological discoveries have been made in which fossils of the body of specimens were located with identical characteristics to those of this dog in vessels of the Vikings of the time.
That is, there is the possibility that these canines were accompanied by the Vikings in their long journeys.
With the passage of time, the recognition of this animal became increasing. First, because of its undeniable ability to hunt ups and other animals such as tissues, pumas, bears and lynx, among others.
And, secondly, its popularity grew because it is excellent company dogs, which has been demonstrated by its great character. Both aspects made him owner of a privileged position in different homes in Norway.
Subsequently, the race extended to other territories until one of the most recognized worldwide becomes. Although it is still a hunting dog, It is currently used as a company dog, especially in large families, where they receive everyone's attention.
Physical characteristics of Elkhound
Its physical characteristics make it seen as an imposing dog and with great presence. It is not for less, because it is a canine with a robust body structure.
Your square contexture provides you with a solid but light body to move quickly in search of your prey. It has thick and formidable legs, which give it the appearance of a truly strong and very agile canine.
Weight and size
In relation to weight, these dogs are quite pronounced. Males can reach up to 27 kilograms, while females do not usually exceed 25 kg of weight.
In height, these animals are described from medium to large. Well, the height to the cross, in the case of females, is between 45 and 50 centimeters, while males are averaged between 45 and 55 cm.
In some cases, the body's body contextures are so similar, that the sex of the same is not a way of distinguishing them.
Head
The skull is robust and strong. His head is coined that is getting smaller towards the nose, ending with a slightly refined frontal appearance. His nose is black, medium -sized. While his eyes are dark, almond -shaped.
The ears are medium -sized, in the form of a triangle, thin and not so pronounced. They are always found in an upright position, which gives it an image of being permanently attentive.
Line
Like the ears, its tail is high, fine and remarkably long insertion. It seems, usually, thicker than it is actually due to the dense layer of hair that wraps it.
Fur
These dogs belong to the types of races with two layers. The first is soft, similar to wool, and dense, which keeps it protected from cold and heat, as the case may be. While the outer layer is even thicker, long, smooth and rough.
Especially in their country of origin these two layers are very useful, because the low temperatures can be an important enemy for this race.
In relation to the color of his fur, Elkhound is characterized by not presenting great variation. A tonalities scale in gray color is what distinguishes these canines. In areas such as chest and legs, it is possible that it mixes with the color black, presenting some spots.
While in the snout and ears it can be even darker, without leaving the only color accepted by the standard (gray).
Elkhound character
In addition to its beauty and simplicity in the physical aspect that makes an attractive canine, its true strong is its unique character.
These are very active dogs. Its behavior is mainly equipped with incomparable energy, in addition to remarkable attention. It is always attentive to any situation, which gives it great value as a surveillance dog. At the same time that it enhances your hunting ability.
On the other hand, they are loyal, loving animals and excellent companions. Although they can be jealous and shown imposing if they feel that someone invades their space. However, they are not aggressive dogs.
The issue of coexistence with this breed is not a subject of concern. It's about Very sociable dogs, both with people outside their near circle, and with other dogs. However, we must remember that we talk about an animal destined for hunting. That is, the presence of smaller animals can enhance their hunter instinct and initiate a fast persecution.
That is why, although they are sociable dogs, it is necessary to adopt training standards aimed at avoiding this behavior.
Now, the deal with children is definitely what should be highlighted. It is an energetic dog, so it will result An excellent company for the little ones of the house, which will enjoy the games next to these dogs.
As if that were not enough, they are excellent protectors, so they will keep children away from danger.
Although it is an independent dog, which will always need a space to rest, move and release accumulated energy; These specimens require attention from their owners. Especially in issues such as the walk because, otherwise, you could feel locked up and adopt negative behavior.
Elkhound training
As we have mentioned previously, these are attentive dogs, so Your education can be simple on the issue of understanding and retention. However, we detail that it is a strong and independent animal, so the way in which it should be trained must be considered important.
If the dog feels that orders are being given inappropriately, this will not feel comfortable and the process will not perform the expected results. That is, conventional training does not work favorably with these canines.
It is important, mainly, to start the training at a very early age. The first three weeks of the canine life will be enough for it to begin to practice the aspects related to their education.
On the other hand, the constancy is elementary. Because, if not carrying out continuous training, the dog will be rebellious to the sporadic practice of any teaching.
Socialization is a key point in training these animals. It is necessary that this dog be trained for coexistence with people and animals outside their circle. In this way, unnecessary persecutions can be avoided.
A key aspect in the education of these canines is that they are sweet animals, they love snacks. This aspect can contribute to your training, because by baseing it on positive reinforcement, Can You will receive a candy for each order fulfilled, thus feel motivation and the process will be carried out.
Respect, motivation and continuous effort are key elements within their training. With this, it will be possible to establish a relationship of trust with the canine, which will lead you to feel comfortable and perform the assigned tasks, as long as it is properly.
On the contrary, if you feel attacked, this can can respond negatively and, although they are not usually aggressive, they will protect themselves if they feel that the screams or violence in training make you be in danger.
It is important that the training of these canines does not exceed 15 to 20 minutes per day, since this can lead to fatigue on the canine and performance would decrease considerably.
Taking a leisurely but progressive rhythm will be the most appropriate way to educate Norwegian Elkound correctly.
Health
He is a fortunately healthy and remarkably strong dog. These are canines whose life expectancy usually exceeds 12 to 15 years, enjoying a perfect health state.
Hereditary diseases are not part of this canine breed, since mostly, they are healthy and robust specimens. This is one more reason why it is also one of the favorite breeds.
Although it is rare, skin diseases can be present in your life on some occasions. This is because of its dense layer, it is likely that maintenance to the fur is not carried out and they are traces of dirt.
However, this can be avoided with adequate care that allows maintaining the favorable health and well -being of this canine breed.
Care
While it is true that it is one of the healthiest canine breeds, care is not other. Well, to a large extent, the well -being and strength of these dogs will depend on them.
If we want our furry partner to remain healthy for a long time, it is important Fulfill some simple care, but indispensable.
Feeding
If there is an aspect that must be taken care of is food. As mentioned in previous paragraphs, these are dogs that worship sweets. But this does not mean that the consumption of them should exceed, because it can cause obesity or other stomach diseases.
It is important to moderate snack intake and also favor good food by providing A balanced and quality feed.
Exercises
As important as food is exercise. This will not only help these canines to remain healthy, but will also allow them to drain the large amount of energy that accumulates in their body.
It is essential to provide daily walks, at least three times a day of up to 1 hour. Combining them also with exercises and games will allow you to maintain your physical condition and also a healthy mental condition.
If these processes are not carried out, the dog could adopt negative behavior.
Hygiene
To avoid skin infections, fur care, bathroom and hygiene are of great importance. The brushing of the fur of these dogs must be done at least 3 times per week in depth.
This will help to discard all the waste that is stored in their dense hair layer.
For their part, the bathrooms should be done only when strictly necessary, this is not advisable to exceed the number of bathrooms. It can be carried out until once every two months in case of really specifying it.
Medical controls
An aspect that should not be put aside is the strict medical control for these canines. Fulfilling vaccination and deworming schedules will help strengthen your immune system and also eliminate any possible disease of the organism.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, one of the most complete and attractive races is this. Both for their hunting skills and for its exemplary behavior, it will make you enjoy an unparalleled company at all times.
This canine breed has different attributes that make it worthy of a place inside any home. However, it is important that the person who decides to adopt it, has enough space and the time to dedicate to the walks that these canines require.
Consider each of the aspects indicated in this article to determine if it is the pet that you and your family want to have.
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