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Elkhound Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Elkhound Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany Norway flagNorway
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Elkhound Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Norwegian Elkhound and German Shepherd mix

Elkhound Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Elkhound Shepherd? Learn how big the Elkhound Shepherd breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an Elkhound Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Elkhound Shepherd breed.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Elkhound Shepherd?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the Elkhound Shepherd? Elkhound Shepherd height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Elkhound Shepherd?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Elkhound Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Elkhound Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Elkhound Shepherd costs.
$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Elkhound Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Elkhound Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Elkhound Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Elkhound Shepherd? How many Elkhound Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Elkhound Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Elkhound Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Elkhound Shepherd? Discover the Elkhound Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: Elkhound Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Elkhound Shepherd is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Elkhound Shepherd? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Elkhound Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Elkhound Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Elkhound Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Elkhound Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Elkhound Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Elkhound Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousPlayfulAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentObedientLoyalStrongWilledBoldWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Elkhound Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Elkhound Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Elkhound Shepherd a good family dog?
High: Elkhound Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Elkhound Shepherd need? Elkhound Shepherd social needs:
Elkhound Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Elkhound Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Elkhound Shepherd roam?
Elkhound Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Elkhound Shepherd have high prey drive?
Elkhound Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Elkhound Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Elkhound Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Elkhound Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Elkhound Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Elkhound Shepherd is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Elkhound Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Elkhound Shepherd breed.
Average: Elkhound Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Elkhound Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Elkhound Shepherd indoors.

Elkhound Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Elkhound Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Elkhound Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Elkhound Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Elkhound Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Elkhound Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Elkhound Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Elkhound Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Elkhound Shepherd bite? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Elkhound Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Elkhound Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Elkhound Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Elkhound Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Elkhound Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Elkhound Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Elkhound Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Elkhound Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Elkhound Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Elkhound Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Elkhound Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Elkhound Shepherd breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Elkhound Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Elkhound Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Elkhound Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Elkhound Shepherd breed.
Elkhound Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Elkhound Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Elkhound Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Elkhound Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Elkhound Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Elkhound Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

Elkhound Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Elkhound Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Elkhound Shepherd breed.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Elkhound Shepherd need? How much exercise do Elkhound Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Elkhound Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Elkhound Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Elkhound Shepherd breed need?
Elkhound Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Elkhound Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Elkhound Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's obesity risks.
Average: The Elkhound Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Elkhound Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Elkhound Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Elkhound Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Elkhound Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Elkhound Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Elkhound Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Elkhound Shepherd color variations.
BlackGrayTan Red White Silver
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Elkhound Shepherd need? Learn about Elkhound Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Elkhound Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Elkhound Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does an Elkhound Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Elkhound Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Elkhound Shepherd could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Elkhound Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Elkhound Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Elkhound Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Elkhound Shepherd have? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's fur characteristics.
DenseFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does an Elkhound Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Elkhound Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Elkhound Shepherd? Do Elkhound Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Elkhound Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Elkhound Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Elkhound Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Elkhound Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Elkhound Shepherd temperament with other people:
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Elkhound Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Elkhound Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Elkhound Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Elkhound Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Elkhound Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Elkhound Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Elkhound Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Elkhound Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Elkhound Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Elkhound Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Elkhound Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Elkhound Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Elkhound Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Elkhound Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Elkhound Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Elkhound Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Elkhound Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Elkhound Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Elkhound Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Elkhound Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Elkhound Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Elkhound Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Elkhound Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Elkhound Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Elkhound Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Elkhound Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Elkhound Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Elkhound Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Elkhound Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Elkhound Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Elkhound Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Elkhound Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Elkhound Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Elkhound Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Elkhound Shepherd in? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Elkhound Shepherd in? Learn about the Elkhound Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Elkhound Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: Elkhound Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: Elkhound Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Elkhound Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Elkhound Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Elkhound Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Elkhound Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Elkhound Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Elkhound Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Elkhound Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Elkhound Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Elkhound Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Elkhound Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Elkhound Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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