Norwegian Elkhound Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

Norwegian Elkhounds are members of the American Kennel Club Hound Group of dog breeds. They are also one of the ‘spitz’ type of dogs which means that they have pricked ears, a pointed muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, a double coat, and a tail that curves over their back. They are affectionate and loyal dogs but can be independent and need a lot of physical and mental exercise. If you are thinking about having a Norwegian Elkhound as a pet, you should find out about the breed first. You could consult experienced owners and breeders and read up all you can. To give you a rough guide of what to expect from your new pup, we have provided a Norwegian Elkhound growth chart. You can use it to get a rough idea about Norwegian Elkhound’s progression along with some milestones and training tips.

Breed Summary

The Norwegian Elkhound is a high-energy, intelligent dog that is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. They were used by the Vikings for hunting and guarding and appeared in ancient Norse artwork. According to the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America (which was established in 1930), interest in the breed was sparked when the Norwegian Hunters Association held its first dog show featuring these dogs. Despite their dense silver-gray coat, they only have a significant shed twice a year.

Norwegian Elkhound Growth and Weight Chart by Age

It is important that you do everything you can to help your Norwegian Elkhound pup thrive. If you want a guide to how much they will weigh as an adult, take a good look at their Mom and Dad! Pups tend to grow rapidly in their first few months and then their growth rate slows down. During this time, they need regular check-ups with their vet to make sure that they are not gaining too much weight or failing to thrive.

Here we have provided a very rough guide to what Norwegian Elkhound pups should weigh at specific ages.

When Will My Norwegian Elkhound Stop Growing?

According to breed experts, this breed reaches their full size by around 12 months. However, they will generally continue to gain weight up until the age of two years. It is important that you feed your growing dog a high-quality food as their body is developing.

How Big Will My Norwegian Elkhound Be When It’s Fully Grown?

The breed standard for Norwegian Elkhounds requires them to have a square and balanced profile. Their coat is thick and hard which makes them look a little bigger than they actually are. Male dogs should be 20½ inches tall at the withers and weigh about 55 pounds. Females should be 19½ inches tall and weigh about 48 pounds.

When Should My Norwegian Elkhound Be Spayed or Neutered?

Female dogs are spayed and male dogs are neutered. Both procedures involve removing reproductive organs. The American Kennel Club details some advantages of getting your dog spayed/neutered including the prevention of unplanned puppies. Also, it removes the risk of pyometra, a painful infection of the uterus and reduces the risk of mammary tumors in females. In males, it removes the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate disease. In general, neutered and spayed dogs are less likely to roam and have aggression issues. Neutered males are less likely to hump things and cock their legs to pee on everything.

The procedure can be carried out at just a few months old but there is some evidence to suggest it is best to wait until your dog has gone through puberty. You should discuss this with your vet who will be able to give the best advice for your particular dog.

When Should My Norwegian Elkhound Be House Broken?

Most owners find that Norwegian Elkhounds are not hard to house break. They are clean dogs that are also intelligent so they will soon get the hang of it. Typically, the pups will be completely trained by six months but many much sooner than that. You need to be consistent and encouraging but never harsh.

When Should My Norwegian Elkhound Stop Eating Puppy Food

Your breeder will give you some of the food that your pup has been weaned on. You can stick to this or transition, gradually, to another brand. Whilst every commercial dog food brand is different, most puppy foods will indicate when to switch to adult food on the packaging. It may depend on your pup’s weight but it is often at around a year old. Also, your vet will be able to advise further.

When Will My Norwegian Elkhound Progression Start Losing Teeth?

Your Elkhound pup will lose their baby teeth and these will be replaced with adult teeth. At this time, your pup may want to chew everything so some chew toys can come in handy. Most will start losing teeth at around four months and will have all their adult teeth by around six months.

When Should I Start Training My Norwegian Elkhound?

You can start to train your Elkhound as soon as you get them home. These are intelligent and sensitive dogs who will get the hang of what you want through praise. However, they can also be independent so you are unlikely to have them jumping to obey your every command. According to the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, owners

“must understand the role of training in the dog’s life and the need for it to be an ongoing process.”

What Cues Should I Teach My Norwegian Elkhound First?

Most owners start with some simple commands such as ‘sit.’ However, these dogs have an excellent sense of smell and they can easily get distracted by enticing scents. Keep training sessions short.

When Will My Norwegian Elkhound Calm Down?

This is a high-energy breed and will never be a couch potato. They are also quite a vocal dog and barking is something that is part of their nature. That said, most become calmer once they reach around two or three years.

Common Health Issues Your Norwegian Elkhound Might Experience

This is a rugged breed developed to survive in harsh conditions and work hard. They have a lifespan of around 12-14 years . Most die from cancer or heart issues at a ripe old age. Potential health problems can include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Sebaceous cysts
• Obesity
• Fanconi Syndrome
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Pictures of Norwegian Elkhounds as Puppies

Pictures of Norwegian Elkhounds at 6 Months

Pictures of Fully Grown Norwegian Elkhounds

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