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Frequently Asked Questions About the Norwegian Elkhound
How large do they get? 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? Do they shed?
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
some genetic problems. Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, renal
glycosuria, and thyroid problems are some problems for which some Elkhound
breeders screen their breeding stock. 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. Are Elkhounds trainable? Most dogs are trainable if training
is begun early 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, 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 for dogs as
well as people and regular walks will help to keep an Elkhound in good
condition. Is the Norwegian Elkhound a good apartment dog?
About Ellyka:
How long have you been breeding
Norwegian Elkhounds? How many litters a year do you have?
We are members of the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America as well as the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club. We are presently investigating membership in a local all-breed club. Ned is currently the Legislative Liaison for NEAA. What genetic tests do you have performed on your breeding stock? We have OFA certify that our dogs' hips are free from hip dysplasia. We bring our dogs to veterinary ophthalmologists for CERF guarantees against hereditary eye diseases. All breeding stock and young puppies are tested for sugar-free urine. We have had routine tests for thyroid problems, but thus far, we haven't had difficulty with thyroid function. Do you prefer show homes for your dogs? Definitely not! Any puppy we sell 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. That is the primary reason why we do not differentiate in price between show puppies and pet puppies. Do you sell your puppies with health guarantees? Absolutely. Every puppy that is sold 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 sell your puppies on spay/neuter contracts? Definitely. All AKC transfers are signed upon proof of spay/neuter. We co-own any female purchased 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 sell if circumstances arise which necessitate giving the dog up? |