Dog of the Vikings

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, September 2013 issue.

Dog of the Vikings

The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy, gray dog that has remained relatively unchanged for around 6000 years. The essence of his beauty is that he is not “man-made.” He is a medium-sized dog, compact, square, well-muscled, exceedingly intelligent, courageous, bold, and energetic. This is a natural requirement for a big game hunter, on the chase, day after day, in the rugged country from which he originated—Norway.

It is surmised that in the Viking Era, the Norwegian Elkhound had many duties. He was a companion and watchdog for his people. He protected his owner’s farm from wild animals such as wolves and bears. He was a guardian of flocks. Also, the Vikings took some of their dogs on voyages to sea. Pre-dating the Viking Era, archaeological findings revealed a number of stone implements and bones inside Viste Cave at Jaeren in Norway, including two skeletons of dogs, identified as definite Elkhound types by Professor Brinchmann of the Bergen Museum. These findings date back from 5000 to 4000 BC.

In the last several centuries, the Norwegian Elkhound has been bred primarily for his superior hunting capabilities. In America, the name “Elkhound” has been misinterpreted to mean “elk hunter.” This is a mistranslation of the Norwegian word “elghund,” which means “moose dog.” The Elkhound is an independent hunter, using his keen air-scenting ability to track the moose through rugged terrain. His impressive bark alerts the owner to his whereabouts. Upon locating the moose, the Elkhound barks incessantly, skillfully darting in and out, bouncing from side to side to avoid deadly antlers and hooves. This distracts the moose from the hunter while holding the moose at bay. Thus, stamina and agility are more important than speed for this breed. Elkhounds are also used to hunt bear and deer in Norway.

In the United States, game laws prohibit the use of the Elkhound for hunting moose and other big game. However, the Norwegian Elkhound makes a great family dog for those who appreciate that keen hunting instincts influence his personality. He is loving and devoted yet independent, highly intelligent, curious, and energetic, with a great deal of selective hearing. For instance, if he takes off running and you call him, he often stops, looks around, and if there are no better options, he will come trotting happily back to your side.

This is a good example of the need for a 5- to 6-foot fence to keep your dog safe and secure. It also shows that basic, consistent obedience training is a necessity, as there is a continuing conflict between his loving devotion to you and his deep instinct to be “on the hunt,” combined with a never-ending intellectual curiosity. Many Elkhounds have become accomplished in obedience, rally, agility, tracking (the Elkhound is both a sight and scent hound), and therapy. Recently, it has been noticed that some Elkhounds have the ability to alert owners to impending seizures, some cancers, and more. Due to the Elkhound’s independent nature, any one of these endeavors takes skill, great effort, and persistence, but success is very rewarding for those owners who partake.

Most Norwegian Elkhounds have a zest for life and are, well, just plain fun. They cherish the outdoors and love to interact with people. They relish long walks. Some even love to retrieve a ball or toy, but usually only up to a point. Many love to play “keep away” with you and/or other dogs in your family. They can be a joy to watch with all their energy and gusto, remembering their skillful, agile moves utilized by their relatives and ancestors in dealing with the moose. There are small hazards to watch out for within the Elkhound’s outdoor territory.

Tripping on a freshly dug hole, coming across a “crater” next to your foundation, and disappearing sprinkler heads are just a few hazards of having an Elkhound. Elkhounds, as smart as they are, always have a reason for their mischief, and only some take part in these sorts of activities. Where did that gopher go? How about a nice cool den during a warm summer day? No bone? A sprinkler head will do. Also, Elkhounds love to chase small game. Along with this comes the barking—sometimes incessant—as with a treed squirrel. Just hope you have tolerant neighbors! However, the same barking behavior DOES make him a good watchdog. Many would be surprised to know that a certain percentage of Elkhounds love the water. Some like to run through sprinklers. Others enjoy running through shallow streams, and some actually like to swim, but usually with a purpose.

My father started breeding Norwegian Elkhounds and Labrador Retrievers back in the ’40s. He used his Labs for pheasant and duck hunting. My father had a need for adventure and the curiosity of an Elkhound. He decided to try his Elkhound’s “paw” at duck hunting. His Elkhound jumped into the water and swam quickly toward the duck. When he came to shore with the duck in mouth, my father hastily took the duck to quell any “Elkhound notions” of running off with this tasty morsel for dinner. My father said that his Elkhound was a natural. I say, “What could be more natural than an Elkhound going after easy prey at any cost?”

Indoors, the Elkhound can be a loving companion, lying at your feet or by your side on the couch. You may also find him “crashed” on the floor in another room, sleeping. Sometimes he’s just “in your face,” always curious about what you are doing. After your Elkhound has had his full and complete meal, and you are cooking or eating dinner, there he is, looking up at you with those dark soulful eyes in complete adoration. Don’t flatter yourself. The Elkhound is a food-motivated chow hound. Don’t give in. Yes, you can train him not to beg with patience and persistence. Only give him treats as a reward for good behavior or specific requests. If not, he will be successfully training you, which will result in negative consequences for his health. A heavy or obese Elkhound will be plagued with weight-related health problems until his shortened life is over.

The Elkhound is generally an easy keeper. Because his double coat sheds rain, sleet, snow, and other foreign substances, it is essentially self-cleaning, with very little doggie odor. Only a good brushing and/or combing is generally needed once or twice a week. However, Elkhounds do shed. Some shed once or twice a year, while others shed a little all year long. For those that shed once or twice a year, much more diligence will be needed to rid the dog of old, dead coat, and there will be times when you may be living with tufts of hair everywhere!

Norwegian Elkhounds are generally healthy dogs, but, like all breeds, they do have some breed-related health issues. Sebaceous cysts, which are benign skin growths, plague many Elkhounds. Some have hip dysplasia and/or luxating patellas. Some Elkhounds have eye-related issues. Renal disease is not uncommon in the Elkhound. All but sebaceous cysts can be tested or X-rayed and certified clear or affected through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Elkhounds occasionally acquire cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma or stomach cancer. So far, research has not pinpointed any specific cancer that tends to be heritable in the breed, but research is ongoing.

The Norwegian Elkhound makes a wonderful and fulfilling companion! He is strong-willed yet deeply loyal, with an abiding love for his owner. He is fun yet dignified, with a strong sense of purpose. The Elkhound is a relatively easy keeper that wants to be with his people but doesn’t demand constant attention. These are some of the reasons many people throughout the years have said to me, “My Elkhound was the best dog I’ve ever owned.