Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
The tendency to gain weight is low, but its diet must remain proportionate to its high physical activity and its body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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) vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Norwegian Elkhound (Black)? Like all dogs, the Norwegian Elkhound (Black) receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Norwegian Elkhound (Black) is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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) vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Norwegian Elkhound (Black)?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
