Norwegian elkhounds as pets? Questions

Animated teddybears is what they remind me of

There is NOTHING in this world cuter than baby Elkhounds! FACT!!!

Okay, met this dog today and he has a lot of potential. He checks most boxes: has great recall, sits, stays, goes in and out of car, doesn't pull on lead, zero separation anxiety, good social skills with dogs and people. We went on a walk and met a group of strange dogs, which he greeted with no trouble but was much more focused on his owner than he was on them. Also went past ducks, which he had no interest in. Owner said he's not much into chasing things. Lovely temperament -- very affectionate and attached to his owner. He was pretty aloof with me at first but warmed up to the idea of being friends after a little while and was more than happy to play with me and hang out on a sofa. Owner says her aging mother takes him out on walks and she leaves him with a few different friends and family members when she goes out of town and he accepts different people just fine. Obeyed my commands (sit, down) when owner left the room but would only listen to her when she was there. When I upped my energy when playing with him, he did as well and could be quite boistrous. When I focused on being really calm and still, so did he and he lay there quiet as anything to be stroked.

This all sounds pretty good.... The downsides to him are that his owner hasn't recently done *that* much with him since she doesn't do that much herself (some people do, some don't). Evidently she took him out and about more whilst socializing him as a pup but more recently hasn't had time/energy to do much (the reason she is rehoming him). He hasn't tons of experience with traveling to new places, meeting lots of different animals, etc, although he has seen horses at a distance since the owner's mother owns some. My feeling is that these are issues which can be overcome, with time, patience, and training, as he seems to be generally a good-natured, curious, confident fellow. Obviously I'd quite like to hear what you all think, at least given what I have said here.

For what it is worth, from what you say, I think it may well work well. You will need a few months to get some weight which he must be caring under the circumstances, off and build up his stamina. Would not worry about his limited experience nearly all Elkies are interested in anything new and will take it in his stride once he is comfortable with you as his companion which will take a couple of weeks.

Will say no more but he sounds ideal and it is amazing that you have found an adult that seems so suitable for your requirements. Good luck with your deliberations only you will know if this dog is the right one for you and although I hope he is for both of you I would not push you as he deserves a forever home.

I'm in the same mind as Jackie.He sounds to be a very well balanced dog and you have described the behaviour of an elkhound perfectly.The fact that he is focused on his owner is a massive plus...with food that focus will transfer very quickly to you.
If he doesn't bother with dogs and ducks I would be suprised if horses would be much of an issue.
If it were me I would be snapping him up!

I meant to add that what I saw was a dog who, due to his owner's circumstances, hasn't had any proactive, intense, or new training for a wee while but is still very well-behaved. For example I asked if he would hold a stay and the owner was like, "Er... haven't done that in *months*." But she gave it go and the dog first tried to follow her out of the room but then when she reminded him he was to stay put, he complied.

Sounds perfect. I hope you're going to take him! I'm sure you could easily socialise him with your horse.

Elkhounds are like that...it may take a little longer than say a collie for them to pick something up but once its there its there for good!
Please let us know what you decide....have watched this lad advertised for a while and would love to know what happens to him:-(

I am holding my breath in anticipation - he sounds ideal but only you can really know.

And Archer is right, once an elkhond has learned something they never forget but it can take a few pockets of titbits before they agree that they have rememberedthat exercise.

I rang the owner earlier today and told her I would take him. She was very happy, as she thought we got on really well. You guys pretty much confirmed my instincts and feelings about him.

I will probably move him in early-to-mid Feb as I have to now move (I have several dog-frendly options to move into, I just have to find someone to take over my lease, which is kind of a pain).

I am very pleased for him and you I hope you have many happy years together.

Thats great news!!! I'm sure the 2 of you will have many years of fun and adventure together....
We expect lots of piccys when you get him home BTW!!!!

oh im so pleased for you, sounds just perfect, & if she hasnt done "much" then at least not much "wrong" will be done, if you know what i mean!

No worries. There will be lots of pics. And yeah, obviously he's a bit on the unfit side but that's not a difficult thing to sort out. I'll get to know the Pentlands and Arthur's Seat really well in the upcoming months.

He won't really fetch but his owner said he will happily chase a ball provided you chase it with him (he quite likes a game of football). Is that a standard elkhound thing?

Oh boy YES!!!! Elkhounds are 'thinkers'...if you threw it then you either don't want it or can get it yourself

Yes, that is typical, why would he feel the need to fetch it the whole idea to an elkhound is a pointless use of energy, now throw a biscuit and he will be after it in a flash, some point in that.

You will find that he will be easy to train but not by repetition you will have to bribe as he will need to see what is in it for him, sometimes praise is enough but I find that you can get away with praise for a while but in the end you have to pay your dues and give that titbit in your pocket.

Elkhounds are happy to be companions but don't make good servants.

Loki will pinch a ball from another dog and bury it though I'm so glad you are getting him, he sounds like a perfect match for you!