So, you are the proud new owner of a Norwegian Elkhound. Congratulations, but I hope you are not someone who is a meticulous housekeeper or a neat freak of any kind. You need to prepare yourself for the dog grooming journey you are now a part of. Though Norwegian Elkhounds make great family dogs as they are energetic and protective, they also require your personal attention to help maintain their beautiful coats.
As you may have guessed from their name, the Norwegian Elkhound is originally from Norway which is of course part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Part of Norway actually falls within the Arctic Circle giving the country the potential for a harsh and cold climate. Because of these conditions, the Norwegian Elkhound developed a coat similar to all cold weather breeds in that it has two layers. These two coats of fur are what will provide you, the owner, with many grooming challenges.
Like almost all breeds of canines, the Norwegian Elkhounds sheds its fur. One of the differences however, is that the Elkhound will shed twice a year. This is usually a seasonal process that occurs roughly every six months. That is to say, the Elkhound will usually shed around the beginning of summer and then again right before winter. This is not your average everyday shedding either. Your Norwegian Elkhound will shed profusely, probably to the point you will have enough hair to actually build another dog if you so desired.
The key to keeping the shedding under control, and to not find yourself buried under a mound of soft white fur is regular grooming. Norwegian Elkhounds, despite their shedding, are an easy breed to maintain. Because of their shedding, they practically groom themselves of all excess dirt. This is one of the definite positives about owning a Norwegian Elkhound as they do not have the “doggy odor” associated with many breeds. They should not be bathed regularly either because that can wash away many of the natural oils Elkhounds produce to keep their coats weather proof. Thus they are naturally clean dogs with very little in the way of fragrant odors.
The one thing Norwegian Elkhounds do need on a regular basis however is a good brushing. This is especially important when the dog is in one of its shedding periods, but is something that needs to be done all year round. As with any job, to do it correctly you need that right tool. In this case, that means having a comb or dog brush with a double row of metal teeth. There are many different brands on the market which carry grooming tools made especially for breeds like the Norwegian Elkhound. It is important that you read any package before buying to make sure it says the product it is made explicitly for breeds with double layered coats. If the packaged brush or comb does not say this, then it is simply a waste of money.
Many breeders say that a good brushing once a week is sufficient, but in my own personal experience as an owner of a Norwegian Elkhound, I would recommend a brushing at least every other day. I would bump this up to everyday once your Elkhound begins shedding especially if your pet spends any amount of time inside your home. When brushing, it is a good idea to hold the brush or comb perpendicular to your dog’s body and brush in straight lines not at an angle as the brush or comb will tend to get snagged. Also, have a waste basket or better yet a garbage bag handy because if not, you will soon find yourself surrounded by copious amounts of white fur.
Norwegian Elkhounds really do make great pets. They are an energetic, loving, and loyal breed of dog. They are relatively maintenance free dogs as well. That is until they start to shed. Having a double layered all purpose weather coat, Norwegian Elkhounds do require a time commitment by you the owner. With a seasonal shedding schedule of every six months this is no easy chore. It is important to remember always use the correct grooming tool, and to be prepared for the introduction of white fur into every aspect of your life. As the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America proudly proclaims about the breed, “These mighty moose hunters would love to put a little silver lining on all of your clothes.”
