The AKC Standard for the Norwegian Elkhound calls for males to be 20 1/2 inches and females to be 19 1/2 inches. Although individuals vary somewhat, it is a medium breed.

Do they bark?

Are they good with children?

While there are always individual variations in temperament, as a rule Elkhounds are wonderful family dogs and truly love children.

Are they good watchdogs?

As a breed, Norwegian Elkhounds are watchful. Most will alert their owners to the presence of an intruder in the vicinity of their territory by barking. Elkhounds are NOT by nature attack dogs and guard dog training should not be attempted.

As a breed, are Norwegian Elkhounds prone to genetic problems?

Most breeds have a predisposition to somegenetic problems. Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, dwarfism, and thyroid problems are some problems for which Elkhound breeders should screen their breeding stock. We do!

Do Elkhounds wander?

Most dogs will wander if given an opportunity. This is why many breeders require potential owners to have fenced yards or dog runs. We do!

Are Elkhounds trainable?

Most dogs are trainable if training is begunearly enough. Consistency is the key in training an Elkhound. The Elkhound is a versatile breed and there are many who have excelled in obedience competition, tracking, and agility. Furthermore, there are individuals who have distinguished themselves in search and rescue, carting, nosework, and herding.

Do Elkhounds require a lot of exercise?

The Norwegian Elkhound is a fairly high energy breed; however, there are many individuals who are content to lie around the house. As a rule, exercise is healthy fordogs as well as people and regular walks will help to keep an Elkhound in good condition.

Is the Norwegian Elkhound a good apartment dog?

Some individuals do very well in apartments, especially if they are raised in apartments and get regular exercise. However, be aware of the fact that their bark can present neighbor problems if allowed to be uncontrolled.

How long have you been breeding Norwegian Elkhounds?

Since 1972

How many litters a year do you have?

As a rule, only one. However, there have been some exceptional years when we've had more than one. It has always been our practice to breed a litter only when we want a puppy out of a particular breeding pair.

Are you members of any breed organizations?

We are members of the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club, the Norwegian Elkhound, Minuteman Association, and the Westbury Kennel Association where we are both officers. Ned is currently the Legislative Liaison forboth the NEAA and the Westbury Kennel Association.

What genetic tests do you have performed on your breeding stock?

We have OFA, OVC, or BVA certification that our dogs' hips are free from hip dysplasia. We bring our dogs to veterinary ophthalmologists for CERF guarantees against hereditary eye diseases, and dogs are genetically cleared of prcd-PRA (a genetic eye disorder) as well as dwarfism. We also perform routine tests for thyroid problems.

Do you prefer show homes for your dogs?

Definitely not! Any puppy we place must be a pet first. If the puppy demonstrates show potential, the owner is advised of that fact, and if this is what the owner chooses to do, we will support their decision. However, we do not require that the new owner show their puppy.

Do you place your puppies with health guarantees?

Absolutely. Every puppy that is placed comes with a contract certifying its health and enumerating shots, worming, and diet. Also, all puppies are vet-checked within a few days before leaving our home.

Do you place your puppies on spay/neuter contracts?

Definitely. All puppies placed are on limited registration with spay/neuter agreement except for those who will be shown or bred. We co-own any female placed for show/breeding until which time the female has completed her championship and has received all pre-breeding genetic testing.

Will you take back any dog you place if circumstances arise which necessitate giving the dog up?

Without question; that's in our contract, along with the fact that our dogs cannot be transferred to other parties without our consent.>