Your veterinarian will be able to spot visible problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.ĭon't ever, ever, ever buy a puppy from a pet store. Puppy or adult, take your Elkhound to your veterinarian soon after adoption. In addition, an Elkhound can live 12 or more years, so an adult dog will still be a part of your family for a long time to come. Many of the health problems in Elkhounds aren't apparent in puppyhood, but by adopting an older dog, most of them can be ruled out. Choose a breeder who is committed to following the NEAA's guidelines for breeders, which prohibit the sale of puppies to pet stores or wholesalers and outline the breeder's responsibilities to the breed and to buyers.Ĭonsider an adult dog from a shelter or a rescue group. To find a list of breeders, visit the websites of the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America. Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing.ĥ Tips to Bring Home a Healthy Norwegian Elkhound PuppyĪ good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database.ĭo not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. For a Norwegian Elkhound to achieve CHIC certification, he must have an OFA or PennHIP evaluation for hips, an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, and OFA thyroid and kidney evaluations.Īdditional certifications that are recommended but not required are OFA for patellas (knees) and elbows and a genetic test for Fanconi syndrome. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, which is the American Kennel Club parent organization for the breed in the United States, participates in the Canine Health Information Center Program. At a minimum, ask the breeder to show evidence that both of a puppy's parents have hip scores of Excellent, Good or Fair from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or a PennHIP score and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that the eyes are healthy.
Norwegian elkhound rsscue skin#
They include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune hypothyroidism, a renal disease called Fanconi syndrome, and skin cysts. The Elkhound has some health problems that can be a concern, especially if you aren't careful who you buy from. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Run, don't walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. Health Issues Common to Norwegian ElkhoundsĪll purebred dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. It's an unhappy Elkhound who is relegated to the backyard with little or no human companionship. Last but not least, it should go without saying that a people-loving dog like the Elkhound needs to live in the house. In addition, trim his nails as needed, brush his teeth, and keep the ears clean to prevent infections. During spring and fall shedding seasons, daily brushing will help to keep excess hair under control. Brush his double coat weekly to keep it clean and remove dead hair. He's not difficult to groom, but he does shed a lot of hair. If the presence of Elkhound dust puppies would make you crazy, reconsider your decision to get this breed. Spend extra time practicing the "Heel" command. Keep training sessions short and fun so he doesn't get bored. Don't expect unquestioning obedience from him and you won't be disappointed. This intelligent and highly trainable dog responds well to positive reinforcement techniques such as play, praise and food rewards, but he is an independent thinker. If you're not home during the day to prevent him from barking unnecessarily, he may drive the neighbors barking mad.
The hardy, good-natured Elkhound is friendly in general, but he will alert you to anyone approaching the home and his deep bark will make intruders think twice about coming onto your property. He also performs well in dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally. Plan to exercise him for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. This is an active dog in need of daily exercise that will challenge him physically and mentally and prevent him from becoming destructive or noisy. Yes, if you like a spitz breed with a bold and boisterous outlook on life.
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