Bringing together the best traits of both the Norwegian Elkhound and the German Shepherd, the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix has proven to be an interesting crossbreed.
He is a friendly and active dog who is also quite independent and highly intelligent. He would make a great family pet provided he is well trained and exercised.
If you’ve fallen in love with the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix, there are several things you need to know before adding one to your family.
In this article, we’ve got you covered with all the facts and information you’ll ever need, so keep reading to know what to expect from your new German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound Mix puppy.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Average Weight: | 48 to 90 Pounds |
| Average Height: | 20 to 26 Inches |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 Years |
| Suitable for apartment living: | No |
| Coat: | A thick, double-layered coat |
| Coat colors: | Black, white, gray, silver, tan, and red (or a combination of these colors) |
| Trainability: | Might be difficult If you are not an experienced dog owner |
| Ideal For: | Experienced owners, Active families with plenty of time to spend with them |
| Shedding & Grooming: | Moderate to High Grooming Requirements |
| Exercise Required: | High, a great choice for a family or individual who enjoys various outdoor activities, including jogging, running or hiking |
| Feeding and Diet: | 3 to 4 cups of high quality dog food each day |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Temperament: | Alert, energetic, intelligent, brave, loyal, affectionate, can be stubborn at times, playful |
| Good with Cats and Other Dogs: | Average friendly (early socialization is required) |
| Kids friendly: | Yes (especially if they have been raised together) |
| Barking: | Frequently |
| Price: | Anywhere from $500 to $5000 |
The History of the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix
The best way to understand where a mixed breed dog like the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix came from is to learn the historical backgrounds of both parent breeds.
In this section, therefore, we’re going to talk about the histories of both the Norwegian Elkhound and the German Shepherd.
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The History of the Norwegian Elkhound
As its name implies, the Norwegian Elkhound was developed mainly to hunt and kill big game like elk in harsh conditions of dense forests and deep snow.
While it’s closely related to the splitz-like breeds, it’s classified as a hound because of its excellent hunting abilities and is known for its agility and endurance.
The history of the Norwegian Elkhound has resulted in a dog that is intelligent, brave and protective. In recent times, these dogs have become cherished family companions. Due to its loyalty and protective nature, the Elkhound makes a great family dog.
The History of the German Shepherd
For many dog lovers, this breed needs no introduction. It’s often included in the list of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
As its name suggests, the German Shepherd, or GSD, was originally bred in Germany. In 1882, the breed was introduced at a show in Hanover.
German Shepherds were developed by crossbreeding the local sheep dogs by a German man named Captain Max von Stephenitz. The breed was commonly used to herd livestock but it was later used for military and police activities.
The breed was first introduced to America in 1906. Soon after that, it’s popularity grew significantly both in the United Kingdom and the United States.
The General Appearance of the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix
One of the main differences between the Norwegian Elkhound and the German Shepherd is their size.
The German Shepherd is generally larger and taller than the Norwegian Elkhound.
So, how big does a Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix get? Let’s find out below.
Size, Height and Weight
The size of a full grown Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix will vary depending on the height and weight of both parent dogs.
The average height of a German Shepherd is around 22 to 26 Inches whereas the average height of a Norwegian Elkhound is around 19 to 20 inches.
A German Shepherd weighs around 50 to 90 pounds whereas a Norwegian Elkhound weighs anywhere between 48 and 55 pounds.
So the weight of the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix will be anywhere between 48 and 90 pounds. Their height is estimated at 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder.
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Coat and Coat Colors
Both the German Shepherd and the Norwegian Elkhound have a thick, double coat, so you can expect your mixed breed dog to have a thick, double-layered coat as well.
Common coat colors will include black, white, gray, silver, tan, and red or a combination of some of these colors.
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Temperament, Behavior and Personality
The Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix is a very friendly dog. He is friendly with every member of the family, including kids and adults alike. They are generally not aggressive, but can be suspicious of strangers due to the GSD’s protective nature.
These dogs are also loyal and affectionate, but they can at times be a bit stubborn as well. They are intelligent and eager to please. However, they are also mood changers and can alter your moods in a matter of seconds.
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mixes do not tolerate being left alone for long. Both parent dogs are intelligent and will require a job to do if they are to remain happy.
They are very energetic and will require regular exercise. They should go out on daily walks and physical activity.
Are They Good For First Time Owners?
No! Both German Shepherds and Norwegian Elkhounds are not the best breeds for novice owners. This is mainly because of their stubborn personality and exercise needs.
Are Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix dogs Good With Kids?
Both parent breeds are known to be child friendly, so you can expect their offspring to get along well with kids as well. These dogs enjoy playing with children, especially if they have been raised together.
Behavior With Cats and Other Pets
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mixes are average friendly towards other household pets like cats. Therefore, they should be socialized early with cats and other dogs to avoid aggression.
Is the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix a Good Guard Dog?
Yes! This mix is very loyal and protective in nature. They are very dedicated to their territory, always ready to protect their family at all costs.
These dogs know their value, understand their strength, and hope to be rewarded for a job well done.
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Training
Norwegian Elkhounds, like German Shepherds, require early and constant training and socialization.
As we’ve already mentioned, these are intelligent dogs who are eager to please their owners. But although they learn fast, the Norwegian Elkhound is independent, which might make training difficult.
These dogs don’t follow orders blindly, so be prepared to deal with some form of resistance. If you’re overwhelmed, you can always hire a professional dog trainer to help with housetraining and other aspects of dog training.
Experts recommend using positive reinforcements with treats and praises as rewards. In order to keep your German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound mix from getting bored, be sure to keep each training session short and fun.
Moreover, you should socialize them early in their life by introducing them to a lot of people, children and other pets, always correcting any unacceptable behaviors.
You should also try and establish a proper leader-dog relationship with these dogs by teaching them to listen and follow your commands.
Exercise Needs
The Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix has a lot of energy and hence, will do well with long exercises. This means that they make great running and jogging companions.
Make sure to exercise your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix for at least one hour each day. However, always keep your dog on leash when taking him out on walks because the Norwegian Elkhound parent breed is known for wandering off to follow a scent or due to curiosity.
This breed is not suited for apartment living. You should be able to take your German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound on enough walks to burn off any excess energy and to prevent destructive behaviors. These dogs also require a large, fenced-in yard and large open spaces, which can allow them to play and run around.
You should also consider giving them interactive dog toys to keep their mind stimulated. You can also consider interesting activities such as challenging dog sports (such as rally obedience, agility and tracking) as well as games and tricks like Hide ‘n Seek.
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Grooming and Shedding
Grooming and brushing your dog’s coat is a vital part of day-to-day pet care. Grooming and brushing will help keep your German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound dog’s coat in tiptop condition by removing loose hair and preventing hair knots/mats.
During the shedding seasons, the double coat of this mix requires proper brushing a few times each week. Their double coat also means you’ll need to put a little bit more effort when bathing your pup. However, avoid washing their coat too frequently since they need the natural skin oils to keep their coat in good shape.
For a quicker bath in between normal baths, be sure to use deodorizing wipes for dogs.
You don’t need to clip or trim their coat, but you need to perform periodic maintenance (trimming their nails, as well as cleaning the ears and teeth).
Feeding and Diet
Make sure your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix has high quality dog food to ensure their health and happiness. Avoid spicy foods since they can upset their stomach.
Your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix will need to eat around 3 to 4 cups of dry dog food each day, split into two meals.
High quality kibble that is formulated for large and energetic breeds is a good choice with some homemade food also added from time to time. This can include brown rice, boiled chicken and vegetables.
Since the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix is prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues, it’s a good idea to add probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil to his regular meals to help prevent these health problems.
Also, make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh water.
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix Health Issues
Although there’s no limit to the number of medical conditions that a dog can develop, or he might not suffer from any health issue at all, certain breeds tend to be more vulnerable to certain health problems than others.
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix dogs can inherit the health conditions that affect both Norwegian Elkhounds and German Shepherds.
These include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Renal problems
- Cysts
- Thyroid problems
- Osteochondritis
- Panosteitis
- Allergies
- Digestive problems
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Lifespan
The average life expectancy of the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix is around 12 to 15 years, especially if proper care and attention are provided.
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Puppies for Sale
The decision to rescue a dog or to go through a breeder requires a lot of research. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help you find a good rescue or a reputable breeder who provides healthy Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix puppies for sale or adoption.
Adopting a Healthy Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix
It might be surprising, but it’s possible to adopt a Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix.
Most animal shelters and rescue centers report that most rescue dogs in their premises are a result of a lifestyle change or an unexpected incompatibility with the breed.
This means that there may be good Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix puppies or adult dogs who are in need of a new forever home.
Finding a reliable Elkhound German Shepherd rescue or shelter may be as easy as browsing the internet. Check out local Elkhound and German Shepherd rescues to see if there are any of these dogs available for adoption.
Finding a Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Breeder
The first thing that you need to do is to carry out your research. Unfortunately, there are numerous pet stores and puppy mills masquerading as reputable breeders. Take caution, and check out different online forums for discussions about where to find your future puppy.
Make sure to ask a few questions, and visit the parent dogs or at least the mother. At the end of the day, use your due diligence.
Whether you intend to adopt or to work with an ethical breeder, be ready for a brave and friendly companion.
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix Price
The cost of a Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix puppy will vary depending on the location, age, size, coat, color and the breeder involved. Their cost may range from around $500 to $5000.
If you’re adopting one from a rescue or shelter, you may pay around $500. However, a healthy Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix puppy from a reputable breeder will cost you up to $5,000.
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Pet Products and Accessories
In addition to the price of purchasing a puppy, you will also need to factor in the cost of pet products and accessories like dog bed, crate, toys and so on.
Finding the best dog bed for large dogs can be a challenging task, especially if you want an orthopedic dog bed that’s supportive enough.
The Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed is an excellent choice since it has medical-grade memory foam along with soothing gel foam.
This dog bed actually looks and feels like a therapeutic mattress. It also features an elevated headrest that your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix will enjoy using.
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With plenty of positive reviews, it’s obvious that dog owners love the innovative MidWest Folding Crate for Extra Large Dogs. They praise its lightweight and durable construction, size and affordable price tag.
We recommend this crate as it has a divider feature so it can suit your Elkhound German Shepherd as he grows. This implies that this crate will be the only one that your dog will ever need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix Dogs Bark a Lot?
Yes. Barking could be a major issue with these dogs. For individuals looking for a watchdog or guard dog to protect their property, this might be a good trait. However, a barky pup could be a nuisance to your neighbors when you’re away from home. Fortunately, you can train your dog out of it.
Are Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds Aggressive Dogs?
German Shepherds are known to be quite aggressive, but this reputation is actually not deserved.
They are watchdogs in nature and reserved towards strangers. However, they are not naturally aggressive dogs that will always attack.
They are also highly intelligent and very easy to train. This makes them very easy to control.
The mix between the German Shepherd and the Norwegian Elkhound is likely to possess these traits along with the Elkhound’s friendly disposition. This makes the mix very unlikely to be an aggressive dog.
Are Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds Easy to Train?
Due to their high intelligence, Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds are moderately easy to train. They will master instructions and commands quickly, but they might not always obey them. This is due to the Norwegian Elkhound parent’s independent nature. It’s important to be firm and consistent when training them to ensure they know who’s in charge.
Conclusion
Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds are adorable dogs that make excellent companions, but they require a lot of exercise, care and attention.
They are best suited to active families or individuals who can offer them the love and attention they need.
This includes training them properly, and exercising them both physically and mentally. However, these loyal, brave and protective pups will repay you with love and affection for a long time to come.
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