MyDogBreeds
Wetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. Both Wetterhoun and Norwegian Elkhound are having almost same height. Wetterhoun may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Norwegian Elkhound. Both Wetterhoun and Norwegian Elkhound has almost same life span. Both Wetterhoun and Norwegian Elkhound has almost same litter size. Both Wetterhoun and Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate maintenance.
The Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.
The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.
The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz-type dog breed hailing from Norway and with a history that goes back thousands of years.
These dogs have been used as hunting dogs and have been able to bring down game such as Elk, bears, wolves, badgers and reindeer. They have also been used to guard livestock.
The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.
The Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large sized dog standing at roughly 45 to 55cm in height and weighing anything fro 18 to 25 kilogams.
People love this dog because of his beautiful wolf-like face and bright eyes. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, the eyes dark brown, the ears stand erect and the bush tail curls over the dog's back.
The double coat has different shades of gray and silver with cream and white shades on the undercoat.
He is a moderate shedder with some seasonal shedding.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy dog who loves to be busy and he also makes a loving and loyal companion towards his human family. He tends to be a little bit reserved around strangers.
He is an independent dog so so its a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he is always obedient. He is an intelligent dog so you won’t battle to teach him.
He gets on well with children in the home. He however, can be a little bit aggressive with other dogs, but not if he was brought up with them as a puppy. Adventurous and active, he just loves spending time outdoors. It's why he is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to the city and also prefers cooler climates.
3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.
4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on
Your Norwegian Elkhound makes an awesome pet. He is full of the joys of living and wants to be an active member of his human family.
He is active and always ready for some fun and games. He is also intelligent and will make an even better pet when he has been trained and socialized.
Those who have owned one of these beautiful dogs will always say how they adore this beautiful, smart, loving canine friend of theirs.
A hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his
• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.
• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.
Your beautiful Norwegian Elkhound can reach 15 years of age if you look after him well and he manages to avoid some of the common dog diseases there are.
There are some dog illnesses that are good to be aware of -
This is an eye condition where there is pressure that builds up in the eye. There is a problem with the drainage of fluid in the eye and this is what causes the pressure and there can be damage to the optic nerve.
This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and is often seen in dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound who have thick coats.
A common disease seen in many dog breeds, young and old, and which is a malfunction of the hip joints, causing problems with your dog’s mobility.
1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.
2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.
4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.
As a spitz type dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog who will need lots of physical activity.
He has a very thick coat so make sure he doesn’t overheat during exercise as he has been used to living in wintry climates.
Your pet will shed some of that thick hair so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep the coat in tip top condition. At the same time check him over for ticks and fleas. How often you see ticks on your dog will depend on where you live. These parasites attach to your dog and feed on his blood.They are capable of causing many diseases in your pet, one of which is Lyme disease, a disease which can lead to arthritis and swelling with your dog’s joints.
The best way to prevent any disease from weakening your pet is to get him to the vet as soon as possible. A good way to prevent ticks is to speak to your vet about tick control products.
Make sure he has the best food to ensure health and happiness. Keep his meals simple – no exotic, spicy foods that can upset his stomach.
A high quality kibble brand for energetic dogs is a wise choice and some tasty home-made food added in occasionally. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.