Norwegian Elkhounds are known for being fantastic working dogs that are also great family pets. They are focused and determined when working a job, but tend to be more relaxed, playful, and affectionate when they are not working and are just with their favorite humans.

They get along well with children and other dogs, but they have a high prey drive. So, they may not be a good fit for households with other small pets. At the very least, they will need some extra socialization and training with them. They are generally reserved around strangers and warm up when introduced.

If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a Norwegian Elkhound Mix. But, you do want to ask the breeder about them because they will introduce their own quirks into the mix. You can also meet the mother in-person to get a sense of her temperament and what behavior she is modeling for her puppies.

Although the breeder should have begun socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Ongoing socialization and training as a puppy and throughout your dog’s life ensure they grow into a well-rounded, well-balanced, and well-behaved dog.

A Norwegian Elkhound is a highly adaptable dog that does well in most living situations as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also tend to do well in most climates and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Because of their high prey drive, they should only be let off-leash in a securely fenced area unless you have trained them as a hunting dog and are working with them in that capacity.

If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect a Norwegian Elkhound Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. However, it’s important to ask about the other parent breed as they will introduce a variety of quirks that you will want to be potentially prepared for.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Although they can be sometimes, it’s not a guarantee. Just as a mixed breed could end up inheriting none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also end up inheriting all of them or any combination of them.

From the Norwegian Elkhound side, potential health conditions to be aware of in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and kidney issues. The other parent breed will introduce their own set of potential health conditions.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic histories of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

A Norwegian Elkhound is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly, but they also tend to get bored quickly and don’t respond to repetition well. Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended for first-time dog owners.

The other parent breed could make a Norwegian Elkhound Mix easier or more difficult to train. Because of this, it’s a good idea to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. Even if you don’t need them, these classes offer a lot of benefits including socialization opportunities.

A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat that is similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should a Norwegian Elkhound Mix get the Elkhound coat, they will shed moderately year-round and blow their coat as the seasons change.

Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath as needed is all their coat needs. Regardless of coat type and required coat care, you will also need to take care of your Norwegian Elkhound Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Cutting nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful ear cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. And, good dental care for dogs, like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, can help prevent dental diseases later in life.

Norwegian Elkhounds sit in a moderate activity range. They are usually happy and healthy with a few walks plus additional activity every day. They also tend to be up for more if you are.

If the other parent breed is also in a moderate activity range, then you can expect the same from a Norwegian Elkhound Mix. If the other parent breed has a higher energy level, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog.

A Norwegian Elkhound stands 19-21 inches tall and weighs 45-55 pounds once they are fully-grown. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. It’s not a guarantee, but you can meet the mother in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a Norwegian Elkhound Mix.

Norwegian Elkhounds generally live for 12-15 years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a Norwegian Elkhound Mix.