Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its solid build and double coat allow it to face cold and humid conditions. Dermatological and ocular monitoring nevertheless remains important due to the predispositions reported in the breed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular attention must be paid to the condition of the skin and to vision in order to detect early the disorders to which the breed is predisposed.
Generalized retinal atrophy: Progressive degeneration of the retina that can impair vision.
Pyoderma: Bacterial skin infection requiring veterinary care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its soft, woolly undercoat combined with a dense topcoat, this dog tolerates cold and humidity very well. Its tolerance to heat is average and calls for suitable activity when temperatures rise.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The tendency to gain weight is low, but its diet must remain proportionate to its high physical activity and its body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor the condition of the skin.
- Have the eyes and vision checked during veterinary follow-up.
- Adjust activity when temperatures are high.
- Maintain two long daily outings.
Vaccination
Norwegian Elkhound, Black vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Norwegian Elkhound, Black need? Like all dogs, Norwegian Elkhound, Blacks should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Norwegian Elkhound, Black vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Norwegian Elkhound, Black booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Norwegian Elkhound, Black need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Norwegian Elkhound, Black
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a companion Norwegian Elkhound (Black), an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains essential.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
