Norwegian Elkhound

[Elkie1]

Another thing Norwegian Elkhounds can suffer from is sebaceous cysts. Luckily only one of mine has had one, and was easy to remove.

In experience, some elkhound can be allergice to different foods. an elkhound I know is allergice to beef products and Odin-Genie, Odin is allergice to Chicken products.

Actually, Odin is now perfectly fine with chicken. But he can't digest beef and pork. I give him lamb bones.

that's great to hear, now he can enjoy the yummy tast of chicken. He seem to now take after his uncle Taz

[Norskgra]

I am supposed to have narrowed down my breed choice butI have to admit I love the look of Elkies.

If you do get an elky we could have an elky meet since you are in Sydney too!!!

Dont tempt me! I am being such a fickle tart in my breed choosing!

I especially like the fact that they have less fur than most spitz breeds (who I am a sucker for ).

My main concern is that everyone keeps emphasising the huge amount of exercise they need.

My last dog was a high energy crossbreed who, when she was a pup, I needed to walk a minimum of an hour a day. She could go for a 40 min run with my OH, crash for about half an hour and want to go again! ;) We had to limit how often she did that because she just got fitter!

Is that the kind of energy level you guys are talking about? Or is it worse?

Also what are they like with kids? Are they affectionate? Very dominant?

(oh oh, here I go again... )

Elkhounds are very adaptable. If you want to run 5 - 10 km per day, they will happily run beside you but if you prefer to sit and watch TV, they are just as happy sitting with you.

I don't feel that they have the same energy level as your last dog. Mine get their exercise playing together in the backyard.

They are great with kids. They are very affectionate and loving. The majority of Elkies are not dominant.

[Elkie1]

What are they like with other dogs?

Are they gregarious or do they have a tendency to ignore them?

From personal experience,

My sister has a cross bred dog who gets along with all my elkies. My recent little puppy (5 months of age) loves nothing better then to play with all his puppy friends in sweepstakes

We also have a bitch, socialised the same way all our elkies have been but since she had a urine infection as a young puppy, around the time when a dog lashed out at her and resulted in her splitting her ear open, she will not get along with anyother dog now. She is happiest on her own. But she loves greeting people in the comfort of her own enviroment.

From purely personal experience my elkhound is excellent with other dogs. He wrestles and chases dogs that want to play, leaves those alone who don't want to play. Most people in the dog park comment on his good doggy manners. He is very gentle with puppies and smaller dogs and often sits down in front of them to make them comfortable, but at the same time he is never submissive. If any dog gets too boistrous, he just walks away. He has the best possible temperament I could have asked for.

You know, Hannah also has a fantastic temprement. I would love if all my elkies had her temprement. She's just lovable and will sit with you all day. If she could lay on the lounge and watch TV with you she would. right now she is sleeping in my room as she has an eye infection. She is on antibiotics and may not begoing to Spring fair. But their is always another show. Her health is more inportant than a show.

She will see the vet for an examination tomorrow.

[Elkie1]

I am not going to get into a discussion about breeding since I know nothing about it. However, I would like to add that I got my elkhound from Elkie1 and she has been the most wonderful breeder I have come across. She provided me with all the info, kept in touch with regualr updates before I picked up Odin, continued to help and support later when I had any questions. I did not receive the same level of help from my other dog's breeder who has been breeding and showing for a very long time.

Oooh, Elkie1- can I have one of your Elkies?

I am supposed to have narrowed down my breed choice butI have to admit I love the look of Elkies.

Of course you can ;)

Warning though, they are like tim tams, you can never stop at one

[dee lee]

They are sounding better and better.

Are they hard to get? Are they expensive?

(getting to the nitty gritty here )

[Elkie1]

I am supposed to have narrowed down my breed choice butI have to admit I love the look of Elkies.

If you do get an elky we could have an elky meet since you are in Sydney too!!!

Dont tempt me! I am being such a fickle tart in my breed choosing!

I especially like the fact that they have less fur than most spitz breeds (who I am a sucker for ).

My main concern is that everyone keeps emphasising the huge amount of exercise they need.

My last dog was a high energy crossbreed who, when she was a pup, I needed to walk a minimum of an hour a day. She could go for a 40 min run with my OH, crash for about half an hour and want to go again! We had to limit how often she did that because she just got fitter!

Is that the kind of energy level you guys are talking about? Or is it worse?

Also what are they like with kids? Are they affectionate? Very dominant?

(oh oh, here I go again... )

Is that the kind of energy level you guys are talking about? Or is it worse?

It depends on the individual. As puppies they can be non-stop. As an adult, they will settle in their own routine. I have one very out going little puppy who never stops. Two girls who love nothing best but to sit by your side all day. A very lazy boy named Mishka ;) and two very loony girls who are in very large dog runs and would barrel you over if you were not careful.

Also what are they like with kids? Are they affectionate? Very dominant?

They are wonderful with kids. I have a puppy, now a year old who lives with two young boys. The dog (Elka) is very gentle with them. She hates it when the boys are nowhere to be seen, she even sleeps in the bedroom with them.

[Elkie1]

They are sounding better and better.

Are they hard to get? Are they expensive?

(getting to the nitty gritty here )

They can be hard to get with only a few breeders about. On averages an elkhound is around $900. (That's what the majority of the breeders I have spoken to will sell a puppy for)

[dee lee]

They are sounding better and better.

Are they hard to get? Are they expensive?

(getting to the nitty gritty here )

They can be hard to get with only a few breeders about. On averages an elkhound is around $900. (That's what the majority of the breeders I have spoken to will sell a puppy for)

Thanks for answering all the questions! I need have to have a good think about Elkies!!!

Gorgeous, affectionate, good guard dog, loyal kid pal. What else could I want?!

[Elkie1]

They are sounding better and better.

Are they hard to get? Are they expensive?

(getting to the nitty gritty here )

They can be hard to get with only a few breeders about. On averages an elkhound is around $900. (That's what the majority of the breeders I have spoken to will sell a puppy for)

Thanks for answering all the questions! I need have to have a good think about Elkies!!!

Gorgeous, affectionate, good guard dog, loyal kid pal. What else could I want?!

A foot warmer in winter? ;)

[Elkie1]

I am not going to get into a discussion about breeding since I know nothing about it. However, I would like to add that I got my elkhound from Elkie1 and she has been the most wonderful breeder I have come across. She provided me with all the info, kept in touch with regualr updates before I picked up Odin, continued to help and support later when I had any questions. I did not receive the same level of help from my other dog's breeder who has been breeding and showing for a very long time.

Just to say Odin-Genie for your comment.

Edited November 18, 2009 by Elkie1

[mersonmalinois]

Elkie1,

So your dogs have no hip/elbow scores or any other health results (other than an "exam") for kidneys, cardiac or eyes?

Having an annual check up by the family vet is not the same as having breeding stock health scored by specialists. Is there a reason you don't go the extra mile and do the health certifications with your NEs?

Not saying this is the case with you, but often breeders of any breed have their heads in the sand and say, "our breed doesn't have problems". The only way to know for sure is to TEST and share the information with the puppy buyers and fellow breeders.

Please know I am not having a go at you. I just am a big advocate for health for all breeds and if a breeder makes excuses, I will ask questions of them.

eta: Here is additional info on NE health and ethical breeding practices:

http://www.neaa.net/breed_health_info.shtml

From the page on ethical breeding on the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America website:

"4. Animals selected for breeding should not have a crippling or life threatening defect such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), pancreatic deficiency or Hip Dysplasia. Known carriers of PRA defined as the parents or offspring of an affected animal should not be used for breeding. To reduce the chances of Hip Dysplasia all animals of breeding age should have pelvic x-rays read and pronounced normal by either a qualified radiologist or by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Ideally, the x-ray should be taken after 2 years of age."

Edited November 18, 2009 by mersonmalinois

[Elkie1]

Elkie1,

So your dogs have no hip/elbow scores or any other health results (other than an "exam") for kidneys, cardiac or eyes?

Having an annual check up by the family vet is not the same as having breeding stock health scored by specialists. Is there a reason you don't go the extra mile and do the health certifications with your NEs?

Not saying this is the case with you, but often breeders of any breed have their heads in the sand and say, "our breed doesn't have problems". The only way to know for sure is to TEST and share the information with the puppy buyers and fellow breeders.

Please know I am not having a go at you. I just am a big advocate for health for all breeds and if a breeder makes excuses, I will ask questions of them.

eta: Here is additional info on NE health and ethical breeding practices:

http://www.neaa.net/breed_health_info.shtml

From the page on ethical breeding on the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America website:

"4. Animals selected for breeding should not have a crippling or life threatening defect such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), pancreatic deficiency or Hip Dysplasia. Known carriers of PRA defined as the parents or offspring of an affected animal should not be used for breeding. To reduce the chances of Hip Dysplasia all animals of breeding age should have pelvic x-rays read and pronounced normal by either a qualified radiologist or by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Ideally, the x-ray should be taken after 2 years of age."

thank you mm but I am already aware of all this and have already read all this and many more of potential health problems with the elkhound. and I know your not having ago at me. - As I said if we need to go further with testings we will.

I can tell you now, I am not one of those breeders whith their "heads in the sand" I know of potential health risk as I asked the first breeder we got our first elkhound from and am always in conversation with fellow elkhound breeders on health and on the breed. - The main concern with elkhounds in Australia is renal failer. years ago there was a case of HD is Australia but all puppies were PTS and those elkhounds bred from were never used in any Australian breeding stock again.

If we ever imported an elkhound. We would surly have them tested as the incident started with an import so I am very particular with that.

I'm just going to let this all rest now and answer question of people who are interested in the breed. - not saying that you are not interested in the breed

Edited November 18, 2009 by Elkie1

[Norskgra]

[i can tell you now, I am not one of those breeders whith their [i]"heads in the sand"[/i] I know of potential health risk as I asked the first breeder we got our first elkhound from and am always in conversation with fellow elkhound breeders on health and on the breed. - The main concern with elkhounds in Australia is renal failer. years ago there was a case of HD is Australia but all puppies were PTS and those elkhounds bred from were never used in any Australian breeding stock again.

If we ever imported an elkhound. We would shorly have them tested as the incident started with an import so I am very particular with that.

I'm just going to let this all rest now and answer question of people who are interested in the breed.

The renal problem is why I have been having my Elkhounds' kidneys tested each year and when there is a proper test for the condition, I will have all of my dogs tested.

There was a case of HD only a few years ago. Luckily, I was already having my dogs hip scored.

Edited November 18, 2009 by Norskgra

[Elkie1]

Thanks for answering all the questions! I need have to have a good think about Elkies!!!

Gorgeous, affectionate, good guard dog, loyal kid pal. What else could I want?!

deelee - I'm also thinking of collecting all my elkies undercoat as they shed and find someone who may be able to spin it Maybe have a pair of elkie fur socks for winter

I think they spin it with Alpacha wool as it is finer then sheep wool... something like that I think

Edited November 18, 2009 by Elkie1

[mersonmalinois]

Elkie1,

So your dogs have no hip/elbow scores or any other health results (other than an "exam") for kidneys, cardiac or eyes?

Having an annual check up by the family vet is not the same as having breeding stock health scored by specialists. Is there a reason you don't go the extra mile and do the health certifications with your NEs?

Not saying this is the case with you, but often breeders of any breed have their heads in the sand and say, "our breed doesn't have problems". The only way to know for sure is to TEST and share the information with the puppy buyers and fellow breeders.

Please know I am not having a go at you. I just am a big advocate for health for all breeds and if a breeder makes excuses, I will ask questions of them.

eta: Here is additional info on NE health and ethical breeding practices:

http://www.neaa.net/breed_health_info.shtml

From the page on ethical breeding on the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America website:

"4. Animals selected for breeding should not have a crippling or life threatening defect such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), pancreatic deficiency or Hip Dysplasia. Known carriers of PRA defined as the parents or offspring of an affected animal should not be used for breeding. To reduce the chances of Hip Dysplasia all animals of breeding age should have pelvic x-rays read and pronounced normal by either a qualified radiologist or by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Ideally, the x-ray should be taken after 2 years of age."

thank you mm but I am already aware of all this and have already read all this and many more of potential health problems with the elkhound. and I know your not having ago at me. - As I said if we need to go further with testings we will.

I can tell you now, I am not one of those breeders whith their "heads in the sand" I know of potential health risk as I asked the first breeder we got our first elkhound from and am always in conversation with fellow elkhound breeders on health and on the breed. - The main concern with elkhounds in Australia is renal failer. years ago there was a case of HD is Australia but all puppies were PTS and those elkhounds bred from were never used in any Australian breeding stock again.

If we ever imported an elkhound. We would surly have them tested as the incident started with an import so I am very particular with that.

I'm just going to let this all rest now and answer question of people who are interested in the breed. - not saying that you are not interested in the breed

Why are you avoiding having your dogs tested? This thread is not just about how wonderful the breed is to own and enjoy, but rather for potential buyers to learn who is testing their breeding stock, who is not and why buyers should go with breeders who health test their dogs.

I would NEVER buy an elkhound if the breeder didn't certify their dogs' hips, eyes and kidneys.

You are VERY new to the show world and especially the breeding world. Best for you to get on board now with the health testing for your breed. That will let others (breeders/buyers) know you are truly serious about the breed's well-being & future.

eta: If you are already aware of all this, why don't you test your dogs? I think that is a fair question.

Edited November 18, 2009 by mersonmalinois

[Norskgra]

Although I do agree with you MM, about health testing, I just want to say again that health testing in Elkhounds is not compulsorary in Australia. Due to prior experience, I swore 33 years ago I would health test my dogs. It is up to the breeder to do what they believe is right. This may be to health test or it may not.

Edited November 19, 2009 by Norskgra

[SUGEE76]

Heya

Odin-Genie I have an elkhound and I am in Sydney - I love the idea of an Elkhound get together - is there ever such an event???

My Elkhound is 5-months old and I have gone out of my way to expose him to children of all ages and babies (closely supervised) can I just say even as a puppy he instinctively knows how to modify his behaviour around small children

I took him round to my parents when my cousins were ovet with a 8 month old baby and he was soooo good!

They were sitting on the floor together and he never jumped or licked or anything near the baby - just watched him as he played

He really reads a situation well and if I say to him - be careful or be gentle he will follow my lead and look to me before he engages in play with a child - he is constantly looking to me for approval before he interracts

When the girl next door comes over to play he never jumps on her and is really good - he will do tricks for treats and play fetch and just plays really well

For his size and age it is amazing that he has such great self control - my family breeds dachshunds and to be fair they are kenneled show dogs - not pets - but everytime I took kids in to play with them they would be knocked over by an overzealous jump up everytime.

So from my *very little* experience I have to say they are great with kids

[Elkie1]

Heya

Odin-Genie I have an elkhound and I am in Sydney - I love the idea of an Elkhound get together - is there ever such an event???

My Elkhound is 5-months old and I have gone out of my way to expose him to children of all ages and babies (closely supervised) can I just say even as a puppy he instinctively knows how to modify his behaviour around small children

I took him round to my parents when my cousins were ovet with a 8 month old baby and he was soooo good!

They were sitting on the floor together and he never jumped or licked or anything near the baby - just watched him as he played

He really reads a situation well and if I say to him - be careful or be gentle he will follow my lead and look to me before he engages in play with a child - he is constantly looking to me for approval before he interracts

When the girl next door comes over to play he never jumps on her and is really good - he will do tricks for treats and play fetch and just plays really well

For his size and age it is amazing that he has such great self control - my family breeds dachshunds and to be fair they are kenneled show dogs - not pets - but everytime I took kids in to play with them they would be knocked over by an overzealous jump up everytime.

So from my *very little* experience I have to say they are great with kids

Hello again SUGEE76, How is your puppy going? I hope he is doing very well. Will have to one day come around to a show so we can meet him

Edited November 20, 2009 by Elkie1

[SUGEE76]

Hi Elkie1

Machida is doing very well thanks - the heat has slowed him down a little so we are just trying to keep him cool and comfortable

I was making icecubes to put in his waterbowl and I gave him one to play with this morning - he thought it was the most fascinating thing on earth

It's Friday - so my husband is working from home today so I suspect he is comfortably sprawled out on the couch in his office playing with his stuffed duck and enjoying the air conditioning

Yes I would love to bring him to a show to meet you in person - my dad keeps telling me to bring him to show to the Elkie exhibitors.

He has the wire haired dachsunds (Dalton Kennels) so he ocassionally see's the elkies at hound shows and always tells me when he sees them now.

He was really keen for me to show Machida - I think it was a plan to try and get me to start going to dog shows with him again and hanging out more...

I really want to just have Machida as a family pet though and plan to have him desexed once he matures.

Please be sure to let me know next time you have a big show on and I will do my best to come down - Machida has not seen an Elkhound since he left his littermates in SA so it would be interesting to see how he would react should he meet a fellow elkie!!

[Elkie1]

Hi Elkie1

Machida is doing very well thanks - the heat has slowed him down a little so we are just trying to keep him cool and comfortable

I was making icecubes to put in his waterbowl and I gave him one to play with this morning - he thought it was the most fascinating thing on earth

It's Friday - so my husband is working from home today so I suspect he is comfortably sprawled out on the couch in his office playing with his stuffed duck and enjoying the air conditioning

Yes I would love to bring him to a show to meet you in person - my dad keeps telling me to bring him to show to the Elkie exhibitors.

He has the wire haired dachsunds (Dalton Kennels) so he ocassionally see's the elkies at hound shows and always tells me when he sees them now.

He was really keen for me to show Machida - I think it was a plan to try and get me to start going to dog shows with him again and hanging out more...

I really want to just have Machida as a family pet though and plan to have him desexed once he matures.

Please be sure to let me know next time you have a big show on and I will do my best to come down - Machida has not seen an Elkhound since he left his littermates in SA so it would be interesting to see how he would react should he meet a fellow elkie!!

No problem a day that would not be so hot - there is an evening show at Erskine Park on the 19th December we will be there and I know of possable some other elkies going to be there. Great show that is