Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years. Regular activity, an appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is generally robust and well adapted to cold climates thanks to its dense undercoat. This good constitution does not exclude certain hereditary or dermatological predispositions that justify careful selection and regular check-ups.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring should focus primarily on vision, mobility, skin, thyroid function and acute digestive signs. Any ocular change, persistent lameness, skin lesion or sudden swelling of the abdomen requires veterinary advice.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Hereditary retinal disorder that can lead to a gradual decline in vision up to blindness.
Cataract: Clouding of the lens that may impair vision and require specialized care.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: Joint abnormalities that can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis, to be screened for in breeding dogs.
Glaucoma: Increase in intraocular pressure constituting a veterinary emergency due to the risk of vision loss.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Serious digestive emergency promoted by large meals and exercise around mealtimes.
Distichiasis and keratitis: Abnormally implanted eyelashes or inflammation of the cornea can cause irritation, pain and tearing.
Hypothyroidism: Hormonal insufficiency that may manifest as fatigue, weight gain and skin disorders.
Skin conditions: The breed may present pyoderma or sebaceous cysts requiring a veterinary diagnosis.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double coat gives it excellent tolerance to cold and bad weather. Its tolerance to heat is average: in hot weather, outings must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water and without intense effort.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its weight, its body condition and its activity level, limiting extras and maintaining regular daily exercise.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the eyes checked regularly and consult promptly in case of redness, pain, or decreased vision.
- Monitor gait and any persistent lameness.
- Examine the skin after outings and treat promptly any lesion or infection.
- Know the signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus and seek emergency consultation.
- Keep vaccines, antiparasitics, and veterinary check-ups up to date.
Vaccination
Norwegian Elkhound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Norwegian Elkhound need? Like all dogs, Norwegian Elkhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Norwegian Elkhound 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 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 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
Before breeding, hip and eye examinations are recommended. Veterinary follow-up may also include elbow evaluation and checks adapted to the lineage’s history.
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.
