Norwegian Elkhound Hybrid Dog Breed Information and Facts

The Norwegian Elkhound hybrid dog breed is a unique and fascinating mix of the classic Norwegian Elkhound with another breed. They are often referred to as "Norse" dogs.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a thick double coat that sheds heavily. They come in a variety of colors including gray, black, and red.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them great family pets and working dogs. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in many different environments.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Cross Breed Wolf Dog

The Elk-Kee breed is a hybrid of a Keeshond and a Norwegian Elkhound, two ancient breeds with a rich history dating back over a thousand years.

They are intelligent dogs that require firm training to establish a clear leader, and both parent breeds are energetic and need physical and mental stimulation.

Elk-Kees are likely to make great family pets, especially with children, as both parent breeds are known to be good with kids.

The Elk-Kee breed has a fascinating history. It's a hybrid of a Keeshond and a Norwegian Elkhound, two ancient breeds that date back to the Viking era. The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back around one thousand years.

The Norwegian Elkhound was bred as a hunter and guard dog, used for tracking animals like moose, elk, bear, mountain lion, and rabbit. They'd hold the prey at bay by barking until the hunter arrived. They're also prized as sled dogs.

The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913. The breed's name in Norwegian, Norsk Elghund, means "Norwegian moose dog".

The Keeshond is also an ancient breed, part of the Spitz family of dogs. It's also known as a Dutch Barge Dog. The breed was named after Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, a Dutch patriot and leader of a rebellion against the House of Orange.

The Keeshond fell out of favor and nearly disappeared after the House of Orange returned to power. It was rediscovered in 1905 by a Miss Hamilton-Fletcher, later known as Mrs. Wingfield-Digby.

Broaden your view: Half Wolf Half Husky Breed

The Elk-Kee is a medium-sized dog, the result of crossing a Keeshond with a Norwegian Elkhound. They come in a variety of colors, including black, silver, grey, and cream.

Their coats are short, thick, and smooth, making them a low-maintenance grooming option. They have dark brown, oval-shaped eyes, inherited from their Norwegian Elkhound parent.

Their ears are set high on the head, a characteristic shared with the Norwegian Elkhound. The Keeshond's unique facial markings, resembling spectacles, are a notable feature of the Elk-Kee's appearance.

Their eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped, with black eye rims, a combination of traits from both parent breeds. Their ears are small, dark, and triangular, standing erect on their head.

Both the Keeshond and Norwegian Elkhound have tails that curl over their back, so it's likely the Elk-Kee will have a similarly curled tail.

Here's an interesting read: Aussiedoodle Brown

The Elk-Kee Temperament is a unique blend of its parent breeds, the Keeshond and the Norwegian Elkhound. Elk-Kees are likely to make great family pets and are very good with children.

They are intelligent dogs that need firm training to acknowledge you as the leader of the pack. This training should be done with patience and positive reinforcement, as with all breeds.

Elk-Kees can be quite possessive of their families and are very loyal. They will be good watchdogs, but they also love to be part of the family and its activities.

Both parent breeds are energetic, so Elk-Kees will need to be physically and mentally stimulated. This can be achieved through regular exercise and playtime.

The Norwegian Elkhound parent breed is friendly with strangers but can be aggressive to other dogs, so early socialization is crucial. The Keeshond parent breed is a bit wary of strangers but gets on with other dogs.

Here's a breakdown of the temperament characteristics you might expect from an Elk-Kee:

Elk-Kees are likely to make great family pets and are very good with children, like both parent breeds.

They are intelligent dogs but will need firm training to make sure they acknowledge you as leader of the pack.

Keeshonds are independent and make good watchdogs but love to be part of the family and its activities, much like the Norwegian Elkhound who does not like to be left out.

Elk-Kees are very loyal and can be quite possessive of their families.

The Norwegian Elkhound is friendly with strangers but can be aggressive to other dogs so early socialization is important.

Keeshonds will probably be a bit easier to train than a Norwegian Elkhound, but patience and positive reinforcement are the best ways to go.

Both parent breeds will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as they are energetic dogs.

Irish Setter Norwegian Elkhound Mixes can be a little bit spunky and inquisitive, so keep on the lookout for that behavior!

All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone.

They will require regular exercise, such as extremely long walks and hikes, to keep their energy level down.

A tired dog is a good dog, and this exercise will keep them from being destructive.

This mix will more than likely have a high energy level.

They are intelligent dogs that will be a little bit challenging to train, requiring someone with a firm, strong hand.

Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies, including Irish Setter Norwegian Elkhound Mixes.

If you're looking for breeds similar to the Norwegian Elkhound Hybrid, you might want to consider the Swedish Lapphund, which shares a similar ancestry and hunting ability.

The Finnish Lapphund is another breed that's worth mentioning, as it also has a strong prey drive and is known for its intelligence and trainability.

Both the Swedish and Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs with thick coats, making them well-suited for cold climates and outdoor activities.

Broaden your view: Swedish Vallhund Mix

If you're looking for breeds similar to the Elk, you'll want to consider the Estonian Hound, which shares a 97% similarity. This breed is known for its athletic ability and high energy level.

The Estonian Hound is a great match for active owners who enjoy outdoor activities. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle is another breed that's 97% similar to the Elk. This breed is known for its strong prey drive and high energy level. They excel in hunting and tracking activities.

If you're looking for a breed that's a bit smaller, you might consider the Schapendoes, which is also 97% similar to the Elk. This breed is known for its intelligence and trainability, making it a great choice for first-time dog owners.

The Schapendoes is a versatile breed that thrives in a variety of living situations. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

Here's a list of breeds similar to the Elk, along with their similarity percentage:

The Siberian Husky is a breed that's often compared to the Alaskan Malamute due to their similar origins and physical characteristics. They're both originally from Siberia and were bred to be sled dogs.

One of the key similarities between the two breeds is their thick coats, which are designed to keep them warm in freezing temperatures. The Siberian Husky's coat is actually one of its most distinctive features.

These dogs are built for endurance and can run for miles at a time, making them a great match for active owners who enjoy outdoor activities. Their athletic ability is unmatched.

In terms of size, Siberian Huskies are generally smaller than Alaskan Malamutes, weighing between 35-60 pounds on average. However, they're still a sturdy breed.

Irish Setter Norwegian Elkhound Mixes can be prone to joint dysplasia, which can lead to hip and elbow problems.

A reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee on puppies, and be honest about health problems in the breed.

Irish Setter mixed with the Norwegian Elkhound might be prone to cancer, PRA, and other conditions.

Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

A different take: Norwegian Elkhound Health Issues

Diet can play a huge role in preventing health problems, so it's essential to feed your dog a balanced diet.

Overfeeding any dog can exacerbate health problems, especially elbow and hip dysplasia.

A raw food diet can be especially beneficial for Irish Setter Norwegian Elkhound Mixes with a Wolf background.

Supplements like fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health and prevent dysplasia.

Get ready to invest in a good vacuum, as Irish Setter Norwegian Elkhound Mixes are heavy shedders.

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their high energy level down, as a tired dog is a good dog.

This intelligent dog will be a little bit challenging to train, so break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher.

They might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly, this can be managed.

All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, so make sure to praise them when they do well.

The more exercise they get, the easier they will be to train, as Irish Setter Norwegian Elkhound Mixes love to please and love a physical challenge.

Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies, so take them to the park and doggy day care to get them around as many people and dogs as possible.

Never tie your dog up outside, that is inhumane and not fair to them.

Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight, so it's essential to monitor your Irish Setter's food intake.

A mix prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, like the Norwegian Elkhound hybrid, should be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.

Overfeeding any dog can exacerbate health problems like elbow and hip dysplasia, so be mindful of portion sizes.

Raw Food Diet is a good option to consider, as it will be especially beneficial for the Wolf background of the hybrid.

As an Elk-Kee owner, you're probably wondering if your new furry friend will get along with your existing Norwegian Elkhound. I've got some insight to share with you. Elk-Kees are likely to make great family pets and are very good with children, like both parent breeds.

If you're considering bringing a male Elk-Kee puppy into your household with a 2-year-old male Norwegian Elkhound, it's essential to socialize them early. The Norwegian Elkhound can be aggressive to other dogs, especially if they're not socialized properly.

In my experience, Keeshonds are a bit wary of strangers but get on with other dogs, which can make introducing them to your existing Norwegian Elkhound a bit easier. However, it's crucial to remember that both parent breeds will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as they are energetic dogs.

You can expect the Elk-Kee to be intelligent and independent, but they will need firm training to acknowledge you as their pack leader. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can develop a strong bond with your Elk-Kee and help them become a well-behaved member of your family.

The Beagle is a small to medium-sized hound dog breed known for its friendly and curious nature. They are often used for hunting small game due to their strong tracking ability and keen sense of smell.

Beagles are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 18 and 30 pounds and standing between 10 and 15 inches tall. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Beagles are social dogs that thrive on interaction and attention from their human family members. They are generally good with children and other pets, especially if socialized from an early age.

Here are some key characteristics of the Beagle breed:

I've had the pleasure of meeting several Beagles in my time, and I can attest to their loving and energetic personalities. With proper training and care, Beagles can make wonderful companions for active families or individuals.